Lead Optical Imaging Scientist: Microscopy & Instrumentation

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 144,000 - 217,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision

PTO with company shutdown

Education assistance including student

Commuting subsidy

Matching donations

401(k)

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals in San Diego is seeking a Principal Scientist with expertise in optical design, microscopy and functional imaging to advance custom instruments for drug discovery. You will collaborate with physicists, biologists, chemists and engineers to design prototype optical instruments, run proof-of-concept experiments, and optimize assays in partnership with biology teams.

The role provides potential pathways to scientific leadership or expanding supervisory responsibilities within

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Physical Chemistry, Bioengineering or related field with 8+ years of relevant experience.
• Hands-on experience applying optical techniques in imaging platforms or technologies in biological research.
• Proficiency in programming for data analysis and instrument control.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to understand project needs and identify opportunities for custom instrumentation impact.
• Align stakeholders and propose new projects to senior leaders.
• Design and build prototype optical instruments.
• Conduct proof-of-concept experiments and optimize assays with biologists and chemists.
• Work with engineers to design production-ready instruments for automation in drug discovery.
• Communicate findings through reports, presentations, and discussions.

Skills

Optical design

Engineering design

Automation & HTS

Pharma research

Communication

Mentoring

Problem solving

Python

Education

PhD in Physics/Bioengineering

Tools

Python

Job description

Vertex Pharmaceuticals in San Diego is seeking a Principal Scientist with expertise in optical design, microscopy and functional imaging to advance custom instruments for drug discovery. You will collaborate with physicists, biologists, chemists and engineers to design prototype optical instruments, run proof-of-concept experiments, and optimize assays in partnership with biology teams.

The role provides potential pathways to scientific leadership or expanding supervisory responsibilities within