Sr. Research Scientist, Molecular & Cell Biology

Job Description

Vertex Pharmaceuticals is searching for a highly motivated Cell and Molecular Biology Senior Research scientist to join the Human Cell Models (HCM) team at the Boston Research site. The successful applicant will work with a cross-functional team to develop disease relevant cell models and assays to understand disease biology and enable small molecule discovery and mechanism of action studies. The ideal candidate will have experience with complex human cell models and cell-based phenotypic assays, including demonstrated work to generate, scale-up and assay iPSC-derived neurons and additional relevant cell models.

This role will require a creative thinker to propose innovative strategies using cutting edge technologies to crack the biology of challenging diseases. The successful applicant may liaise with disease project teams across all areas of the Vertex drug discovery portfolio and the Research Scientist may be a member of multiple discovery project teams. Excellent communication and collaborative skills are required.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Build robust cell models that recapitulate aspects of disease biology using patient-derived cells
• Design, execute and analyze experiments independently while simultaneously working in close collaboration with team members
• Engineering, characterization and culturing of induced pluripotent stem cells and differentiation towards desired lineages including neurons and cardiomyocytes
• Build tool cell models via genetic engineering to knock in point mutations or genes of interest
• Lead establishment and execution of protocols for scale up of cell models including iPSC derived neurons for small molecule drug discovery. Large scale tissue culture and automation experience is desired.
• Perform assays and mechanism of action studies in cell models to address key questions related to disease or compound mechanism
• Analyze and present results, and recommend courses of action based on datasets and discussions with biologists and chemists
• Be a key member of the HCM team and serve as a strong representative on interdisciplinary project teams
• Collaborate closely with project leaders and functional leaders to deliver on project goals with aggressive timelines
• Present data to research teams and site leadership in a clear and compelling manner

Knowledge and Skills:

• Proven expertise in human pluripotent stem cell culture, characterization, and differentiation towards neurons, cardiomyocytes and/or erythroid cells for disease modeling
• Expertise with model development for high throughput screening, assay miniaturization and automation
• Extensive cell and molecular biology experience including mechanism of action studies
• Excellent record keeping and documentation skills required
• Excellent troubleshooting and multi-tasking skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently are required
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a highly collaborative team environment
• A desire to be part of a highly innovative company aimed at transforming the lives of people with serious diseases, their families and society

Education and Experience:

• Ph.D. (or equivalent degree) in cellular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, or related disciplines and 2-5 years of relevant post-doctoral employment experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.

Pay Range:

Disclosure Statement:

Flex Designation:

Flex Eligibility Status:

Company Information

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation.

Vertex is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Vertex is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. Vertex will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.

Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should make a request to the recruiter or hiring manager, or contact Talent Acquisition at ApplicationAssistance@vrtx.com