In Vivo Research Associate

TekWissen is a global workforce management provider offering strategic talent solutions to biotech clients. This opportunity is with a biotech company focused on antiviral drugs for HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and influenza.

About the role

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to join our Inflammation in vivo pharmacology team. The selected candidate will provide in vivo study support under minimal supervision for evaluating novel inflammation therapeutics in pre-clinical models. This is a 6-month temporary onsite assignment in Foster City, CA, requiring availability for weekends as needed.

Responsibilities

• Review and comply with all policies, guidelines, and operating procedures pertaining to the animal care and research program.
• Assemble, set up, operate, and maintain experimental equipment for in-vivo studies.
• Conduct laboratory procedures in compliance with established protocols and regulatory requirements.
• Document experimental data, including procedures, conditions, results, and variations.
• Maintain technical knowledge in assigned areas of responsibility.
• Perform rodent techniques, including:
  • Handling and restraint
  • Dosing (PO, IV, SQ, IP)
  • Blood collection (retroorbital, tail vein, submandibular, cardiac)
  • Body weight and food consumption measurements
  • Assessment of mouse body condition
  • Rodent euthanasia (CO₂, anesthesia, or approved physical methods)
  • Inhalation anesthesia induction and monitoring
  • Clinical observations for morbidity/mortality and animal health checks
  • Necropsy, including tissue and fluid collections
• Support study set-up, take-downs, and ex-vivo assays.
• Perform basic laboratory techniques, including pipette handling and dose calculations.
• Interact with department personnel to facilitate completion of assignments.
• Demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• B.S./B.A. in Biological Sciences or related field, or Associate’s degree in veterinary technology or equivalent college-level program, or High School diploma/GED with four (4) years of directly related work experience in laboratory animal husbandry and technical skills.
• At least 2 years of previous technical experience in a laboratory animal research setting, specifically PK/PD experience.
• 5+ years of laboratory animal facility experience, preferably in industry, with demonstrated work experience in murine models of cancer, inflammation, and/or immunology.
• Proficiency in mouse handling techniques, including dosing (PO, IV, SQ, IP), body weight measurements, in-life and terminal blood collection, and tissue collection during necropsy.
• Knowledge of USDA regulations, laboratory animal welfare guidelines, and AAALAC International guidelines is a plus.
• Working knowledge of laboratory animal equipment, supplies, and personal protective equipment for various biosafety levels.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Computer literacy with MS Word and MS Excel; PowerPoint and GraphPad Prism experience is desired.
• Ability to organize and plan studies with minimal supervision.

Work Environment

Exposure to laboratory animals (mice, rats, and other rodents), wet/humid conditions, toxic/caustic chemicals, and biohazard materials. The role requires working independently on weekends, holidays, or outside core hours to complete duties.

Pay

$42–48 per hour.