High Throughput Biology Senior Research Scientist

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (US); San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 108,000 - 179,000; Full time

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc is seeking a Senior Research Scientist in High Throughput Biology in San Diego, CA, to design and execute advanced experiments for small molecule hit finding campaigns. The role emphasizes managing multiple projects, developing new methodologies, and contributing to patents and publications.

PhD or advanced degree with 2–8 years relevant experience are expected, with strong biology foundation.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. (or equivalent) with post-doctoral experience or a Master’s with significant relevant experience or a Bachelors with extensive relevant experience.
• Strong background in cellular biology, biochemistry or biophysics and ability to design complex experiments.
• Ability to distill data into clear hypotheses and new directions.

Responsibilities

• Designs and performs technically challenging experiments.
• Distills multidimensional data into clear hypotheses and directions.
• Prioritizes studies across projects and manages multi-target efforts.
• Develops new methodologies to address key questions.
• Reviews literature and integrates cross-disciplinary concepts.
• Contributes to patents and publications.

Skills

Experimental design

Data interpretation

Critical thinking

Scientific communication

Project management

Education

PhD in cellular biology/biochemistry/biophysics

2–5 years post-doc experience

Master's degree in related field

Bachelor's degree in related field

Job description

Job Description General Summary

The High Throughput Biology Senior Research Scientist is responsible for experimental productivity and emerging creativity and versatility. The Senior Research Scientist designs and executes experiments for major research projects. These may include the development of cells and prosecution of biochemical and cellular assays for small molecule hit finding campaigns. Demonstrates resourcefulness in running multiple activities concurrently, all related to achievement of goals/ objectives. Adapts to new projects rapidly and to multiple projects effectively ensuring alignment with corporate goals. The Senior Research Scientist commands a deep understand of specialized discipline(s) and possesses diverse project experience and a broad panorama of (relevant) literature familiarity.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Designs and performs technically challenging experiments
• Distills complicated, multidimensional data to clear hypotheses and new experimental directions
• Prioritizes own studies within Projects and balances activities across Projects effectively
• Performs advanced, complex experimental troubleshooting and methods development “Multi-tasks” to a modest degree and effectively manages efforts on multiple targets or themes
• Innovates on research methodology, in order to address more important questions
• Scours relevant scientific literature within field and surveys broadly beyond own discipline/field “Imports” new principles/concepts from other fields to develop useful new experimental approaches
• Researches external intellectual property relevant to Project(s) and areas of pursuit
• Contributes substantively to patent and publication preparation
• Performs other duties as assigned

Knowledge and Skills

Ability to design and execute more challenging experiments. A broad working knowledge of fundamental biology principles. Demonstrates astute understanding of how to deploy own talents most effectively Maintains a broad knowledge of relevant science beyond own discrete field(s) Demonstrates increased fluency in new fields and projects more quickly and generally handles “multi-tasking” better Displays greater ability to productively disseminate ideas across discipline- and Project-boundaries Communicates more effectively in verbal presentations and in writing technical reports Demonstrates ability to solve problems to attain crucial Project goals

Education and Experience

Ph.D. (or equivalent degree) in cellular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, or related disciplines and 2-5 years of relevant post-doctoral employment experience, or Masters Degree (or equivalent degree) in cellular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, or related disciplines and 5+ years of relevant employment experience, or Bachelors Degree (or equivalent degree) in cellular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, or related disciplines and 8+ years of relevant employment experience

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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: $119,600 - $179,400 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.

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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 and conditions. The company has approved therapies for cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, transfusion‑dependent beta thalassemia, acute pain and acromegaly, and it continues to advance clinical and research programs in these areas. 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 IgA nephropathy, neuropathic pain, APOL1‑mediated kidney disease, primary membranous nephropathy, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, ACTH‑dependent Cushing’s syndrome, autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, type 1 diabetes, generalized myasthenia gravis, and myotonic dystrophy type1.

Vertex was founded in 1989 and has its global headquarters in Boston, with international headquarters 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 16 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 LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X

We believe our culture is one of Vertex’s greatest strengths and a key enabler of our ability to deliver transformative medicines for patients who need them. Rooted in innovation, purpose and collaboration, our culture empowers people to take smart risks, challenge conventional thinking and do their best work. The diversity of our people is central to that culture. By bringing together individuals with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives, we foster an environment where new ideas thrive, better decisions are made and breakthrough innovation is possible. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, included and connected to our shared mission, because we know that our unique culture and the collective strength of our people are what set Vertex apart.