--- title: 'Senior Scientist, In Vitro and In Vivo Pharmacology at Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/senior-scientist-in-vitro-and-in-vivo-pharmacology-kiniksa-pharmaceuticals-741kzk58sv9y' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-09-14' --- # Senior Scientist, In Vitro and In Vivo Pharmacology at Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals - **Company:** Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals - **Location:** Lexington, MA - **Compensation:** $167k–$174k - **Posted:** 2026-07-13 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-14 - **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/kiniksapharmaceuticals/jobs/4314256009 ## Job description Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals is a commercial‑stage biopharmaceutical company developing and commercializing novel therapies for diseases with unmet need, with a focus on cardiovascular indications. With deep expertise in immunology and inflammation, Kiniksa is advancing a growing portfolio of approved and investigational medicines, anchored by its lead product, ARCALYST®, the first and only FDA‑approved therapy for recurrent pericarditis. Grounded in rigorous science and bold innovation, the company fosters a highly collaborative, patient‑first culture led by accomplished life sciences leaders. At Kiniksa, talented individuals are trusted and empowered to make a real impact—shaping the future of medicine while improving the lives of patients who need it most. Kiniksa is seeking a highly motivated Senior Scientist, In Vitro and In Vivo Pharmacology reporting to GVP, Research & Non-Clinical Development to join our Research organization. This individual will play a key role in advancing biologic drug candidates from discovery through clinical development by designing and executing in vitro and in vivo studies that characterize mechanism of action, target engagement, pharmacodynamic activity, and biomarker responses. The successful candidate will serve as a scientific expert across multidisciplinary project teams and will contribute to the development of innovative therapies for immune-mediated and inflammatory diseases. Particular emphasis will be placed on the characterization of biologics, development of pharmacology assays, and understanding disease biology relevant to protease biology, inflammation, and immune dysregulation. This is an ideal opportunity for a creative, hands-on scientist who thrives at the intersection of pharmacology, immunology, translational medicine, and therapeutic development. The role will collaborate closely with Clinical Development, Clinical Pharmacology, Bioanalysis, and CMC. This role is based in our Lexington, MA office. Our office-based employees follow an onsite schedule of 5 days in the office (Mon-Fri) Responsibilities (including, but not limited to): - Design, execute, and interpret in vitro pharmacology studies to support target validation, lead characterization, and clinical-stage development programs. - Develop mechanistic assays evaluating target engagement, receptor occupancy, signaling pathways, cytokine modulation, immune cell activation, and pharmacodynamic responses. - Establish and optimize cell-based and biochemical assays using primary cells, immortalized cell lines, co-culture systems, and in vivo disease-relevant models. - Generate data packages that support candidate selection, indication prioritization, dose selection rationale, and clinical biomarker strategies. - Identify emerging targets and pathways associated with protease driven  and immune-mediated disease. - Serve as a scientific representative on project teams, contributing to research strategy, development plans, and decision-making. - Collaborate with external CROs, academic investigators, and clinical collaborators. - Present scientific findings to senior leadership and project governance teams. - Author technical reports, study protocols, scientific publications, regulatory support documents, and presentations. Standout Skills for Impact: - Strong experience with in vitro and in vivo pharmacology studies. - Expertise in immunology, inflammation, and biologic drug development. - Hands-on experience developing and optimizing cell-based and mechanistic assays. - Ability to analyze complex scientific data and translate findings into actionable insights. - Strong collaboration and communication skills within cross-functional drug development teams. Qualifications and Experience: - PhD in Pharmacology, Immunology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or related discipline. - Typically 5+ years of relevant biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry experience. - Demonstrated experience supporting discovery and translational development of biologic therapeutics. - Experience working within cross-functional drug development teams from early research through clinical development. Compensation decisions are based on objective criteria including role responsibilities, experience/qualifications, internal equity, geographic location, and external market benchmarks. Pay Range $166,738—$174,397 USD Kiniksa is an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider you without regard to your race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, age, genetics, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status, or any other legally protected category. