Discovery Immunology Principal Research Scientist

Vertex Pharmaceuticals

Seattle (WA)

On-site

USD 140,000 - 210,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Paid time off

Educational assistance

Commuting subsidy

401(k)

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals in Seattle is seeking a Discovery Immunology Principal Research Scientist to lead immunology discovery programs for autoimmune diseases. You will shape scientific strategy, identify and validate targets, and advance early drug discovery in a collaborative biotechnology setting.

The role is on-site, lab-based, with opportunities to mentor scientists, publish findings, and collaborate across biology, translational sciences, bioinformatics, and project leadership.

Qualifications

PhD in immunology, cell biology, molecular biology, or related field; or a bachelor’s with 10+ years hands-on lab experience.
Industry or postdoctoral discovery research experience with leadership and ownership of early-stage programs.

Responsibilities

Lead discovery immunology programs from target identification to mechanism studies.
Design and oversee in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies across innate and adaptive immunity.
Develop disease-relevant models and translational strategies.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to guide programs and communicate findings.

Skills

Immunology expertise

Immunology assay development

Flow cytometry

Genomics/proteomics

Translational science

Scientific leadership

Mentoring

Education

PhD in immunology or related life science

Bachelor's + 10 years relevant lab exp

Tools

Single-cell analytics

Organoid co-cultures

Job description

General Summary

Vertex is seeking a highly motivated Discovery Immunology Principal Research Scientist, to lead immunology discovery programs focused on autoimmune diseases. The successful candidate will shape scientific strategy, identify and validate therapeutic targets, investigate disease mechanisms, and advance early drug discovery. This role requires deep expertise in immunology, translational science, and experimental biology, as well as a record of leading complex research in a collaborative biotechnology environment.

The position partners closely with teams in biology, translational sciences, bioinformatics, drug discovery, and project leadership. This is an on-site, laboratory-based role.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Lead discovery immunology programs from target identification and validation through mechanism-of-action studies and scientific strategy.
Design, oversee, and interpret in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies across innate and adaptive immunity.
Develop disease-relevant models, innovative experimental approaches, and translational strategies.
Collaborate with chemistry, computational biology, translational research, biomarkers, and project management to guide programs and communicate findings to stakeholders and leaders.
Mentor scientists and foster scientific excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning.
Track emerging science, technologies, and the competitive landscape; contribute to publications, presentations, and conferences.

Knowledge and Skills

Expertise in autoimmune, inflammatory, immune-mediated diseases.
Immunology assay development, cell-based testing, and mechanistic studies; experience with immune-stromal cell or organoid co-cultures is preferred.
Immune-cell profiling, flow cytometry, and multiparameter functional analysis.
Molecular, biochemical, cytokine, and immune-signaling analyses.
Target validation, pathway interrogation, and preclinical disease models.
Familiarity with single-cell, genomic, proteomic, systems-immunology, or bioinformatics approaches.
Strong publication record and recognized scientific contributions.

Education and Experience

PhD in immunology, cell biology, molecular biology, or a related life science; or a bachelor's degree with at least 10 years of hands-on laboratory experience.
Substantial industry or postdoctoral discovery research experience, including scientific leadership and ownership of early-stage programs.
Deep expertise in immunology, including immune cell biology, inflammatory signaling, and disease-relevant pathways.
Ability to design hypothesis-driven studies, interpret complex data, and translate findings into actionable program strategies.
Strong communication and collaboration skills in matrixed research environments.
Experience mentoring scientists or leading research teams.

Pay Range

$140,000 - $210,000

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. 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

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.