Research Associate, In Vitro Pharmacology

Job Description

Alkermes is searching for a highly talented in vitro pharmacologist to join our Research Organization for a full-time permanent position in the Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology group. This is a bench scientist position responsible for executing biochemical, biophysical, and cellular assays to support drug discovery efforts in the CNS therapeutic area. Experience in developing high-throughput biochemical and/or cellular assays using plate-based laboratory instrumentation is required.

The ideal candidate will be responsible for developing and executing structure‑activity relationship (SAR) assays for screening cascades to support lead identification and optimization for CNS small molecule drug discovery. Candidates must possess strong communication skills and ability to deliver clear presentations and should be comfortable working in a team‑oriented environment.

• Optimize and execute biochemical and cell‑based high‑throughput assays for SAR and automated medium‑throughput screening (MTS) campaigns.
• Optimize and execute biophysical assays for compound characterization and screening hit validation.
• Implement rigorous data analysis techniques to identify screening hits and to determine activity of small molecules.
• Participate in advancing the Alkermes pipeline by establishing innovative assay methodologies for SAR, MTS and compound characterization.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues in Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology.
• Deliver clear summaries of research findings to Research team members including presentations at project meetings.
• Highly motivated scientist with ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment.

• Experience with developing 384‑well plate biochemical and/or cell‑based assays using technologies such as calcium mobilization, HTRF, Alpha
  
  LISA, luminescence, fluorescence polarization, etc.
• Experience with liquid handling and automation equipment.
• Strong data analysis skills.
• Familiar with Microsoft Office programs and Graph Pad Prism data analysis software.

• Experience with biophysical assays such as MST or SPR.
• Data analysis using Dotmatics.

• Ability to rapidly learn to operate high throughput laboratory instrumentation including automation and liquid handling equipment and a variety of plate readers.
• Sense of urgency (self‑motivation)
• Strong interdisciplinary communication skills
• Flexibility (Adapt quickly to changes in priorities/directions)

• Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or a related field, with 0–3 years of relevant experience; drug discovery experience in a biotechnology or pharmaceutical setting preferred.

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $92,000 to $101,000. In addition, this position is eligible for an annual performance pay bonus. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, training, knowledge, and experience. Alkermes offers a competitive benefits package. Additional details can be found on our careers website:

Alkermes applies its decades of deep neuroscience expertise to develop medicines designed to help people living with complex and difficult‑to‑treat psychiatric and neurological disorders. A global biopharmaceutical company, headquartered in Ireland with U.S. locations in Massachusetts and Ohio, we seek to make a meaningful difference in the way people manage their diseases. We have a portfolio of proprietary commercial products for the treatment of alcohol dependence, opioid dependence, schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder and narcolepsy, and a pipeline of clinical and preclinical candidates in development for various psychiatric and neurological disorders.

We are proud to have been recognized as an employer of choice by many national organizations. In 2024 and 2025, we were certified as a Great Place to Work in the U.S. and named one of Massachusetts’ Top Places to Work by the Boston Globe, a Best Place to Work in Greater Cincinnati by the Cincinnati Business Courier and recognized as a Best Place to Work in Bio Pharma by Fortune Magazine.

Alkermes, Inc. is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any qualified applicant or employee because of race, creed, color, age, national origin, ancestry, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression and identity, disability, genetic information, veteran status, military status, application for military service or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal law. Alkermes also complies with all work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act and IRCA.

Alkermes is an E‑Verify employer.