Research Associate Co-Op, Kidney Fibrosis

Job Summary

Keros Therapeutics, a public, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, is seeking a passionate and motivated Co-Op Research Associate to join our preclinical research team. Keros is a leader in developing novel therapies targeting transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß) family signaling pathways, which regulate the health of blood, muscle, bone and other tissues. The successful candidate will contribute to scientific studies focusing on kidney biology, helping advance our innovative pipeline. This Co-Op Research Associate position will actively contribute to impactful preclinical research projects focused on the prevention of kidney fibrosis. This position offers immersive, hands-on experience with state-of-the-art In vitro, ex vivo techniques and In vivo procedures in a collaborative, fast-paced laboratory setting. This co-op provides comprehensive scientific mentorship and training, engagement with multidisciplinary project teams, and broad exposure to pioneering research at the intersection of discovery and patient care.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide support with animal handling such as weighing, dosing, as well as other in vivo
• Perform ex vivo laboratory research, including protein and RNA isolation, gene expression analysis by qRT-PCR and protein expression via Western blot and ELISA.
• Maintain clear, accurate experimental records and summarize results in study reports.
• Participate in cross-functional team meetings, providing updates, and presenting data.
• Troubleshoot experiments and propose solutions based on literature and team discussions.
• Uphold laboratory safety protocols and Keros Therapeutics’ standards for scientific rigor and documentation.

Core Competencies (Required Skills)

• Familiarity with molecular biology methods (e.g., RNA extraction, qRT-PCR, Western blot, ELISA) and willingness to learn.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks efficiently.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; capable of summarizing and presenting scientific data.
• Self-motivated, driven, detail-oriented, with a high degree of honesty, integrity, and scientific curiosity.
• Team player, open to feedback, and willing to collaborate across various departments.

Preferred Skills

• Prior experience in a laboratory setting.
• Experience with data analysis and presentation software (MS Office, GraphPad Prism, etc.).

Education Requirements

• Current undergraduate or graduate student majoring in animal science, biology, biochemistry, or a related scientific field