Contract Senior Research Associate, Protein Biochemistry

Keros Therapeutics is seeking a highly motivated and collaborative individual to join our protein biochemistry group within our Research Department. Our group exploits multidisciplinary approaches in protein sciences and protein engineering, to better the understanding of the biochemical, biophysical, and structural functional properties of the biomolecules within the TGF-β superfamily that drive the signaling pathway. Our efforts greatly contribute to advance innovative research and drug discovery, and heavily support our discovery pipeline.

You will have the opportunity to learn about and contribute to early-stage drug discovery from a protein chemistry perspective as well as through internal and external collaboration with other departments.  You will play an important role supporting in vivo and in vitro studies crucial for the progress of our therapeutic research programs by generating high-quality proteins and other reagents in this hands-on laboratory position. The successful candidate will produce and evaluate novel molecules, while being inquisitive about the science, able to troubleshoot by consulting literature/colleagues, and capable of adapting to each scientific challenge.

Primary Responsibilities

• Use biophysical characterization techniques such as SPR and BLI to investigate and QC novel proteins and therapeutic molecules
• Perform assays and characterization techniques (SDS-PAGE, SEC-HPLC, and cell-based assays) to characterize R&D molecules
• Protein expression: assist with routine mammalian expression of our therapeutic molecules to support ongoing studies
• Protein purification: assist with the purification of proteins to required reagents’ quality (FPLC, affinity/ion-exchange/SEC and other chromatographic techniques)
• Maintain clear, accurate documentation of computational and experimental laboratory work and summarize results as needed in study reports.
• Provide updates at research meetings in both oral and written formats.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s or master’s degree in biochemistry, biophysics, chemistry or a related field with 2-4 years of industry experience
• Experience with biophysical methods to assess protein-protein interactions is highly desirable
• Experience with protein expression in mammalian and/or bacterial cells is preferred.
• Experience in protein purification using multi-platform chromatography techniques (affinity, ion-exchange, SEC) is preferred
• Protein chemistry, protein-protein interactions, and/or protein engineering experience is a plus.
• Experience working with wet lab benchwork, lab etiquette, pipetting, and volumetric handling. Ability to perform chemical stoichiometric calculations and buffer preparation.
• Ability to work as part of a cross-functional team, and independently with supervision.
• Exhibit excellent communication and organization skills, detail-oriented, proficient in MS office, data analysis, and slide presentation.
• Displays a high degree of maturity, honesty, trust, and integrity. Considers a scientific problem/question an opportunity for innovation and intellectual growth.