What You Will Contribute To Altos

An exciting opportunity is available for a Senior Research Associate (Contractor) to join the In Vivo Translational Sciences (IVTS) team within 3DS (Drug Discovery and Development Sciences) at Altos Labs. The Senior Research Associate will provide hands-on in vivo support across multiple programs, executing rodent studies from study initiation through completion. Responsibilities include dosing, in-life procedures, blood collection, necropsy, tissue collection and processing, and accurate study documentation to generate high-quality data for project teams.

You will work closely with in vivo scientists, operational leads, and vivarium staff to plan and execute studies according to established protocols, timelines, and applicable IACUC and animal welfare standards. This role requires a broad and demonstrated in vivo skill set, including proficiency in multiple dosing routes, blood collection techniques, tissue harvest, necropsy, and accurate and timely record keeping.

The ideal candidate is a highly collaborative, detail-oriented, and adaptable team member who can work effectively across multiple programs and priorities while maintaining a high standard of animal welfare, technical execution, and data quality.

Key Responsibilities

In Vivo Study Execution

• Execute hands-on in vivo studies in rodents (primarily mice; rats as needed) under the guidance of the Operational Lead and in accordance with approved protocols and timelines.
• Perform dosing via multiple routes, including PO, IP, IV, and SC; experience with oropharyngeal and intratracheal administration preferred, with stereotactic/ICV surgery experience a plus.
• Perform in-life blood collection, including submental/submandibular and tail vein bleeds, as well as terminal cardiac blood collection.
• Perform necropsy and transcardiac whole-body perfusion, including tissue harvest, dissection, and tissue weighing. Experience with CSF collection is a plus.
• Perform basic sample processing, including snap-freezing, fixation, labeling, and sample transfer.
• Monitor body weight, clinical observations, animal health, welfare, and special diets, with appropriate documentation and escalation of concerns.
• Troubleshoot routine technical and operational challenges and communicate with scientists and operational leads to identify and implement appropriate corrective actions.

Study Planning, Logistics, and Documentation

• Partner with in vivo operational leads and scientists to plan and schedule study activities, including dosing, sample collection timepoints, and necropsies across multiple programs.
• Communicate effectively across teams to coordinate study activities, priorities, timelines, and sample needs.
• Accurately document all procedures, observations, and data in study sheets and electronic records, ensuring data integrity and traceability.
• Assist with organization and maintenance of in vivo workspaces, ensuring adequate supplies, reagents, and equipment readiness.

Animal Welfare, Compliance, and Best Practices

• Ensure strict adherence to animal welfare standards, institutional protocols, and regulatory requirements (e.g., IACUC guidelines), consistently following approved procedures and SOPs.
• Participate in ongoing training and contribute to a culture of safety, ethical conduct, and continuous improvement in in vivo practices.
• Proactively assess animal health and escalate concerns to protect welfare and study integrity.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Serve as a technical trainer for in vivo procedures and cross-training staff to expand technical coverage across programs.
• Work closely with scientists, research associates, and vivarium personnel across programs to coordinate in vivo activities and meet experimental timelines.
• Communicate clearly and proactively regarding study progress, deviations, and issues that may impact animal welfare or data quality.
• Serve as a reliable and flexible team member, providing weekend and time-sensitive study coverage as needed.

Who You Are

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a life science discipline (e.g., Biology, Pharmacology, Veterinary Science, Animal Science, or related field).
• At least 2 years of hands-on in vivo research experience in an industry or comparable research setting; experience supporting multiple programs or therapeutic areas is a plus.
• Demonstrated proficiency in standard rodent dosing techniques (PO, IP, IV, SC); advanced skills in oropharyngeal and/or intratracheal dosing strongly preferred or a plus.
• Strong attention to detail and data integrity, with a proven ability to follow complex protocols and SOPs accurately and consistently.
• Highly organized and capable of managing multiple concurrent study tasks, prioritizing effectively in a time‑sensitive, study‑driven environment.
• Comfortable working independently on weekends and with minimal on‑site supervision, with flexibility to adjust hours based on study demands.
• Effective communicator and team‑oriented collaborator, able to work constructively with scientists, RAs, and vivarium personnel.
• Deeply committed to high standards of animal care, ethical research conduct, and a culture of safety and compliance.

The hourly pay rate for Redwood City, CA

• Research Associate II: $46/hr - $60/hr
• Senior Research Associate: $52/hr - $67/hr

Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location.

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