In Vivo Study Specialist in Cambridge

Parabilis Medicines is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to creating extraordinary medicines for patients with serious diseases by unlocking biologically important targets long considered undruggable. The company has pioneered a new class of alpha-helical peptides – Helicons™ – capable of modulating intracellular proteins that have historically been beyond the reach of conventional medicines. The company’s lead investigational medicine, zolucatetide, is the first and only direct inhibitor of the β-catenin:TCF interaction, a central node in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway that has eluded drug developers for decades. Zolucatetide is being evaluated in the clinic across multiple Wnt/β-catenin-driven diseases, including desmoid tumors, familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and a range of other solid tumor indications. Beyond zolucatetide, Parabilis is advancing additional Helicon-based programs focused on other challenging targets where we believe our medicines could have life-altering impact.

We are seeking a highly motivated In Vivo Study Specialist to join our In Vivo Pharmacology team and contribute to the preclinical evaluation of Helicon™ peptide therapeutics for oncology. This is a hands-on laboratory role built around two core skill sets: executing in vivo pharmacology studies in mouse oncology models, and preparing high-quality ex vivo assays from tumor and normal tissue for downstream molecular and immune analysis. You will generate the preclinical data that advances novel therapeutic candidates toward clinical development. The successful candidate will be an integral member of a collaborative, multidisciplinary research team and will work closely with Discovery Biology, Translational Sciences, DMPK, and external CRO partners. This role offers the opportunity to expand scientific expertise in oncology drug discovery while developing as a drug hunter through exposure to study design, data interpretation, translational pharmacology, and cross-functional research strategy.

Reporting to the Associate Director of Vivarium and In Vivo Operations, the ideal candidate will bring deep, hands-on in vivo technical skill, strong command of ex vivo tissue processing and assay preparation, and a passion for advancing innovative therapeutics.

In Vivo Pharmacology

Independently execute in vivo pharmacology studies supporting target validation, lead optimization, mechanism-of-action, and efficacy evaluation of Helicon therapeutics. Perform mouse oncology studies using xenograft, syngeneic, patient-derived xenograft (PDX), and genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs). Conduct routine and advanced in vivo procedures with a high standard of technical precision, including:

• Intravenous (IV), intraperitoneal (IP), subcutaneous (SC), and oral gavage (PO) dosing
• Tumor cell implantation, caliper-based tumor measurement, and tumor growth monitoring
• Serial blood collection and pharmacokinetic (PK) sampling via multiple routes
• Body weight monitoring and clinical observations per IACUC-approved protocols
• Terminal necropsy and systematic collection of tumor and tissue specimens for downstream analysis
• Minor and major survival surgeries, including oncology-specific surgical procedures

Execute PK/PD and efficacy studies evaluating tumor growth inhibition, pharmacodynamic biomarkers, drug exposure, and mechanism of action.

Ex Vivo Assay Preparation & Translational Biology

Own the ex vivo workflow from tissue harvest through assay-ready sample: dissection, fixation, freezing, and preservation of tumor and normal tissues for molecular and cellular analysis. Prepare tissue for histology and IHC shipment. Extract RNA/DNA/Protein and process plasma or tissue lysates for downstream Western Blot, qPCR, ELISA, or multiplex cytokine/biomarker profiling.

Scientific Collaboration

Evaluate and implement emerging in vivo models and ex vivo assay technologies to support target validation and translational research. Maintain detailed experimental documentation and contribute to study reports, presentations, and regulatory documentation. Collaborate effectively across Discovery Biology, Medicinal Chemistry, DMPK, Translational Sciences, and Computational Biology teams.

What you’ll need to be successful:Required

• Extensive hands-on experience with mouse oncology models, including human xenograft, syngeneic, PDX, and genetically engineered mouse models.
• Demonstrated mastery of advanced in vivo techniques: IV, IP, SC, and PO dosing; serial blood collection and PK sampling; tumor measurement; necropsy; and multi-tissue harvest.
• Strong, hands-on experience with ex vivo tissue processing and assay preparation, histology sample prep, and molecular sample extraction (RNA/DNA/protein).
• Experience with pharmacology, PK/PD, and efficacy study execution and analysis.
• BS in Biology, Pharmacology, Cancer Biology, Immunology, or a related scientific discipline, or AALAS certification with equivalent relevant industry experience, and 3–5+ years of experience in biotechnology or pharmaceutical research.
• Strong understanding of animal welfare regulations and experience supporting IACUC protocols.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent in vivo studies and ex vivo sample pipelines simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and experience presenting scientific data.
• Demonstrated ability to utilize AI tools for day-to-day work; baseline proficiency is expected, and advanced or innovative use of AI is a strong plus.

Preferred

• Experience performing minor and major rodent surgical procedures, including oncology-specific survival surgeries.
• Familiarity with histology/IHC, and molecular biology techniques (qPCR, Western Blot, ELISA).
• Exposure to translational pharmacology and oncology drug discovery programs.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, cross-functional biotechnology environment.

Core Values

Parabilis Medicines is a team of passionate pioneers who are trailblazing the future of precision medicine with the aim of making a meaningful difference in the lives of patients. The company is committed to promoting an inspiring and flourishing working environment for all employees across the business, in all departments, and driving innovation for patient benefit.

• Growth-Minded. We’re inventing a new class of medicines—one applicable to therapeutic targets that have been dreamt about, but always considered impossible to drug. Our work requires us to be curious, humble and adaptable.
• In(ter)dependent. We are fiercely independent as a leader in defying the limitations of current therapeutic modalities, and interdependent as a team as we work collaboratively to shift drug discovery paradigms and provide patients with better treatment options.
• Patient-focused. We are deeply focused on patient outcomes, and all energy in the company is focused on science as it translates to patient impact.
• All-In. We’re All-In on solving some of the hardest scientific challenges and delivering one of the most effective new classes of drugs in history.

The base salary range for this position is $75,000-$85,000, depending on experience, qualifications, and internal practices. Parabilis’s total compensation package also includes an annual target bonus, equity, and a comprehensive suite of competitive benefits designed to support our employees’ overall well-being. As an equal opportunity employer, Parabilis Medicines values an inclusive workplace and welcomes applicants of all backgrounds and experiences. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other factors prohibited by law.