Exploratory Biology Research Scientist

Vertex Pharmaceuticals LLC; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 106,000 - 158,000; Full time

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals LLC in San Diego seeks a Research Scientist, Exploratory Biology to identify disease opportunities and drive experiments that advance understanding of biology and target mechanisms. You will generate high-quality data and contribute to go/no-go decisions with independent work and cross-functional collaboration.

The role involves developing biochemical and cellular assays, translating results into clear hypotheses, and presenting findings to leadership.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. required or equivalent experience in a relevant life-science field.
• Experience designing and executing technically rigorous experiments.
• Proven ability to analyze multidimensional data and draw clear conclusions.

Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate novel disease opportunities aligned with Vertex strategy.
• Design and execute technically rigorous experiments to study biology and targets.
• Analyze complex data and translate findings into hypotheses and next steps.
• Troubleshoot studies and refine methods for quality and impact.
• Prioritize activities across projects and align with team goals.
• Survey literature and incorporate new concepts into research plans.
• Prepare scientific reports and presentations for teams and leadership.
• Contribute to a collaborative, innovative, and rigorous team environment.

Skills

Experimental design

Biochemical assays

Cellular assays

Data analysis

Scientific communication

Independent work

Cross-functional collaboration

Literature review

Hypothesis generation

Education

Ph.D. in Cellular Biology / Biochemistry / Biophysics / Molecular Biology or related

0–3 years postdoctoral or 3+ years with Master’s or 6+ years with Bachelor's

Job description

Job Description The Research Scientist, Exploratory Biology will be responsible for identifying new disease opportunities that align with Vertex research strategy, designing and executing focused research studies to advance understanding of disease biology and target mechanisms, and contributing to informed go/no go decisions. This role will contribute to the development of biochemical and cellular assays, generate high-quality experimental data, and help shape new scientific directions through rigorous analysis and creative problem solving. The successful candidate will work with a strong degree of independence while collaborating effectively across multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced discovery environment.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate novel disease opportunities that align with Vertex research strategy.
• Design and execute technically rigorous experiments to investigate disease biology and target mechanisms.
• Analyze complex experimental data and translate findings into clear hypotheses and next-step recommendations.
• Troubleshoot studies and refine methods to improve experimental quality, efficiency, and impact.
• Prioritize activities across projects and align work with team and company goals.
• Survey relevant scientific literature and incorporate new concepts or approaches into research plans.
• Prepare clear scientific reports and presentations for team meetings, collaborators, and leadership.
• Contribute to a collaborative, innovative, and scientifically rigorous team environment.

Knowledge and Skills

• Ability to design and execute complex experiments with a high degree of scientific rigor.
• Experience developing and applying biochemical and cellular assays.
• Strong understanding of related scientific discipline and relevant literature.
• Demonstrated productivity, experimental creativity, and effective problem solving.
• Ability to analyze multidimensional data and derive clear scientific conclusions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including peer-directed presentations.
• Ability to work independently, design alternative approaches, and adapt to evolving project needs.
• Awareness of related scientific disciplines and ability to collaborate effectively in a cross-functional environment.
• Experience with patient-relevant cellular models or disease-relevant assay systems preferred.

Education & Experience

• Ph.D. in Cellular Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Molecular Biology, or a related discipline; with 0-3 years of relevant post-doctoral experience; or Master's degree with 3+ years of relevant employment experience; or Bachelor's degree with 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.