Contract Senior Research Associate I - In Vivo

At Keros, our mission is to deliver significant clinical benefit to a wide range of patients with disorders that are linked to dysfunctional signaling of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß) family of proteins. With a focus on developing differentiated product candidates that are designed to alter TGF-β signaling, we aim to target the pathways critical for the growth, repair and maintenance of blood cells and a number of tissues, including bone, skeletal muscle, adipose and heart tissue. We believe our product candidates have the potential to unlock the full therapeutic benefits of modulating the TGF-β superfamily and provide disease-modifying benefit to patients.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead or assist in the design, execution and management of in vivo studies, including pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic and efficacy experiments, to evaluate therapeutic potential and mechanism of action of new drug candidates.
• Perform basic animal handling, including dosing, ((IP, IV, SC, PO), blood and tissue collection, necropsy, and small animal surgeries.
• Ex vivo processing of tissues for further characterization, including RNA isolation for qPCR, protein lysates for Western blots or ELISA, single cell suspensions for flow cytometry and cryo-sectioning tissues for immunohistochemistry
• Small transgenic rodent colony management, including sex identification, setting up breeding pairs/trios, identification of pregnant dams, tissue sample collection (e.g., ear punch or tail snip) and genotyping
• Independently analyze and interpret complex data sets, troubleshoot issues, and optimize experimental protocols to ensure high-quality, reproducible results.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, scientists, and project leaders to integrate experimental work into broader research strategies.
• Prepare and present detailed reports and presentations for internal and external audiences.
• Mentor, manage and train junior research associates.
• Contribute to the maintenance, calibration, and use of laboratory equipment.
• Stay current on recent scientific advancements, incorporating the latest research and technologies into ongoing projects, particularly in preclinical in vivo models.
  
  
  

Core Competencies (Required Skills)

• Experience working with and developing rodent disease and mechanistic models and running pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic experiments
• Proven ability to manage and/or contribute to complex in vivo studies, with a track record of successful project outcomes.
• Extensive experience with a wide range of laboratory techniques, including qPCR, Western blotting, ELISA, flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry
• Advanced problem-solving skills, with significant experience troubleshooting and optimizing experimental protocols.
• Proficiency in data analysis software and experience with statistical analysis, with a strong ability to interpret and present complex data.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with experience in preparing technical reports, scientific publications, and presentations.
  
  
  

Preferred Skills

• Demonstrated leadership skills, with experience mentoring and training junior team members
• Experience authoring IACUC protocols and participating as a voting member on an IACUC is a plus
  
  
  

Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field with 6+ years of relevant laboratory experience or a Master’s degree with 4+ years of experience, including hands-on in vivo research.
  
  
  

Our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Mission Statement:Keros is an inclusive company. We believe that diversity drives innovation. We continue to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates the diverse voices of our employees. As such, Keros takes a holistic approach in mentoring, coaching, and developing all of our Keros team members.

Keros Therapeutics is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.