Sr In Vivo Research Associate

The Senior Research Associate will be responsible for overseeing and performing in vivo studies to support the Liver and Discovery therapeutic areas and other Spark therapeutic areas as needed.

• Perform Liver and Discovery focused in vivo studies that support the Spark pipeline.
• Perform IV/IP/PO/SC injections in mice and rats, monitor animal health, collect blood samples, perform necropsies and record data.
• Establish/Maintain mouse breeding colonies.
• Research and develop new procedures and techniques, and identify equipment needed to support Liver and Discovery programs.
• Scheduling and adhering to concurrent studies according to the experimental design.
• Interact with scientists from different therapeutic areas and provide relevant feedback.
• Optimize current processes and procedures to improve efficiency.
• Work autonomuously to support group and organizational needs.

Responsibilities

Perform liver in vivo experiments in laboratory animals according to applicable regulations; studies will utilize mice, rats, and other species, as needed

Train and assist technical staff in the performance of in vivo experiments to support Liver and Discovery therapeutic areas.

Responsible for all safety aspects and best practices, and employee training.

Ensure departmental goals and objectives are met and aligned to the broader organizational goals and objectives.

Prioritize and plan projects and workloads, manage resources and personnel scheduling. Write and review animal protocols for IACUC approval

Education and Experience Requirements

• Required Bachelor’s degree/MS in relevant field and 5-8 years of hands on experience with small rodent models. Equivielent experience is acceptable.
• Advanced skills on handling, restraining, dosing and performing a variety of procedures on study animals required.
• Ability to manage large mouse colonies required.
• Keep accurate records, follow instructions, and comply with company policies.
• Experience with AAV vectors is a plus.

Key Skills, Abilities, and Competencies

• Excellent organizational and collaborations skills.
• Strong writing and verbal communication skills.
• Prompt and accurate recording of data.
  

Complexity and Problem Solving

• Demonstrate independent problem solving skills of technical issues; develop solutions to a variety of moderate to complex problems; Discuss with supervisor and refer to policies/practices for guidance.
• Must be comfortable in the fast-paced, biotech start-up environment and interact with multi-disciplinary research teams at Spark.
• Exercise judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action.

Internal and External Contacts

Quality Assurance, Clinical Operations, Pharm/Tox, Discovery, Assay Validation, R&D Operations, Technical Operations, Regulatory Affairs

The Senior Research Associate will be responsible for overseeing and performing in vivo studies to support the Liver and Discovery therapeutic areas and other Spark therapeutic areas as needed.

• Perform Liver and Discovery focused in vivo studies that support the Spark pipeline.
• Perform IV/IP/PO/SC injections in mice and rats, monitor animal health, collect blood samples, perform necropsies and record data.
• Establish/Maintain mouse breeding colonies.
• Research and develop new procedures and techniques, and identify equipment needed to support Liver and Discovery programs.
• Scheduling and adhering to concurrent studies according to the experimental design.
• Interact with scientists from different therapeutic areas and provide relevant feedback.
• Optimize current processes and procedures to improve efficiency.
• Work autonomuously to support group and organizational needs.

Responsibilities

Perform liver in vivo experiments in laboratory animals according to applicable regulations; studies will utilize mice, rats, and other species, as needed

Train and assist technical staff in the performance of in vivo experiments to support Liver and Discovery therapeutic areas.

Responsible for all safety aspects and best practices, and employee training.

Ensure departmental goals and objectives are met and aligned to the broader organizational goals and objectives.

Prioritize and plan projects and workloads, manage resources and personnel scheduling. Write and review animal protocols for IACUC approval

Education and Experience Requirements

• Required Bachelor’s degree/MS in relevant field and 5-8 years of hands on experience with small rodent models. Equivielent experience is acceptable.
• Advanced skills on handling, restraining, dosing and performing a variety of procedures on study animals required.
• Ability to manage large mouse colonies required.
• Keep accurate records, follow instructions, and comply with company policies.
• Experience with AAV vectors is a plus.

Key Skills, Abilities, and Competencies

• Excellent organizational and collaborations skills.
• Strong writing and verbal communication skills.
• Prompt and accurate recording of data.
  

Complexity and Problem Solving

• Demonstrate independent problem solving skills of technical issues; develop solutions to a variety of moderate to complex problems; Discuss with supervisor and refer to policies/practices for guidance.
• Must be comfortable in the fast-paced, biotech start-up environment and interact with multi-disciplinary research teams at Spark.
• Exercise judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action.

Internal and External Contacts

Quality Assurance, Clinical Operations, Pharm/Tox, Discovery, Assay Validation, R&D Operations, Technical Operations, Regulatory Affairs

Please be aware that Spark mandates COVID-19 vaccination of all employees regardless of work location. Accommodations may be made in accordance with applicable law.

Nearest Major Market: Philadelphia

Join the Spark Team

We were born of innovation, springing from the curiosity, imagination and dedication of remarkable scientists and healthcare visionaries. Our shared mission is to challenge the inevitability of genetic disease by discovering, developing, and delivering treatments in ways unimaginable - until now.

We don't follow footsteps. We create the path.