Discovery Immunology Research Scientist

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 106,000 - 158,000; Full time

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated is seeking a Scientist for the Discovery Immunology Group. The role focuses on discovery and development of protein therapeutics for autoimmune disease, involving hands-on tissue culture, immune assays, and data analysis in a collaborative lab environment.

The candidate will design and execute experiments, interpret results, and contribute to target validation and therapeutic development in a fast-paced setting on-site in Seattle.

Qualifications

• Hands-on tissue culture experience isolating and maintaining primary human immune cells and cell lines.
• Strong immunology foundation with T and B cell biology; eager to learn.
• Ability to design and execute complex experiments in disease-relevant contexts.
• Experience with cell-based immunology assays (multicolor flow cytometry, Incucyte).
• Experience measuring soluble analytes by ELISA or ECLIA (MSD).
• Critical thinking and independence; ability to solve tasks or seek guidance.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; collaborative mindset.

Responsibilities

• Isolate, culture, and manipulate primary human immune cells and cell lines.
• Design and execute experiments to interrogate immune phenotypes and functions.
• Troubleshoot experiments and optimize protocols.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data with meticulous records.
• Collaborate with discovery teams to achieve project goals.
• Prepare data for reports and internal presentations.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Skills

Tissue culture

Immunology knowledge

Experiment design

Flow cytometry

Immunoassay skills (ELISA/ECLIA)

Data analysis

Attention to detail

Collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in molecular/cell biology or related

M.S. in molecular biology or related

B.S. in molecular biology or related

Tools

Incucyte

ELISA

ECLIA (MSD)

Job description

Job Description

The Discovery Immunology Group is seeking a highly motivated Scientist to assist in the discovery and development of novel protein therapeutics to treat patients with autoimmune disease. This is a laboratory-based role where the successful candidate will contribute directly to research efforts by designing, executing, and analyzing experiments related to immune mechanisms, target validation, and therapeutic development. The position requires strong attention to detail and ability to multitask while working in a highly collaborative environment.

General Summary:

The Discovery Immunology Group is seeking a highly motivated Scientist to assist in the discovery and development of novel protein therapeutics to treat patients with autoimmune disease. This is a laboratory-based role where the successful candidate will contribute directly to research efforts by designing, executing, and analyzing experiments related to immune mechanisms, target validation, and therapeutic development. The position requires strong attention to detail and ability to multitask while working in a highly collaborative environment.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Isolate, culture, and manipulate primary human immune cells and cell lines.

• Design and execute experiments to interrogate immune cell phenotype and function, including cell-based multicolor flow cytometry and Incucyte assays.

• Troubleshoot experiments and optimize protocols.

• Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data while maintaining accurate and detailed laboratory records.

• Collaborate with scientists across discovery teams to achieve project goals.

• Prepare data for internal reports and presentations for internal meetings.

• Perform other duties as needed.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Hands‑on tissue culture experience, including the isolation and maintenance of primary human immune cells and human cell lines.

• Solid understanding of immunology, particularly T and B cell biology, and eagerness to acquire new skills.

• Ability to design and execute complex experiments in disease‑relevant contexts.

• Experience with a variety of cell‑based immunology assays to interrogate immune cell phenotype and function including multicolor flow cytometry and Incucyte assays.

• Experience measuring soluble analytes by methods such as ELISA or ECLIA (MSD).

• Critical thinking and self‑reliance to solve tasks independently or ask questions.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Willingness and ability to work in a highly collaborative environment.

Education and Experience:

• Ph.D. (or equivalent degree) in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or related disciplines and 0-3 years of relevant post‑doctoral employment experience, or

• Masters Degree (or equivalent degree) in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or related disciplines and 3+ years of relevant employment experience, or

• Bachelors Degree (or equivalent degree) in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or related disciplines and 6+ years of relevant employment experience

Pay Range:

$105,600 - $158,400

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]