Scientist, Pre-Clinical Biomarkers and Translational Research
Keros Therapeutics
August 14, 2026
Remote friendly (Lexington, MA)
United States
Clinical Research and Development
Job Summary
In the role of Scientist, Preclinical Biomarkers and Translational Research, you will advance novel biologic programs from pre-clinical to clinical development. You will partner with Biology, Toxicology, and other teams to translate biological questions into biomarker strategies, design hypothesis-driven studies, develop fit-for-purpose assays, analyze preclinical samples, and interpret results in the context of TGF-beta superfamily biology, mechanism of action, PK/PD, efficacy, and safety.
Primary Responsibilities
- Partner with cross-functional teams to define biomarker strategies for target engagement, pharmacodynamic activity, efficacy, disease biology, and potential safety findings.
- Generate scientific hypotheses and design, execute, and interpret in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies to clarify mechanism of action and support program decisions.
- Develop, optimize, qualify, and troubleshoot biomarker assays (ELISA/MSD, qPCR, Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, multicolor flow cytometry, cell-based assays).
- Perform hands-on analysis of serum, plasma, tissue, and cellular samples (tissue processing, dissociation, primary cell isolation, ex vivo functional analyses).
- Evaluate assay reagents/kits/approaches; develop custom methods; ensure performance, reproducibility, data integrity, and documentation.
- Present study designs and results; contribute to reports, technical documents, publications, and patent-related activities.
Core Competencies (Required Skills)
- Hypothesis generation, experimental design, assay troubleshooting, and critical data interpretation.
- Understanding of TGF-Ξ² superfamily biology and signaling in disease.
- Hands-on in vivo model and preclinical sample analysis.
- Technical expertise (ELISA, MSD, qPCR, Western blotting, flow cytometry, mammalian cell culture) and biomarker assay development/optimization.
- Quantitative data analysis/visualization (GraphPad Prism, FlowJo or comparable).
- Collaboration, communication, documentation, and data presentation.
Preferred Skills
- Experience supporting biologic drug-discovery and/or TGF-beta pathway biomarker studies.
- MSD/Luminex multiplex assays; primary cells/ex vivo assays; gene perturbation; novel disease-model development.
Education Requirements
- Ph.D. (molecular/cell biology, immunology, cancer biology, pharmacology, biochemistry/biotechnology or related) with 2+ years relevant industry/postdoc experience; or Masterβs with 10+ years relevant industry experience.
In the role of Scientist, Preclinical Biomarkers and Translational Research, you will advance novel biologic programs from pre-clinical to clinical development. You will partner with Biology, Toxicology, and other teams to translate biological questions into biomarker strategies, design hypothesis-driven studies, develop fit-for-purpose assays, analyze preclinical samples, and interpret results in the context of TGF-beta superfamily biology, mechanism of action, PK/PD, efficacy, and safety.
Primary Responsibilities
- Partner with cross-functional teams to define biomarker strategies for target engagement, pharmacodynamic activity, efficacy, disease biology, and potential safety findings.
- Generate scientific hypotheses and design, execute, and interpret in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies to clarify mechanism of action and support program decisions.
- Develop, optimize, qualify, and troubleshoot biomarker assays (ELISA/MSD, qPCR, Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, multicolor flow cytometry, cell-based assays).
- Perform hands-on analysis of serum, plasma, tissue, and cellular samples (tissue processing, dissociation, primary cell isolation, ex vivo functional analyses).
- Evaluate assay reagents/kits/approaches; develop custom methods; ensure performance, reproducibility, data integrity, and documentation.
- Present study designs and results; contribute to reports, technical documents, publications, and patent-related activities.
Core Competencies (Required Skills)
- Hypothesis generation, experimental design, assay troubleshooting, and critical data interpretation.
- Understanding of TGF-Ξ² superfamily biology and signaling in disease.
- Hands-on in vivo model and preclinical sample analysis.
- Technical expertise (ELISA, MSD, qPCR, Western blotting, flow cytometry, mammalian cell culture) and biomarker assay development/optimization.
- Quantitative data analysis/visualization (GraphPad Prism, FlowJo or comparable).
- Collaboration, communication, documentation, and data presentation.
Preferred Skills
- Experience supporting biologic drug-discovery and/or TGF-beta pathway biomarker studies.
- MSD/Luminex multiplex assays; primary cells/ex vivo assays; gene perturbation; novel disease-model development.
Education Requirements
- Ph.D. (molecular/cell biology, immunology, cancer biology, pharmacology, biochemistry/biotechnology or related) with 2+ years relevant industry/postdoc experience; or Masterβs with 10+ years relevant industry experience.