Sr. RA, In Vitro Pharmacology

Sci.bio Recruiting; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Sci.bio Recruiting is seeking a contract Research Associate or Senior Research Associate for a biotechnology company in Boston, MA, to support discovery research and preclinical development. This bench-focused role emphasizes generating high-quality quantitative data and owning experiments from sample preparation to analysis, including optimizing biochemical and cell-based assays.

You will work with the discovery team to evaluate cellular uptake, intracellular trafficking, and activity using

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a biotechnology-related field with hands-on lab experience.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and aseptic technique.
• Proficiency in data analysis and figure generation; ELN/LIMS experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Execute and optimize cell-based assays to evaluate uptake and activity across mammalian models.
• Support lead optimization by generating reproducible data for comparisons of candidate molecules.
• Develop and characterize reporter assays including luminescence/fluorescence systems.
• Perform routine mammalian cell culture and maintenance.
• Conduct imaging-based experiments to assess cellular responses and assay performance.
• Analyze, summarize, and present findings to the discovery team.
• Maintain accurate electronic records and follow lab protocols and safety requirements.
• Assist with reagent prep and inventory management.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

ELN/LIMS

GraphPad Prism

Excel

Statistics basics

Independent work

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biotechnology or related field

Master’s degree in a related field

Tools

GraphPad Prism

Excel

Job description

About the Opportunity

A biotechnology company developing novel therapeutics is seeking a contract Research Associate or Senior Research Associate to support discovery research and preclinical development.

This is a bench-focused position for someone who enjoys generating high-quality quantitative data and taking ownership of experiments from sample preparation through analysis. The successful candidate will execute, troubleshoot, and optimize biochemical and cell-based assays that help characterize therapeutic candidates and support lead optimization.

Position Overview

Working closely with the discovery team, this individual will evaluate cellular uptake, intracellular trafficking, and biological activity using a range of assay approaches. The role also includes mammalian cell culture, work with human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and support for the development and characterization of engineered cell lines and reporter systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute and optimize cell-based assays to evaluate the uptake and activity of therapeutic candidates across mammalian cell models, including iPSC-derived cells.
• Support lead optimization by generating reproducible data to compare candidate molecules.
• Support the development and characterization of reporter assays, including luminescence- and fluorescence-based systems.
• Perform routine mammalian cell culture, including cell maintenance, plating, and treatment.
• Conduct imaging-based experiments to assess cellular responses and assay performance.
• Analyze, summarize, and present experimental findings to the discovery team.
• Maintain accurate electronic laboratory records, ensuring experiments and results are documented and traceable.
• Follow established laboratory protocols and applicable safety requirements.
• Support laboratory upkeep, reagent preparation, and inventory management.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with at least three years, or master’s degree with at least one year, of hands-on laboratory experience in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or a contract research organization.
• Degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, immunology, bioengineering, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience with mammalian cell culture, routine cell maintenance, and aseptic technique.
• Proficiency with GraphPad Prism and Excel for data analysis and figure generation, along with an understanding of basic statistics.
• Strong electronic laboratory notebook practices and experience using an ELN or LIMS.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize concurrent experiments, and meet study timelines with minimal supervision.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with immunofluorescence, microscopy, or high-content imaging.
• Experience with reporter assays or other functional cell-based assay systems.