Research Associate Co-Op, Osteoimmunology

At Keros, our mission is to deliver significant clinical benefit to a wide range of patients with disorders that are linked to dysfunctional signaling of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß) family of proteins. With a focus on developing differentiated product candidates that are designed to alter TGF-β signaling, we aim to target the pathways critical for the growth, repair and maintenance of blood cells and a number of tissues, including bone, skeletal muscle, adipose and heart tissue.

We believe our product candidates have the potential to unlock the full therapeutic benefits of modulating the TGF-β superfamily and provide disease-modifying benefit to patients.

Keros Therapeutics, a public, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, is seeking a passionate and motivated Co-Op Research Associate to join our preclinical research team. Keros is a leader in developing novel therapies targeting transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß) family signaling pathways, which regulate blood, muscle, and bone health. The successful candidate for this Co-Op Research Associate position will actively contribute to impactful preclinical research and scientific studies in muscle biology, bone, and immunology to help advance our innovative pipeline.

This position offers immersive, hands-on experience with state-of-the-art in vitro, ex vivo techniques and in vivo procedures in a collaborative, fast-paced laboratory setting. This co-op provides comprehensive scientific mentorship and training, engagement with multidisciplinary project teams, and the opportunity to gain broad exposure to pioneering research at the intersection of discovery and patient care.

• Perform in vitro and ex vivo laboratory research, including cell culture, RNA isolation, and gene expression analysis by qRT-PCR.
• Execute in vitro assays (e.g., Western blot, ELISA) to assess protein expression and therapeutic activity.
• Conduct antibody staining and flow cytometric analysis of bone marrow stem cells and other cell types.
• Maintain clear, accurate experimental records and summarize results in study reports.
• Participate in cross-functional team meetings, providing updates and presenting data.
• Troubleshoot experiments and propose solutions based on literature and team discussions.
• Uphold laboratory safety protocols and Keros Therapeutics’ standards for scientific rigor and documentation.

• Proficiency in cell culture and sterile technique.
• Familiarity with molecular biology methods (e.g., RNA extraction, qRT-PCR, Western blot, ELISA).
• Ability to perform antibody staining and flow cytometry, or strong willingness to learn.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple experiments and prioritize tasks efficiently.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; capable of summarizing and presenting scientific data.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, with a high degree of honesty, integrity, and scientific curiosity.
• Team player, open to feedback, and willing to collaborate across various departments.

• Prior experience in a laboratory setting.
• Interest in stem cell, bone, or muscle biology.
• Experience with data analysis and presentation software (MS Office, Graph Pad Prism, etc.).
• Previous exposure to drug discovery or biopharmaceutical research.

• Current undergraduate or graduate student majoring in animal science, biology, biochemistry, or a related scientific field.

This pay range represents the base hourly rate or base annual full-time salary for all positions in the job grade within which this position falls. The actual base salary offer will depend on a variety of factors including experience, education, and other relevant…