In Vivo Research Associate

Zealand Pharma•Cambridge, MA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The In Vivo Research Associate is a hands-on contributor in Zealand Pharma’s Translational Pharmacology group, based at the company’s research site in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The role supports preclinical studies and metabolic phenotyping used to assess which drug candidates may advance toward clinical development. Responsibilities span the study workflow, including preparing formulations, dosing animals, collecting and processing samples, analyzing data, and documenting results. The associate works closely with senior colleagues and project teams, presents findings, and contributes to study reports. Weekend and holiday dosing or sample collection may be required as study needs dictate. The position is part of the Global Biology research organization. The group focuses on advancing medicines for obesity and metabolic disease and collaborates with Chemistry, DMPK/Safety, Translational Medicine, and project teams across the United States and Denmark.

Requirements

BS/BA in biology, pharmacology, or a related field.
1–2 years of hands-on in vivo experience in an academic or industry setting.
Proficiency with core rodent techniques, including animal handling, dosing by SC, IP, IV, and PO routes, and blood collection.
Experience with standard laboratory techniques such as ELISA and sample processing, and with preparing solutions or compound formulations.
Working knowledge of IACUC requirements and good documentation practices.
Proficiency with GraphPad Prism and Excel.
Careful, organized, dependable team player with a commitment to accurate, well-documented work and high standards of animal welfare.
Ability to manage multiple timelines and adapt when study needs change.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Benchling.
Experience with metabolic phenotyping or stereotaxic surgery; these are not required.

Responsibilities

Administer compounds to mice and rats using subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, intravenous, and oral routes; measure body weight and food and water intake; and conduct clinical observations.
Perform metabolic phenotyping, including glucose and insulin tolerance tests, body composition analysis, and indirect calorimetry.
Collect timed non-terminal blood and tissue samples for pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies, and conduct terminal procedures, including necropsy.
Coordinate study logistics, including dosing schedules and sample collection plans.
Support study setup through animal randomization, baseline measurements, and blinding where applicable.
Prepare compound formulations, dosing solutions, reagents, and buffers for in vivo studies.
Process and analyze samples using standard laboratory techniques, including ELISA, plasma and tissue processing, and biochemical assays.
Accurately record data and maintain sample inventories in the electronic lab notebook; analyze and summarize study data in GraphPad Prism and Excel with guidance from senior team members.
Present study results to the Translational Pharmacology group and project teams, and contribute to study reports.
Monitor animal health, apply humane endpoints, and promptly report concerns.
Conduct work in compliance with IACUC, animal welfare, and biosafety requirements.