In Vivo Research Assistant

Position Details:
Our client, a world-leading Pharmaceutical Company in Groton, CT is currently looking for a In Vivo Research Assistant to join their expanding team.

Job Title: In Vivo Research Assistant

Duration: 12 months contract, extendable up to 48 months
Location: Groton, CT

Note:
The client has the right-to-hire you as a permanent employee at any time during or after the end of the contract.
You may participate in the company group medical insurance plan

Job Description:

Pharmacology Associate I

Location: Groton, CT
Schedule: Full-time, On-site (5 days/week)

Position Summary
We are seeking a highly motivated Pharmacology Associate I to join an In Vivo Pharmacology team supporting metabolic disease research. This hands-on laboratory role will focus on executing in vivo studies that contribute to obesity, metabolic, and cardiovascular disease drug discovery programs within a collaborative, cross-functional research environment.
The ideal candidate will bring strong technical skills in animal research, a commitment to high-quality science, and an interest in developing within the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry. This role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to translational pharmacology studies while gaining exposure to project teams, scientific strategy, and industry-standard research practices.

Key Responsibilities
Execute in vivo pharmacology studies in support of obesity, metabolic, and cardiovascular disease research programs.
Conduct studies across multi-species platforms, including rodents, canines, and non-human primates, while adhering to institutional SOPs and safety guidelines.
Assist with study execution, data collection, experimental procedures, and sample management.
Conduct tissue collection and downstream tissue processing activities.
Analyze, organize, and summarize experimental data using standard scientific software tools.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary project teams to support research objectives and program advancement.
Maintain accurate experimental records, study documentation, and data integrity standards.
Uphold the highest standards of animal welfare and regulatory compliance, including adherence to institutional IACUC protocols and applicable AAALAC, USDA, and OLAW standards.
Participate in team discussions and contribute to continuous improvement of study workflows and technical capabilities.

Required Qualifications
Bachelor's or master's degree in pharmacology, biology, biomedical sciences, animal science, or a related scientific discipline.
Hands-on experience conducting in vivo studies and working in vivarium and laboratory environments.
Experience performing animal research procedures in rodents, including basic handling and technical procedures.
Willingness and ability to work with large animal species, including canine and non-human primate models, with training provided as appropriate based on experimental needs.
Strong technical laboratory skills and willingness to learn new techniques.
Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.

Preferred Qualifications
Demonstrated proficiency in animal handling, restraint, dosing, and biospecimen collection across rodents, canines, and/or non-human primates.
Experience supporting metabolic disease, obesity, cardiovascular disease, or related therapeutic areas.
Prior pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or industry research experience.
Familiarity with GraphPad Prism or similar scientific data analysis software.
Experience supporting large-scale preclinical studies.

Work Environment
Fully on-site position located in Groton, CT.
Significant time spent in vivarium and laboratory settings conducting animal studies.
Work requires adherence to PPE, biosafety, animal welfare, and institutional compliance requirements.
Flexible start times based on study requirements, typically between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM.
Occasional weekend work may be required depending on study schedules.
Overtime eligibility may apply based on business needs.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will be:
Technically strong in animal research methodologies, with interest in building expertise across multiple species.
Eager to learn and grow within a research-driven environment.
Comfortable working in a highly collaborative, matrixed team structure.
Self-motivated and capable of taking ownership of assigned responsibilities.
Interested in long-term career development within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
Adaptable, dependable, and committed to high-quality scientific work.

Interview Process
Initial virtual interview with the hiring manager.
Virtual team interview with members of the research group.
In-person interview with the hiring manager, members of the research group, and members of the veterinary staff.
Final selection based on technical qualifications, relevant experience, collaboration style, and alignment with role requirements.
This opportunity offers valuable exposure to translational drug discovery research and the potential for long-term career growth within a dynamic scientific organization.