Senior Research Associate Biologics/Bioconjugation

Vertex Pharmaceuticals LLC; Leiden; On-site; EUR 67,000 - 101,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental and vision

Paid time off

Educational assistance

Commuting subsidy

401(k)

Job summary

Vertex is seeking a talented Senior Research Associate to join a collaborative Bioconjugation team in Boston, focused on lipid nanoparticle (tLNP) conjugation and purification. In this lab‑based role, you will execute and optimize lab workflows, analyze data, and contribute to platform development with independent initiative.

You should bring hands‑on experience with conjugation strategies, DLS, HPLC, and related assays, and be prepared to present results in oral and written formats in Vertex’s

Qualifications

• Hands on experience in various conjugation strategies.
• Preferred experience in Antibody drug conjugates or Antibody oligonucleotide conjugation.
• Proficiency in LNP characterization techniques such as DLS and HPLC.
• Experience with tangential flow filtration and sterile filtration.
• Ability to present results in both oral and written formats.

Responsibilities

• Execute routine conjugations of ligands, scaffolds, and peptides to LNPs.
• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot tLNP conjugation and purification processes.
• Analyze tLNP attributes using DLS, Ribogreen assays, HPLC, and related methods.
• Plan experiments and conduct work with limited supervision as required.
• Maintain records, prepare summaries, and present findings to the team.
• Support platform development and documentation related to conjugation.

Skills

Conjugation strategies

tLNP conjugation

DLS

HPLC

Antibody drug conjugates

Education

Bachelor's degree in biological sciences

Master's degree (or equivalent)

Tools

TFF (Tangential Flow Filtration)

Sterile filtration

RiboGreen assay

Job description

Vertex is seeking a talented Senior Research Associate to join a collaborative research team focused on Biologics conjugation and optimization in Boston, MA. The group’s mission is to deliver next generation biologics and genetic therapies impacting several therapeutic areas. We are looking for a candidate with a strong desire to support the development of targeted lipid nanoparticle (tLNP). In this lab‑based role, ideal candidate will execute and improve laboratory workflows for lipid nanoparticle (LNP) conjugation and purification. The candidate should be independent, accustomed to taking initiative, and bring enthusiasm and intellectual curiosity to Vertex’s fast‑paced research environment.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Execute routine conjugations of various ligands, scaffolds, and peptides to LNPs using established and emerging methods
• Assist with the development, optimization, and troubleshooting of tLNP conjugation and purification processes at bench and pilot scales
• Analyze tLNP critical quality attributes using techniques such as Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), RiboGreen assays, HPLC, and related analytical methods
• Participates in planning of experiments and may perform some experiments with limited supervision demonstrating responsible follow‑up
• Analyze experimental data, maintain detailed records in ELNs, and prepare summaries and presentations for internal team discussions
• Contribute to technical discussions and documentation related to conjugation platform development and intellectual property
• Maintain laboratory organization, supplies, and reagent inventories for the Bioconjugation team.

Knowledge and Skills

• Hands on experience in various conjugation strategies.
• Preferred experience working in Antibody drug conjugates or Antibody oligonucleotide conjugation
• Proficiency in LNP characterization techniques such as DLS, Ribogreen assay, and HPLC methods is preferred
• Experience with tangential flow filtration (TFF) and sterile filtration preferred
• Exhibits reliable ability to interpret routine, uncomplicated data
• Applies technical knowledge to optimize some commonplace experimental procedures
• Displays emerging ability to modify experimental designs and protocols to enable experimental and/or methodological improvement
• Ability to present results in both oral and written reports

Education and Experience

Bachelors Degree in biological sciences and 4+ years of relevant employment experience or Masters Degree (or equivalent degree) and 0-2 years of experience

At Vertex, we embrace continuous learning and encourage employees to stay informed on advances in AI, technology, automation, and industry trends. We seek talent who bring an external perspective, demonstrate curiosity and sound judgment, and thoughtfully adopt new capabilities that improve decision‑making, drive innovation, increase efficiency, and help deliver better outcomes for patients.

Pay Range

Pay Range: $74,800 - $112,200

Disclosure Statement: The range provided is based on what we believe is a reasonable estimate for the base salary pay range for this job at the time of posting. This role is eligible for an annual bonus and annual equity awards. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. Actual base salary pay will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, and other job‑related factors permitted by law. At Vertex, our Total Rewards offerings also include inclusive market‑leading benefits to meet our employees wherever they are in their career, financial, family and wellbeing journey while providing flexibility and resources to support their growth and aspirations.

Flex Designation

On‑Site Designated Flex Eligibility Status: In this On‑Site designated role, you will work five days per week on‑site with ad hoc flexibility. Note: The Flex status for this position is subject to Vertex’s Policy on Flex @ Vertex Program and may be changed at any time.

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 [e-mail].

Help Us Achieve Our Mission Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people with serious diseases and conditions. The company has approved therapies for cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, transfusion‑dependent beta thalassemia, acute pain and acromegaly, and it continues to advance clinical and research programs in these areas. Vertex also has a robust clinical pipeline of investigational therapies across a range of modalities in other serious diseases where it has deep insight into causal human biology, including IgA nephropathy, neuropathic pain, APOL1‑mediated kidney disease, primary membranous nephropathy, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, ACTH‑dependent Cushing’s syndrome, autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, type 1 diabetes, generalized myasthenia gravis, and myotonic dystrophy type 1.

Vertex was founded in 1989 and has its global headquarters in Boston, with international headquarters in London. Additionally, the company has research and development sites and commercial offices in North America, Europe, Australia, Latin America and the Middle East. Vertex is consistently recognized as one of the industry's top places to work, including 17 consecutive years on Science magazine’s Top Employers list and one of Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For.

For company updates and to learn more about Vertex's history of innovation, visit www.vrtx.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X. We believe our culture is one of Vertex’s greatest strengths and a key enabler of our ability to deliver transformative medicines for patients who need them. Rooted in innovation, purpose and collaboration, our culture empowers people to take smart risks, challenge conventional thinking and do their best work. The diversity of our people is central to that culture. By bringing together individuals with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives, we foster an environment where new ideas thrive, better decisions are made and breakthrough innovation is possible. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, included and connected to our shared mission, because we know that our unique culture and the collective strength of our people are what set Vertex apart.

• medical, dental and vision benefits
• generous paid time off (including a week‑long company shutdown in the Summer and the Winter)
• educational assistance programs including student loan repayment
• generous commuting subsidy
• matching charitable donations
• 401(k) and so much more.