Research Associate Co-Op, Osteoimmunology

About the Role

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 blood, muscle, and bone health. The successful candidate for this Co-Op Research Associate position will actively contribute to impactful preclinical research and scientific studies in muscle biology, bone, and immunology to help advance our innovative pipeline. 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 the opportunity to gain broad exposure to pioneering research at the intersection of discovery and patient care.

Responsibilities

• Perform in vitro and ex vivo laboratory research, including cell culture, RNA isolation, and gene expression analysis by qRT-PCR
• Execute in vitro assays (e.g., Western blot, ELISA) to assess protein expression and therapeutic activity
• Conduct antibody staining and flow cytometric analysis of bone marrow stem cells and other cell types
• 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

Required Skills

• Proficiency in cell culture and sterile technique
• Familiarity with molecular biology methods (e.g., RNA extraction, qRT-PCR, Western blot, ELISA)
• Ability to perform antibody staining and flow cytometry, or strong willingness to learn
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple experiments and prioritize tasks efficiently
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; capable of summarizing and presenting scientific data
• Self-motivated, 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 Qualifications

• Prior experience in a laboratory setting
• Interest in stem cell, bone, or muscle biology
• Experience with data analysis and presentation software (MS Office, GraphPad Prism, etc.)
• Previous exposure to drug discovery or biopharmaceutical research

Education Requirements

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

Pay

Potential base pay range $28—$32 USD per hour.