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. Kiniksa does not accept unsolicited resumes from staffing agencies or search firms. Any resumes submitted without a signed agreement will be considered property of Kiniksa, and no fees will be paid. ## About Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals ## Company Overview - **One-liner**: Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing novel, transformative therapies for patients with significant unmet medical needs, with a primary focus on cardiovascular diseases and immune modulation. - **Entity Type**: Public (NASDAQ: KNSA) - **Headquarters**: Lexington, Massachusetts, USA (with additional offices in La Jolla, CA; Zug, Switzerland; and London, UK) - **Founded**: 2015 - **Founders**: Sanj K. Patel (CEO & Chairman) ## Core Business - **Primary industry/industries**: Biopharmaceuticals, Biotechnology - **Target customers**: Patients, healthcare providers, and payers (B2B/B2C model in specialty pharma) - **Mission or purpose statement**: Dedicated to placing patients first and driving innovation in novel, life-changing therapies to address unmet medical need. The company operates under the belief that "every second makes a difference for patients living with debilitating diseases." ## Products & Services - **ARCALYST® (rilonacept)**: An FDA-approved treatment for recurrent pericarditis — the first and only FDA-approved therapy for this indication. It is an interleukin-1 alpha and beta cytokine trap. - **Mavrilimumab**: A clinical-stage anti-GM-CSF receptor alpha monoclonal antibody. A Phase 2 trial in non-mechanically ventilated severe COVID-19 patients yielded positive results. Kiniksa and Huadong Medicine have a collaboration to develop and commercialize it in the Asia Pacific region (excluding Japan). - **Vixarelimab**: A clinical-stage asset acquired via a global license agreement with Roche and Genentech. It has received FDA Breakthrough Therapy designation for pruritus associated with prurigo nodularis. - **KPL-404**: A clinical-stage asset for which Kiniksa has initiated a first-in-human study with an antigen challenge (TDAR). ## Market Standing - **Valuation/Market Cap**: Approximately $1.7 billion (as of mid-2026) - **Key Metric**: Annual Revenue of $677.6 million (as of mid-2026); Total Funding raised ~$80M in Series A and $170.7M in gross IPO proceeds (2018) - **Notable Investors/Partners**: Huadong Medicine (Asia Pacific collaboration), Roche, Genentech - **Growth Signals**: FDA approvals and breakthrough designations, expanding global footprint (UK, Switzerland, Netherlands offices), headcount of 310 employees and growing, active job postings (36 as of mid-2026) ## Competitive Advantages - **Approved Commercial Product**: ARCALYST® is the first and only FDA-approved therapy for recurrent pericarditis, creating a strong market foothold and revenue stream. - **Strong Pipeline**: Combination of FDA-approved therapy and clinical-stage assets with strong biologic rationale and validated pathways. - **Strategic Collaborations**: Partnerships with Roche/Genentech and Huadong Medicine provide access to global markets and cutting-edge science. - **Leadership**: Led by a team of distinguished life sciences leaders with over 30 years of combined industry experience. ## Strategic Focus - **Current priorities**: Commercializing ARCALYST® and expanding its indications; advancing the pipeline of clinical-stage assets (mavrilimumab, vixarelimab, KPL-404); expanding global presence (especially in Asia Pacific and Europe); pursuing further strategic acquisitions and collaborations. - **Patient-centric innovation**: Focus on immune modulation targeting unmet needs and underserved conditions. ## Why Work Here - **Culture**: Fosters a culture of passion, innovation, and rapid execution. Employees are described as "highly skilled, driven people advancing their careers—and making a difference in patients' lives." - **Commitment to employees**: Kiniksa is intentional about cultivating a highly skilled and passionate team determined to deliver on its promise to patients. - **Work environment**: Global company with offices in the US (Lexington, MA; La Jolla, CA), Switzerland (Zug), and the UK (London). The company offers a collaborative, science-driven environment. - **Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion**: Committed to creating a culture of equality that celebrates diversity and fosters innovation; an Equal Opportunity Employer. - **Perks & Benefits (US)**: - **Healthcare & Well-being**: Robust PPO medical insurance (Blue Cross Blue Shield) with HRA to cover deductible; dental (including orthodontia); vision; flexible spending accounts; fertility benefits and parental leave (up to 10 weeks at 100% pay, plus 6-8 weeks disability for birth parents); behavioral health support via EAP; and mental health programs. - **Financial & Protection**: 401k with traditional and Roth options through Fidelity, with immediate company match; Employee Stock Purchase Plan (15% discount); employer-paid life and AD&D insurance; short- and long-term disability coverage; voluntary additional life insurance. - **Work-Life Balance**: Paid sick and vacation time; company-paid holidays; company-sponsored events and volunteer opportunities. - **Other**: Subsidized lunches; employee referral program; starting coverage on the first day of employment. ## Sources 1. [Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals - About Us](https://www.kiniksa.com/about) 2. [Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals - Join Us](https://www.kiniksa.com/join-us) 3. [Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals - Leadership](https://www.kiniksa.com/leadership) 4. [Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals - LinkedIn Company Page](https://www.linkedin.com/company/kiniksa-pharmaceuticals) 5. 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