Discovery Immunology Principal Research Scientist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Equity awards

Paid time off

Educational assistance

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated is seeking a Discovery Immunology Principal Research Scientist to lead autoimmune disease-focused discovery programs and shape scientific strategy at an on-site laboratory in the Seattle area.

The role requires deep immunology expertise and leadership in early drug discovery, with collaboration across biology, translational science, bioinformatics, and project leadership.

Qualifications

• PhD in immunology or related life science with extensive lab leadership or 10+ years of hands-on experience.
• Significant industry or postdoctoral discovery research and leadership experience.
• Deep expertise in immunology, including cell biology and disease-relevant pathways.
• Ability to design hypothesis-driven studies and translate data into program strategies.
• Strong communication and collaboration in matrixed environments.
• Experience mentoring scientists or leading research teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead discovery immunology programs from target identification to mechanism studies.
• Design and interpret in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies across immunity.
• Develop disease-relevant models and translational strategies.
• Collaborate with chemistry, computational biology, biomarkers, and project management.
• Mentor scientists and foster scientific excellence and learning.
• Track emerging science and contribute to publications and conferences.

Skills

Immunology expertise

Translational science

Experimental biology

Target validation

Flow cytometry

Single-cell analysis

Education

PhD in immunology

Tools

Organoid co-cultures

Single-cell sequencing

Bioinformatics approaches

Job description

Job Description

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.

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.

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

$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]