Scientist, Preclinical

Terrestrial Bio • Allston, MA

1d • $110,000 - $130,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Terrestrial Bio, Inc. is seeking a Scientist to lead the scientific side of its preclinical skin-delivery work. The role focuses on characterizing skin across in vivo and ex vivo models, designing studies that connect skin properties to microarray patch (MAP) penetration and delivery performance, and translating results into reports and recommendations that guide development decisions. The Scientist will work with the in vivo team and study manager, support swine and rat studies as needed, and collaborate with Formulation, Device Engineering, and Analytical teams. This individual-contributor role has scientific ownership of preclinical study design and interpretation and reports to the Associate Director, Nonclinical & Translational Development. The work will support IND-enabling studies and the development of Terrestrial’s Tacterra™ platform.

The role is based onsite in Woburn, Massachusetts, and at Terrestrial’s planned custom facility in Allston, Massachusetts. Candidates must be willing to work onsite four to five days per week. The anticipated base salary range is $110,000–$130,000; actual compensation depends on experience, qualifications, and internal equity.

Requirements

• PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biomaterials, Pharmacology, or a related field, with at least 2 years of relevant experience.
• Hands-on experience manipulating and characterizing skin in vivo or ex vivo, such as skin biometric measurements, mechanical testing, histology, imaging, or penetration studies.
• Background in biomaterials, drug delivery, or medical devices.
• Experience designing and supporting in vivo studies, including endpoint selection and group-size determination.
• Strong statistical skills, particularly in analyzing biological variability.
• Experience managing and analyzing large datasets.
• A track record of clear technical writing, such as study reports or peer-reviewed publications.
• Ability to present data and recommendations clearly to scientific and non-scientific audiences.
• Willingness to work onsite four to five days per week.

Nice To Haves

• Industry experience; postdoctoral experience is also considered.
• Experience with microneedle, transdermal, intradermal, or combination drug-device products.
• In vivo study experience with swine and/or rats.
• Familiarity with pharmacokinetic analysis; support is available for candidates newer to it.
• Experience analyzing large datasets in R or Python.
• Exposure to IND-enabling work.

Responsibilities

• Lead studies characterizing the mechanical, structural, and barrier properties of skin across in vivo and ex vivo models, and relate those properties to MAP penetration and delivery performance.
• Author in vivo and ex vivo study protocols, including endpoints, group sizes, sampling, and analysis plans.
• Quantify animal-to-animal and study-to-study variability, identify its sources, and recommend ways to reduce it.
• Perform statistical and pharmacokinetic analyses of study data and present findings to the program team.
• Track animal biometrics and MAP performance parameters in a longitudinal database, analyze trends across studies, and identify relationships between in vivo outcomes and manufacturing data.
• Write study reports and technical summaries and contribute to nonclinical sections of regulatory filings.
• Oversee ongoing studies with the in vivo team and study manager to keep execution aligned with the study design.
• Support in vivo study execution as needed, including skin biometric measurements in swine and rat models.
• Share preclinical data and interpretation with Formulation, Device Engineering, and Analytical teams, and contribute to broader company efforts as priorities require.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree