Computational Genomics Senior Research Scientist

Vertex Pharmaceuticals; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Paid time off including company-wide休

Educational assistance programs

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals in San Diego seeks a Senior Research Scientist in Computational Genomics to advance human genetics and genomics studies with cutting-edge computational approaches, including AI. You will join the Data and Computational Sciences group at the San Diego site and work on on-site or hybrid arrangements with at least three days per week on-site.

Responsibilities include designing and leading genetic/genomic studies, translating data into actionable insights, and collaborating

Qualifications

• PhD (or related field) with 3+ years post‑doc/industry experience, or Master’s with 8+ years.
• Proficiency in programming (R, Python), Unix/Linux, and HPC environments.
• Experience applying computational methods to human genetics, genomics, and NGS data.

Responsibilities

• Identify scientific questions through human genetics and genomics.
• Design, execute, and interpret genetic/genomic/multi-omic studies to advance discovery and biomarkers.
• Apply computational approaches to analyze complex biological datasets and generate insights.
• Communicate conclusions, limitations, and next steps to diverse audiences.
• Collaborate to integrate AI technologies to accelerate discovery and improve analyses.
• Contribute to scientific publications, internal reports, and regulatory submissions.

Skills

Human genetics

Genomics

Computational analyses

Machine learning / AI

Scientific communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

PhD in computational biology

Post‑doc/industry experience

Tools

R

Python

Unix/Linux

High-performance computing

Job description

Job Description We are seeking a Senior Research Scientist in Computational Genomics to join Vertex's Data and Computational Sciences organization at our San Diego research site. In this role, you will work at the intersection of human genetics, genomics, and modern computational approaches, including emerging AI technologies, to accelerate the development of transformative therapies for serious human diseases. Working closely with cross‑functional disease project teams, you will help shape the development of novel therapies in areas including lung diseases and pain by designing human genetic and genomics studies and translating complex datasets into insights that inform program strategy, target evaluation, biomarker development, and mechanistic understanding. You will take ownership of analyses from biological question to actionable recommendation and help guide the application of genomics and human genetics across discovery programs. Success in this role will require scientific independence, sound judgment, and effective collaboration across disease biology, experimental genomics, translational research, computational sciences, and project leadership. This position is based in San Diego, CA and is eligible for on‑site or hybrid work, with an expectation of at least three days per week on‑site.

Key responsibilities:

• Partner closely with cross-functional project teams to identify critical scientific questions that can be addressed through human genetics, genomics, sequencing, and computational analyses.
• Design, execute, and interpret human genetic, genomic, and multi-omic studies that advance target discovery, target validation, biomarker development, and mechanistic understanding.
• Apply and develop computational and statistical approaches to analyze complex biological datasets, integrating internal data with publicly available resources to generate actionable insights.
• Take ownership of analyses from biological question through recommendation, clearly communicating conclusions, limitations, and proposed next steps to diverse scientific audiences.
• Help shape genomics strategies across discovery programs, ensuring that study design, analysis plans, and interpretation are scientifically rigorous and aligned with project objectives.
• Collaborate with computational and experimental scientists to identify opportunities where emerging computational approaches, including machine learning and AI technologies, can accelerate biological discovery and enhance the analysis and interpretation of genomic and human genetic data.
• Contribute to scientific publications, internal reports, regulatory submissions, and other communications that support research and development activities.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Deep understanding of human genetics, genomics, and their application to disease biology, target discovery, and therapeutic development.
• Strong scientific judgment and the ability to translate complex datasets into clear conclusions, recommendations, and next steps.
• Ability to independently drive scientific questions from study design through interpretation and influence project decision‑making.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to convey complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences.
• Interest in evaluating and applying emerging computational approaches, including machine learning and AI technologies, where they can meaningfully advance biological discovery.
• A team-oriented growth mindset that welcomes feedback from others and supports other team members; a positive attitude that enthusiastically tackles and overcomes challenges.

Minimum Qualifications:

• PhD in computational biology, bioinformatics, genomics, human genetics, systems biology, bioengineering, or a related field, with 3+ years of relevant post‑doctoral or industry experience; or Master's degree in a related field with 8+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Demonstrated excellence in the analysis, visualization, and interpretation of human genetics, genomic, and next‑generation sequencing (NGS) data.
• Experience applying computational methods and bioinformatics tools to large‑scale biological datasets.
• Proficiency in programming (R, Python), Unix/Linux environments, and high‑performance computing systems.
• Solid foundation in statistics and genetics, including the role of human genetic variation in disease biology.

#LI-KM1 #LI-Hybrid

Pay Range: $129,900 - $194,900 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.

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

Flex Designation: Hybrid-Eligible Or On‑Site Eligible Flex Eligibility Status: In this Hybrid‑Eligible role, you can choose to be designated as: 1. Hybrid: work remotely up to two days per week; or select 2. On‑Site: work five days per week on‑site with ad hoc flexibility.

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. The company has approved medicines that treat the underlying causes of multiple chronic, life‑shortening genetic diseases — cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease and transfusion‑dependent beta thalassemia — and continues to advance clinical and research programs in other serious diseases. 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 APOL1‑mediated kidney disease, acute and neuropathic pain, type 1 diabetes, myotonic dystrophy type 1 and alpha‑1 antitrypsin deficiency. Founded in 1989 in Cambridge, Mass., Vertex's global headquarters is now located in Boston's Innovation District and its international headquarters is 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 14 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 Facebook, Twitter/X , LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram. The diversity and authenticity of our people is part of what makes Vertex unique, and we recognize that each employee brings diverse perspectives and strengths. By embracing those strengths and celebrating differences, we are fostering an inclusive culture where each of us can bring our authentic selves to work, inspire innovation together, and change people’s lives. Our vision is clear: to be the place where an authentic, diverse mix of talent want to come, to stay, and do their best work.