Senior Research Associate I, In Vivo - Bone/Fibrotic Disease

Job Summary

Keros Therapeutics is a public, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of novel treatments for patients suffering from neuromusculoskeletal disorders and other rare diseases with high unmet medical need.  We are a leader in understanding the role of the transforming growth factor-beta, or TGF-ß, family of proteins, which are master regulators of red blood cell and platelet production as well as of the growth, repair and maintenance of muscle and bone. We have leveraged this understanding and developed a discovery approach to generate large and small molecules to address diseases of these tissues. Targeting TGF-ß signaling pathways has been clinically proven to elicit robust changes in blood cells, muscle, and bone, which we believe provides a precedent and strong rationale for our strategy.

Primary Responsibilities

• Design, execute and manage complex experiments and research projects with minimal supervision
• 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
• 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.
• 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)

Core Competencies (Required Skills)

• 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.

Preferred Skills

• Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, and manage complex experiments and research projects.​
• Experience with imaging and image analysis such as DEXA, microCT, echocardiography and an interest in bone, cardiopulmonary and fibrotic biology is a benefit.

Education Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Biology or related field with 4+ years of experience or Master's degree with 2+ years of experience.