Discovery Immunology Principal Research Scientist

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Equity awards

Commuting subsidy

Student loan repayment

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated seeks a Discovery Immunology Principal Research Scientist to lead autoimmune disease-focused immunology discovery programs. You will shape strategy, identify targets, and advance early drug discovery in a collaborative biotech environment.

The role partners with biology, translational sciences, bioinformatics, drug discovery, and project leadership; it is an on-site, laboratory-based position with opportunities to publish and present findings.

Qualifications

• PhD in immunology or related life science or 10+ years in lab roles.
• Industry or postdoc discovery research with leadership experience.
• Deep immunology expertise including cell biology and signaling.
• Design hypothesis-driven studies and translate to programs.
• Strong communication and collaboration across teams.
• Experience mentoring scientists or leading research teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead discovery immunology programs from target ID to mechanism studies.
• Design and interpret in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies.
• Develop disease-relevant models and translational strategies.
• Collaborate with chemistry, bioinformatics, biomarkers and PM teams.
• Mentor scientists and foster scientific excellence.
• Track emerging science and contribute to publications and presentations.

Education

PhD in immunology, cell biology, molecular biology or related life science

10+ years hands-on laboratory experience (Bachelor degree path)

Industry or postdoctoral discovery research leadership

Immunology, immune cell biology, inflammatory signaling

Ability to design hypothesis-driven studies and translate findings

Strong communication and collaboration in matrixed environments

Mentoring scientists or leading research teams

Tools

Flow cytometry

Single-cell analysis

Job description

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.

#LI-Onsite

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]