Pioneering Medicines: Senior Research Associate, In Vivo Pharmacology

About the role

We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Research Associate to join our In Vivo Pharmacology team at Flagship Pioneering. This role involves designing, executing, and analyzing in vivo studies using animal models across various disease areas, including oncology, autoimmunity, and metabolism. The successful candidate will work independently and collaboratively to generate high-quality data that supports the development of novel therapeutics. They will be responsible for maintaining animal welfare standards, ensuring data integrity, and contributing to the advancement of our research programs. The position offers an exciting opportunity to be part of a dynamic team focused on innovative drug discovery and development.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Conduct comprehensive screening and characterization studies for drug candidates across multiple modalities, including small molecules, biologics, and nucleic acids.
• Design and implement in vivo experiments to evaluate pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, efficacy, and safety of investigational compounds.
• Administer test substances via various routes such as oral, intraperitoneal, intravenous, and subcutaneous, ensuring proper technique and animal welfare.
• Perform necropsies, tissue collection, and processing to support downstream analyses, including histology, molecular assays, and biomarker studies.
• Monitor animal health throughout studies, record observations meticulously, and adhere strictly to IACUC guidelines and regulations concerning animal welfare.
• Collaborate with translational science teams to develop ex vivo assays that help identify pharmacodynamic biomarkers and elucidate mechanisms of action for therapeutic targets.
• Support the development and validation of relevant animal models for oncology, autoimmunity, and metabolic diseases.
• Maintain detailed, accurate documentation of all experimental procedures, data, and results using Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELN).
• Analyze experimental data using appropriate statistical methods and software tools, interpret results, and communicate findings clearly to internal teams.
• Contribute to the preparation of scientific reports, presentations, and publications based on experimental outcomes.
• Assist in troubleshooting experimental protocols and optimizing procedures to improve data quality and reproducibility.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, regulatory, and quality standards in the vivarium and laboratory environments.
• Participate in team meetings, provide input on experimental design, and support collaborative efforts across departments.
• Stay current with scientific literature and technological advances relevant to in vivo pharmacology and animal research.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Biology, Pharmacology, or a related field, with at least 2 years of hands-on experience working with animal models in a research setting.
• Demonstrated proficiency in administering compounds via oral, intraperitoneal, intravenous, and subcutaneous routes.
• Experience performing necropsies, tissue collection, and processing techniques suitable for downstream analyses.
• Ability to learn and perform in vitro and ex vivo assays such as cell culture, ELISA, flow cytometry, and molecular biology techniques.
• Familiarity with scientific data analysis software, including Excel, GraphPad Prism, and FlowJo.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret complex biological data and generate meaningful insights.
• Excellent record-keeping skills, with experience maintaining detailed experimental documentation in Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELN).
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, demonstrating flexibility and good communication skills.
• Knowledge of animal welfare regulations, IACUC protocols, and ethical standards for animal research.
• Attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to prioritize multiple projects effectively.
• Willingness to learn new techniques and adapt to evolving research needs.

Nice to have

• Prior research experience in oncology, immunology, or metabolism, either in academia or industry.
• Experience working with animal models specific to metabolic, oncological, or autoimmune diseases.
• Practical expertise in flow cytometry, histology, or molecular biology assays.
• Knowledge of pharmacodynamic biomarker identification and validation processes.
• Familiarity with GLP (Good Laboratory Practice) standards and regulatory compliance in research environments.

Skills & tools

• In vivo pharmacology techniques and animal model experimentation
• Administration of compounds via multiple routes
• Tissue collection, necropsy, and sample processing
• Data analysis and interpretation using software tools such as Excel, GraphPad Prism, and FlowJo
• Collaboration across multidisciplinary teams to support project goals
• Scientific communication and documentation skills

Practical notes

The salary for this position ranges from $81,000 to $107,250. Compensation will be determined based on the candidate's experience, education, and qualifications. Pioneering Medicines offers a comprehensive benefits package, including healthcare coverage, an annual incentive program, retirement plans, and additional perks. This salary range and benefits information are estimates as of the posting date and may be subject to change. The role is based on-site in Cambridge, MA, and requires working in a laboratory and vivarium environment. Candidates should be prepared to work with live animals and adhere to all safety and regulatory standards. The position provides an excellent opportunity for individuals passionate about in vivo pharmacology and contributing to innovative therapeutic development within a collaborative and forward-thinking organization.