Protein Science Research Associate/Senior Research Associate

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 understand the biochemical, biophysical, and structural functional properties of the biomolecules within the TGF- 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 sciences 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 to 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

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

Preferred Skills

• Experience in protein purification using multi-platform chromatography techniques (affinity, ion-exchange, HIC, SEC, RPC) and systems is highly desirable
• Competence in protein quality control and characterization analysis including SDS-PAGE, western blot, HPLC-SEC, and other basic characterization techniques is highly desirable
• Competence with managing protein inventory is desirable
• Experience with protein expression in mammalian and/or bacterial cells is preferred
• Experience with biophysical methods to assess protein-protein interactions is a plus
• Protein chemistry, protein-protein interactions, and/or protein engineering experience are 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.

Education Requirements

• Bachelor's or master's degree in biochemistry, biophysics, chemistry or related field with at least two years of experience