T1D, Research Fellow

Vertex Pharmaceuticals LLC; Leiden; On-site; EUR 177,000 - 265,000; Full time

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals is seeking an experienced physician-scientist to lead translational strategy and disease biology insights for portfolio advancement. You will partner with research, development, manufacturing, and clinical teams to design translational studies and predictive biomarkers, aiming to accelerate first-in-human programs.

The role emphasizes diabetes and cell therapy expertise, cross-functional leadership, and building a high-performing translational research culture.

Qualifications

• MD and/or MD/PhD in a relevant discipline with 10+ years in academic medicine, translational research, biotechnology, pharmaceutical R&D, or related settings.
• Expertise in drug development, translational science, and disease biology.
• Experience in cell therapy, stem cell biology, regenerative medicine, endocrinology, immunology, or related fields.
• Strong track record in diabetes, cell therapy, translational therapeutics, stem cell biology, or related disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Provide disease and mechanistic insight to support product strategy, hypothesis generation, and candidate optimization.
• Lead as physician-scientist and translational strategy leader in partnership with research, development, manufacturing, and clinical teams.
• Design and guide in vitro and in vivo studies aiming for clinical outcomes.
• Lead cross-functional projects with defined goals, priorities, timelines, budgets, and decision points.
• Integrate biological, translational, engineering, manufacturing, and clinical considerations to drive portfolio decisions and product advancement.
• Define and guide development of predictive assays, biomarkers, and translational strategies supporting product advancement.
• Interpret complex datasets and convert findings into clear program recommendations.
• Build and maintain a strong, collaborative, high-performing research culture.

Skills

Translational medicine leadership

Drug development expertise

Diabetes biology

Cell therapy / stem cell biology

Cross-functional leadership

Education

MD or MD/PhD

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Provide disease and mechanistic insight to support product strategy, hypothesis generation, and candidate optimization.
• Serve as a physician-scientist leader for translational strategy in partnership with research, development, manufacturing, and clinical teams.
• Design and guide in vitro and in vivo studies aiming for clinical outcomes.
• Lead cross-functional projects, setting goals, priorities, timelines, budgets, and decision points.
• Integrate biological, translational, engineering, manufacturing, and clinical considerations to drive portfolio decisions and product advancement.
• Define and guide development of predictive assays, biomarkers, and translational strategies supporting product advancement.
• Interpret complex datasets and convert findings into clear program recommendations.
• Build and maintain a strong, collaborative, high-performing research culture.

Required Qualifications

• MD and/or MD/PhD in a relevant discipline with 10+ years in academic medicine, translational research, biotechnology, pharmaceutical R&D, or related settings.
• Expertise in drug development, translational science, and disease biology.
• Experience in cell therapy, stem cell biology, regenerative medicine, endocrinology, immunology, or related fields.
• Strong track record in diabetes, cell therapy, translational therapeutics, stem cell biology, or related disciplines.

Preferred Experience

• Direct experience in Type 1 Diabetes, pancreatic islet biology, stem cell biology, regenerative medicine, or cell therapy.
• Experience with translational biomarkers, predictive assays, and development candidate selection.
• Experience supporting IND-enabling strategies and translation toward first-in-human studies.
• Knowledge of transplantation biology and transplantion immunologyu.
• Familiarity with FDA/EMA regulatory pathways and GCP.

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: $197,400 - $296,200 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.

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.