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 120 employees and is located in Waltham, Massachusetts.

Summary

Visterra, Inc., needs a highly motivated Senior Research Associate with research experience in biochemistry, immunology and/or 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 targeting challenging diseases including kidney disease, autoimmunity, and other related areas of therapeutic interest. The candidate will utilize library-based screening methods, recombinant protein production, protein engineering, and various biochemical and analytical methods to characterize early and late-stage drug candidates. 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

• Support the discovery and characterization of antibody-based drug candidates using biochemical and analytical techniques.
• Independently execute, and analyze in vitro screening and characterization of antibody-based drug candidates using cell-based and immunoassays.
• Construct and screen antibody libraries through immunization, antibody display, and flow cytometry.
• Learns to initiate and develop work plans to ensure the timely completion of several concurrent sets of experiments.
• Independently summarizes key data sets for internal review, including written technical reports and oral presentations.
• Assist in the optimization and troubleshooting of experimental workflows and equipment.
• Operate, collaborate, and communicate effectively in a team-oriented, cross-functional research and development organization.
• Opportunities to train less experienced employees in performing established procedures.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in biology, biochemistry, biological engineering, or related field and a minimum of two years industry-based research experience.
• Hands-on experience in one or more of the following areas:
• Molecular cloning, including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, and Sanger or Next Generation Sequencing.
• Recombinant protein expression and purification
• Biochemical and cell-based binding/functional assays, and experience with flow cytometry is a plus.
• Aseptic technique and culture of mammalian, insect, and/or yeast cells.
• Yeast/phage surface display technologies.
• A basic understanding of antibodies, their structure and function, and related immunology.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, strong organization skills, and excellent time-management skills.
• A demonstrated track record of strong communication skills (both written and oral).
• A strong data analyses skillset and the ability to interpret, communicate, and document complex data.
• Demonstrated adaptability, and the ability to quickly learn new concepts and experimental approaches.
• Internal motivation and inquisitiveness, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic research environment.
• Proficient use of commonly used software for data analysis (Excel, GraphPad).
• Limited travel (< 5%) may be required to attend conferences and industry events.

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.