Senior Research Associate , In Vivo

Overview

At Keros, our mission is to deliver significant clinical benefit to patients with disorders linked to dysfunctional signaling of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß) family of proteins. With a focus on developing differentiated product candidates that alter TGF-β signaling, we aim to target pathways critical for the growth, repair and maintenance of blood cells and 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.

Job Summary We are seeking a motivated Senior Research Associate I to join our dynamic, fast-paced preclinical research group. The successful candidate will be an integral team member, helping develop novel therapeutics for rare diseases. This position will primarily involve research focused on leveraging our platform to expand into new areas of disease, including neuromuscular and neurodegenerative disorders. The successful candidate must be scientifically motivated, have excellent communication skills, and be comfortable working in a dynamic, cross-functional team environment.

Title and salary will be commensurate with the candidate’s relevant experience and expertise.

• Design, execute and manage complex experiments and research projects with minimal supervision, including evaluation of efficacy, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, tolerability, and mechanism of action of drug candidates.
• Perform basic animal handling, including dosing (IP, IV, SC, PO, IT, OA), 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.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, troubleshoot technical challenges and optimize protocols.
• Collaborate closely with team members to align experimental work with broader research goals.
• Contribute to the drafting of reports and presentations for internal and external communication, including publications and regulatory documents.
• Mentor and train junior research associates/co-ops, providing guidance on experimental design, data analysis, and best laboratory practices.
• Ensure laboratory operations comply with all safety regulations, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and quality control standards.
• Contribute to the maintenance, calibration, and use of laboratory equipment and efficient operation of the laboratory.
• Stay current with the latest scientific literature and technological advancements, incorporating new knowledge into research activities, particularly in preclinical in vivo models.
• Participate and contribute to scientific discussions on project direction and objectives.
• Maintain detailed records in electronic lab notebook (ELN).

• Accepts designated, research-focused projects while proposing ideas and/or solutions to challenges.
• Experience working with and developing rodent disease and mechanistic models and running pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic experiments, including dosing (IP, IV, SC, PO, IT, OA), blood and tissue collection, necropsy, and small animal surgeries.
• Extensive experience with a wide range of wet laboratory techniques, including qPCR, Western blotting, ELISA, flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with a track record of successfully troubleshooting and optimizing experimental protocols.
• Excellent data analysis skills, with proficiency in data analysis software and experience with statistical analysis.
• Proven ability to mentor and train junior team members, fostering a collaborative and productive laboratory environment.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with experience in preparing technical reports, scientific publications and presentations.

• Demonstrated ability to…