In Vivo Research Associate

Zealand Pharma•Cambridge, MA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The In Vivo Research Associate is a hands-on contributor to preclinical studies in Zealand Pharma’s Translational Pharmacology group at its research site in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The role supports the advancement of drug candidates for obesity and metabolic disease by conducting rodent studies and metabolic phenotyping, with results informing decisions about which molecules progress toward clinical development. The position covers the study workflow, including formulation preparation, animal dosing, sample collection and processing, data analysis, and documentation. The associate works closely with senior team members and project teams, presents findings, and contributes to study reports. Flexibility to support study-related dosing and sample collection on weekends and holidays is required as needed.

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 handling, dosing (SC, IP, IV, PO), 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, and collaborative approach to work, with the ability to manage multiple timelines and adapt to changing study needs.
Commitment to high standards of animal welfare.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Benchling.
Experience with metabolic phenotyping or stereotaxic surgery.

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 non-terminal blood samples and tissues on timed schedules for pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies, and conduct terminal procedures such as necropsy.
Coordinate study logistics, including dosing schedules and sample collection plans.
Support study setup, including 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.
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, report concerns promptly, and conduct work in compliance with IACUC, animal welfare, and biosafety requirements.