Associate Scientist, In Vitro Pharmacology

About the Company

Alloy Therapeutics is a biotechnology ecosystem company focused on helping the global scientific community create better medicines together. Through a network of partners, it broadens affordable, non-exclusive access to pre-competitive tools, technologies, services, and company-building capabilities that support therapeutic biologics discovery and development. The organization serves academic researchers, small and mid-sized biotech firms, and large biopharma companies alike. Its philosophy is to compete on delivering the best medicines to patients as quickly as possible rather than on limiting access to leading platforms. In line with that mission, the company reinvests 100% of its revenue into innovation and greater access to innovation.

Headquartered in Waltham, MA, Alloy also operates labs in Cambridge, UK; Basel, Switzerland; and Athens, GA. Team members are expected to work with accountability, trust, and open communication, while helping preserve a nimble startup-style culture across the global organization.

Work Location and Environment

This is a full-time, on-site role based in Waltham, MA. The company follows a mentorship-through-apprenticeship approach across roles and expects in-office presence when needed for collaboration and face-to-face interaction. Because the lab operates continuously, including 7 days a week and 365 days a year, the team values colleagues whose roles allow flexibility and encourages mutual respect across the workforce.

Team Overview

The In Vitro Pharmacology team partners with drug discovery collaborators to run in vitro studies on therapeutic candidates across multiple modalities. The group performs functional screening and characterization of biologics to help identify and select lead candidates. Current programs focus mainly on monoclonal, multispecific, and TCR-mimic antibodies, while also extending into cell therapies and genetic medicines. As the company grows, the team is also adding mechanistic studies to strengthen preclinical development and translational research.

Role Summary

Alloy is looking for a driven Associate Scientist to support in vitro screening and preclinical development in a fast-moving environment. The role centers on running cell-based functional assays that assess potency, mechanism of action, and other pharmacological attributes of biologic therapeutics. Success in this position depends on strong organization, scientific rigor, flexibility, and the ability to work effectively in a matrixed team environment. The role reports to the Associate Director, In Vitro Pharmacology and contributes to biologics discovery and rapid decision-making across programs.

Key Impact Areas

• Carry out in vitro characterization and functional assay work to screen candidate molecules.
• Refine experimental workflows so data can be generated more efficiently and effectively.
• Help deliver screening efforts for monoclonal, multispecific, and TCR-mimic antibody programs within project timelines.
• Partner with cross-functional teams across Alloy sites in an inclusive, collaborative setting.
• Explain scientific ideas, experimental outcomes, and interpretations clearly to internal and external audiences.

Principal Responsibilities

• Plan, improve, and run cell-based assays such as cell-binding, blocking, and functional assays using immortalized cell lines, primary cells, and other disease-relevant systems.
• Maintain cell cultures using proper aseptic technique.
• Handle human leukopaks and isolate as well as characterize human PBMCs.
• Support routine lab operations and experimental execution on a day-to-day basis.
• Work effectively with internal teams and external partners to advance projects and obtain needed test materials and reagents.
• Share data and findings during team and department meetings.
• Complete project tasks on schedule in line with project plans and priorities.
• Keep thorough and accurate lab records that meet industry expectations.
• Maintain an orderly laboratory and follow safety requirements.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate holds a B.S. and M.S. in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or a closely related discipline and brings 2 to 4 years of relevant industry experience. A solid grounding in immunology plus substantial hands-on lab experience are required. Strong cell culture and flow cytometry experience are also essential. Experience with antibody therapeutics is preferred. Candidates should be comfortable with core cell and molecular biology methods such as ELISA/MSD, AlphaLISA, and similar assays. The role also calls for the ability to troubleshoot, maintain, and optimize instruments. Experience with immune cell-based assays, human blood handling, leukopak processing, PBMC isolation, and isolating or expanding primary immune cell subsets would be an advantage. Strong organization, communication, teamwork, multitasking, and scientific judgment are important, along with enthusiasm for drug discovery and improving patient outcomes.

Benefits and Compensation

The company offers competitive base pay plus equity based on experience and independence, along with a 401(k) company match. Health benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for personal and family needs, with 100% of premiums and deductibles covered. Additional protections include company-paid short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance, as well as paid parental leave. Family planning support of up to $45,000 is available for needs such as IVF/PGT, adoption, surrogacy, and egg retrieval.

Additional perks include unlimited PTO and flexible schedules, an annual continuing education stipend tied to a personalized professional development plan, and wellness resources through an extensive employee assistance program that supports mental well-being.

Pay Transparency

The estimated base salary range for this position is $94,000 to $110,000. Final compensation will depend on experience, skills, and fit with the company’s needs. The role is also eligible for equity compensation.

Equal Opportunity and Accessibility

Alloy Therapeutics is an equal opportunity employer. Every qualified applicant is considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or other protected status. Applicants who need assistance due to assistive technology incompatibility or a disability may contact the recruiting team for support, and the company will make reasonable efforts to respond promptly.