Research Associate, Comparative Medicine (Contract)

Vertex Pharmaceuticals • Boston, MA

1d • $33 - $35

About The Position

The Comparative Medicine team is seeking an energetic, compassionate, and results-oriented individual. The ideal candidate should have a passion for learning, strong communication and organizational skills as well as a sense of creativity and a strong set of technical skills with laboratory rodents. This individual will be required to perform in vivo studies to advance Vertex research and development programs supporting small molecule therapeutics, gene therapy, and cellular therapy, as well as monitor the health and wellbeing of laboratory rodents in a 27,000 sq. ft. AAALAC-accredited vivarium.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree (B.A./B.S.) or equivalent in a biological science.
• Experience: 1-2 years of experience in a laboratory animal research setting preferred.
• Proficiency with basic laboratory rodent techniques, anatomy, and behavior is essential.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.

Nice To Haves

• AALAS technical certification (ALAT, LAT, LATG) preferred.
• A proven track record of collaborative work practices and strong oral and written communication skills, a familiarity with various types of data acquisition and protocol management software, as well as Microsoft Office applications, is strongly desired

Responsibilities

• Independently perform dosing via standard routes of administration in laboratory rodents (IV, IP, PO, SC, IM), blood sampling via standard routes of blood collection in laboratory rodents, anesthesia, euthanasia, tissue harvest, and data recording; collect and process other samples under the direction of a veterinarian or senior research associate
• Under minimal direction, perform surgical preparation and provide post-operative care and monitoring of laboratory rodents
• The incumbent may perform the above duties alongside research scientists; must be prepared to work collaboratively and be flexible, depending on the timelines, readouts, and specific circumstances of a given animal study
• Independently perform data acquisition & entry, provide study directors with proper documentation of any protocol deviations; execute studies using good documentation practices and adherence to all facility guidelines, policies, and SOPs
• Monitor health and behavior of laboratory rodents and assist with administration of veterinary treatments
• Assist in the oversight of procedure room spaces within the vivarium, maintaining inspection readiness and ensuring study supplies are adequately stocked and spaces are prepared for upcoming and ongoing study work
• Support rotating weekend, holiday and/or overtime coverage; may require flexible shifts to accommodate operations
• Other duties as needed

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level