Senior Research Associate

Summary 

Visterra, Inc., needs a highly motivated Senior Research Associate with research experience in protein sciences, cell and molecular biology to help further our antibody-based drug discovery programs. This individual will play a key technical role in advancing Visterra’s early research programs focused on kidney disease, autoimmunity, and other therapeutic areas. The candidate will employ library-based screening methods, protein engineering, production, and quality control with various biochemical and analytical assays, to support the characterization of drug candidates through a range of functional readouts. The ideal candidate should have a B.S. or M.S. degree in biology, biochemistry, biological engineering or related field and a minimum of two years of industry-based research experience.  

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

Responsibilities  

• Perform experiments involving the in vitro screening and characterization of antibody and biologics-based drug candidates using various immunological, biochemical, and cell-based assays (e.g., ELISA, MSD, BLI, flow cytometry), while critically analyzing data for patterns, inconsistencies, and potential optimizations.   

• Perform biophysical and chemical characterization of antibodies and antigens using binding affinity platforms such as Octet, Carterra, and Biacore, as well as analytical assays including HPLC, SDS-PAGE, CE-SDS, and thermal melt analyses.  

• Assist in the design and cloning of antigens and antibodies using in silico molecular biology tools  

• Support in vivo studies towards antibody discovery, PK/PD, and early pre-clinical studies, correlating findings with in vitro data to refine therapeutic candidate selection.  

• Participate in the construction and screening of antibody libraries through immunization, antibody display, flow cytometry and repertoire analysis using NGS.  

• Implement additional bioassays for the evaluation of drug potency, specificity, and mechanism of action, considering orthogonal validation approaches and assay refinement for improved sensitivity and reproducibility.  

• Summarize data sets, results, and research updates in both written documents and presentations, applying critical thinking and data visualization techniques to communicate findings effectively.  

• Operate effectively and collaboratively in a team-oriented, cross-functional research and development organization, contributing to discussions, troubleshooting challenges, and identifying key next steps for project advancement. 

Requirements 

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in biology, biochemistry, biological engineering, or a related field. 

• At least two years of industry-based research experience. 

• Hands-on experience in one or more of the following areas: 

• Molecular cloning, DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, Sanger or Next Generation Sequencing. 

• Recombinant protein expression and purification. 

• Biochemical assays (e.g., SDS-PAGE, BLI, SPR, Octet, Carterra, ELISA). 

• Aseptic technique and mammalian cell culture. 

• Cell-based assays (e.g., cell activation, proliferation, cytotoxicity assays using cell lines or primary cells). 

• Strong data analysis skills with the ability to interpret and document experimental results. 

• Demonstrated organizational skills, time management, and attention to detail. 

• Excellent written and oral scientific communication skills. 

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced research environment

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 and a wholly owned subsidiary of Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. of Japan.  Visterra has approximately 125 employees and is located in Waltham, Massachusetts. 

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.