Molecular & Cell Biology Research Scientist

Vertex Pharmaceuticals is searching for a highly motivated cell and molecular biology scientistto 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 and assay iPSC-derived neurons.

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 will 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.

• Assist discovery project teams with the development of cell-based assays for small molecule discovery

• Execute 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:

• Expertise in iPSC differentiation towards neuronal lineages

• Experience with MEA, calcium imaging and other relevant functional assessment of iPSC derived neurons is required

• Extensive cell and molecular biology experience including mechanism of action studies

• Experience with assay development and testing small molecules is required

• 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 0-3 years of relevant post-doctoral employment experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.