Scientist – Preclinical

About Terrestrial Bio, Inc.

Terrestrial is transforming the delivery of next-generation therapies, starting with GLP-1.

Terrestrials proprietary Tacterra™ microarray patch (MAP) and applicator platform consists of a patch resembling an adhesive bandage, which is applied with a preloaded applicator and removed after a few minutes. Once applied, each patch delivers bioactive tips into the skin, which dissolve quickly into the body, rapidly releasing their therapeutic payload. Designed for self-administration, the temperature-stable Tacterra™ platform enables precise, controlled delivery of a wide range of therapeutics without medical sharps or refrigeration.

Terrestrial has generated strong clinical and in-vivo proof of concept across multiple molecules. For more information, visit www.terrestrialbio.com.

Why this role

We are seeking a Scientist to lead the scientific side of our preclinical skin delivery work. Reliable delivery through the skin starts with understanding the skin itself. Its properties vary across animals, anatomical sites, and studies, and those differences shape how our microarray patches penetrate and release their payload.

In this role, you will characterize skin across our in vivo and ex vivo models, design the studies that connect skin properties to delivery performance, and turn the results into reports and recommendations that guide development decisions. You will work closely with our in vivo team and study manager, supporting the execution of swine and rat studies as needed, and partner with Formulation, Device Engineering, and Analytical on the questions the data needs to answer.

Reporting to the Associate Director, Nonclinical & Translational Development, this individual contributor role carries scientific ownership of preclinical study design and interpretation. Your work will support IND-enabling studies and help shape how the Tacterra™ platform develops.

What you’ll do

• Lead studies that characterize the mechanical, structural, and barrier properties of skin across in vivo and ex vivo models, and relate those properties to MAP penetration and delivery performance

• Author in vivo and ex vivo study protocols, including endpoints, group sizes, sampling, and analysis plans

• Quantify animal-to-animal and study-to-study variability, trace its sources, and recommend ways to reduce it

• Perform statistical and pharmacokinetic analyses of study data and present findings to the program team

• Track animal biometrics and MAP performance parameters in a longitudinal database, analyzing trends across studies and identifying direct relationships between in vivo outcomes and manufacturing data

• Write study reports and technical summaries and contribute to nonclinical sections of regulatory filings

• Oversee ongoing studies alongside the in vivo team and study manager to keep execution aligned with design

• Support in vivo study execution as needed, including skin biometric measurements in swine and rat models

• Bring preclinical data and interpretation to Formulation, Device Engineering, and Analytical, helping each team answer the questions behind its decisions, and contribute to broader company efforts as priorities require

Who you are

• PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biomaterials, Pharmacology, or a related field, with 2+ years of relevant experience; industry experience preferred, postdoctoral experience considered

• Hands-on experience manipulating and characterizing skin in vivo or ex vivo, such as skin biometric measurements (e.g., thickness, transepidermal water loss, or application-site scoring), mechanical testing, histology, imaging, or penetration studies

• Background in biomaterials, drug delivery, or medical devices; experience with microneedle, transdermal, intradermal, or combination drug-device products highly preferred

• Experience designing and supporting in vivo studies, ideally in swine and/or rats, including endpoint selection and group size determination

• Strong statistical skills, particularly in analyzing biological variability; familiarity with PK analysis is a plus, and we will support candidates who are newer to it

• Experience managing and analyzing large datasets, ideally in R or Python

• A track record of clear technical writing, such as study reports or peer-reviewed publications

• Ability to present data and recommendations clearly to both scientific and non-scientific audiences

• Exposure to IND-enabling work preferred

Compensation: The anticipated base salary range for this position is $110,000 - $130,000. Actual compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors including experience, qualifications, and internal equity.

Onsite expectations: The majority of our roles at Terrestrial are onsite, which allows us to meet both business and team needs. Candidates applying must be willing to be onsite 4-5 days per week.

Location: Woburn, MA and our new, custom facility in Allston MA planned for Q4 of 2026.

At Terrestrial, we’re bringing together exceptional talent to drive our product development forward. We value collaboration, curiosity, and a dynamic work environment. We aim to recruit, employ, train, compensate and promote regardless of race, religion, color, national