Research Associate, Pharmacology & Cell Biology

Who We Are:

Cogent Biosciences is a publicly traded biotechnology company focused on developing novel precision therapies to treat a broad range of patients with unmet medical needs. Cogent’s lead program, bezuclastinib, is designed to selectively and potently inhibit exon 17 mutations found within the KIT receptor tyrosine kinase, including KIT D816V. KIT D816V is responsible for driving a rare and serious condition called Systemic Mastocytosis, and exon 17 mutations are also found in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), a type of cancer with strong dependence on oncogenic KIT signaling. Bezuclastinib has exhibited promising initial data across all three trials: APEX in AdvSM, SUMMIT in NonAdvSM and PEAK in GIST, including an encouraging safety profile across 600+ patients in single agent and combination dosing.

The Role:

Cogent is seeking a dedicated Research Associate to support our Pharmacology and Cell Biology teams. This role will provide hands on support across laboratory operations, research animal care, and cell biology activities. Responsibilities include routine animal husbandry, administration of test articles to research animals, and laboratory organization and inventory management. With experience, this role could additionally include cell line maintenance and cell-based workflows including nucleic acid isolation, PCR, and Maxiprep.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail oriented, dependable, comfortable working independently, and motivated to grow within the role. Experience with laboratory animal care and dosing is preferred, but we are willing to train the right candidate. Previous experience in cell and molecular biology is desirable but not required.

Responsibilities:

Pharmacology

Key Responsibilities:

• Monitor and provide daily care for research animals
• Administer oral and IP test articles to mice and rats
• Perform cage washing, preparation, and general husbandry tasks
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the facility
• Accurately follow study protocols and document completed activities as required
• Assist in study activities

Cell Biology

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintain laboratory inventory, order, and restock supplies as needed
• Assist with routine instrument maintenance
• Manage laboratory organization and generate a shared-resource inventory using online data base systems (example: FreezerPro)

Growth within the role may yield additional responsibilities including:

• Perform cell revival, expansion, cryopreservation, and banking
• Assist with general laboratory workflows

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 1 year of laboratory animal care experience preferred, but not required
• Bachelor of Science degree preferred
• Experience in administration of test articles to mice and rats (oral gavage and IP)
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow established protocols
• Strong communication skills and ability to work with multiple team members
• Ability to work independently and maintain consistency in care
• Willingness to learn new techniques and responsibilities

Salary Range:

$35-40/hr USD

Target Bonus: 10%

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

Our Locations

Waltham, MA: Our headquarters is located in the Greater Boston life sciences community, with an open, collaborative office environment designed to support teamwork and connection. Employees benefit from convenient on-site amenities, including free on-site parking and gym facilities in the building.

Boulder, CO: Our Boulder location is home to Cogent’s discovery research organization and a key scientific hub with strong leadership based on site. Situated in the greater Denver-Boulder biopharmaceutical corridor, this office plays a central role in advancing our discovery efforts and pipeline.

Our Offer To You

At Cogent Biosciences, we offer a competitive salary, bonus, and ongoing stock awards, alongside a benefits package that sets us apart. We cover 100% of medical, dental, and vision premiums for you and your family, and help reduce out-of-pocket costs by funding up to 75% of in-network deductibles. Our benefits also include a 401(k) match with immediate vesting, generous paid time off, 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave, paid family and medical leave for all employees regardless of location, and company-paid short-term disability coverage for up to 20 weeks. Additional perks like wellness programs, tuition reimbursement, and inclusive family-forming support help you thrive at work and beyond.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our goal is to have a diverse workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, age, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or disability, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.