Research Associate, Research at Visterra, Inc.

Company                                                                                                                                                                          

Visterra is a clinical stage biotechnology company committed to developing innovative antibody-based therapies for the treatment of patients with kidney diseases and other hard-to-treat diseases. Our proprietary technology platform enables the design and engineering of precision antibody-based product candidates that specifically bind to, and modulate, key disease targets. Applying this technology to disease targets that are not adequately addressed by traditional therapeutic approaches, we are developing a robust pipeline of novel therapies for patients with unmet needs.

Visterra is a wholly owned subsidiary of Otsuka America, Inc., which is a U.S. holding company subsidiary of Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. of Japan. Visterra has approximately 120 employees, and is located in Waltham, Massachusetts.

Summary                                                                                                                                                                       

Visterra, Inc., is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate with research experience in biochemistry, cellular and/or molecular biology to help discover and develop biologic therapeutics, as well as expand platform technologies that support our antibody-based drug discovery programs. Reporting to a Scientist/Senior Scientist in the Research department, this individual will play a key technical role in the experimentation required to discover and advance candidate molecules for development in first-in-human studies.

The ideal candidate should have a B.S. degree in biology, molecular/cellular biology, biochemistry, biological engineering or related field and a minimum of one year “at the bench” research experience (which may be obtained during undergraduate training). The successful candidate will be a collaborative team player, a critical thinker,  a clear communicator, and one that thrives in a fast-paced research environment.

This is a full-time laboratory-based position located at Visterra’s facility in Waltham, MA

 Responsibilities                                                                                                                                                             

• Provide assistance in the execution of experiments and analytical procedures including: molecular biology, DNA cloning, cell culture, protein production, ELISA, Biolayer interferometry and HPLC.
• Perform experiments involving the in vitro screening and characterization of biologics- based drug candidates using immunological, biochemical, and cell-based assays.
• Support implementation of biological-based assays for the evaluation of drug potency, specificity, and mechanism of action.
• Participate in the construction and screening of immune-based libraries through immunization, antibody display, and flow cytometry.
• Support in vivo animal studies to support antibody discovery, PK/PD, and early pre- clinical studies either through direct participation or management of reagent supply and data tracking of CROs.
• Operate effectively and collaboratively in a team oriented, cross functional research and development organization.
• Develop an understanding of fundamental principles, theories, and concepts in antibody-based drug discovery.
• Analyze and summarize key data sets and results for internal review, including written technical reports and oral presentations.
• Operate, collaborate, and communicate effectively in a team-oriented, cross-functional research and development organization.

 Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in molecular/cellular biology, biochemistry, biological engineering or related field and a minimum of one year “at the bench” (which may be obtained during undergraduate training).
• Hands-on experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • Basic molecular biology techniques (nucleic acid extraction, qPCR, PCR, RT-PCR, ).
  • Biochemical and/or analytical assays (ELISA, SPR, BLI, SDS-PAGE).
  • yeast/phage surface display
  • Cell-based assays and flow
  • Aseptic technique and culture of mammalian, insect, and/or yeast
• A detail-oriented and organized individual with strong communication skills (written and oral), capable of working on a highly integrated research team.
• A highly motivated, inquisitive individual who thrives in a fast-paced and dynamic research environment.
• An individual who is adaptable and able to quickly learn new concepts and experimental
• Proficient use of commonly used software for data analysis (Excel, GraphPad).
• Limited travel (< 5%) may be required to attend conferences and industry

Visterra provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.