Discovery Immunology Research Scientist

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

Job summary

The Discovery Immunology Group at Vertex seeks a highly motivated Scientist to advance novel protein therapeutics for autoimmune diseases. This laboratory role focuses on designing, executing and analyzing experiments that probe immune mechanisms, target validation and therapeutic development.

Responsibilities include isolation and culture of human immune cells, multicolor flow cytometry and Incucyte assays, data interpretation, and collaboration with cross-disciplinary teams to drive project

Qualifications

• Hands-on tissue culture of primary human immune cells.
• Strong immunology knowledge, including T and B cell biology.
• Ability to design and execute complex experiments.
• Experience with multicolor flow cytometry and Incucyte assays.
• Experience measuring soluble analytes by ELISA or ECLIA (MSD).
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Collaborative, able to work in a highly interdisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Isolate, culture, and manipulate primary human immune cells and cell lines.
• Design and execute experiments to interrogate immune cell phenotype and function, including flow cytometry and Incucyte assays.
• Troubleshoot experiments and optimize protocols.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data with detailed lab records.
• Collaborate with discovery teams to achieve project goals.
• Prepare data for internal reports and presentations.

Skills

Tissue culture

Immunology

Flow cytometry

Data analysis

Experiment design

Collaboration

Troubleshooting

Education

Ph.D.

Masters

Bachelors

Tools

Flow cytometer

Incucyte

ELISA

ECLIA (MSD)

Job description

Job Description 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.

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.