Discovery Immunology Principal Research Scientist

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

Job summary

Vertex is seeking a highly motivated Discovery Immunology Principal Research Scientist to lead immunology discovery programs focused on autoimmune diseases. This on-site, laboratory-based role involves shaping strategy, identifying targets, validating mechanisms, and advancing early drug discovery in a collaborative biotech environment.

The successful candidate will design and interpret in vitro/in vivo studies, develop disease models, and mentor scientists while contributing to publications and

Qualifications

• Deep expertise in autoimmune/inflammatory immune-mediated diseases.
• Immunology assay development and cell-based testing; immune-stromal or organoid co-cultures preferred.
• Immune-cell profiling, flow cytometry, and multi-parameter analyses.
• 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 scientific contributions.

Responsibilities

• Lead discovery immunology programs from target identification through mechanism-of-action studies.
• Design, oversee, and interpret in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies across innate and adaptive immunity.
• Develop disease-relevant models, innovative approaches, and translational strategies.
• Collaborate with biology, translational sciences, biomarkers, and project leadership to guide programs.
• Mentor scientists and foster scientific excellence and collaboration.
• Track emerging science and communicate findings to stakeholders and leaders.

Skills

Autoimmune diseases

Immunology assays

Flow cytometry

Molecular analyses

Target validation

Single-cell/bioinformatics

Publications

Education

PhD in Immunology

Bachelor's + 10 years experience

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.
• 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].

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 these 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.