Principal Discovery Immunologist for Autoimmune Disease

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Equity awards

Commuting subsidy

Student loan repayment

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated seeks a Discovery Immunology Principal Research Scientist to lead autoimmune disease-focused immunology discovery programs. You will shape strategy, identify targets, and advance early drug discovery in a collaborative biotech environment.

The role partners with biology, translational sciences, bioinformatics, drug discovery, and project leadership; it is an on-site, laboratory-based position with opportunities to publish and present findings.

Qualifications

• PhD in immunology or related life science or 10+ years in lab roles.
• Industry or postdoc discovery research with leadership experience.
• Deep immunology expertise including cell biology and signaling.
• Design hypothesis-driven studies and translate to programs.
• Strong communication and collaboration across teams.
• Experience mentoring scientists or leading research teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead discovery immunology programs from target ID to mechanism studies.
• Design and interpret in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies.
• Develop disease-relevant models and translational strategies.
• Collaborate with chemistry, bioinformatics, biomarkers and PM teams.
• Mentor scientists and foster scientific excellence.
• Track emerging science and contribute to publications and presentations.

Education

PhD in immunology, cell biology, molecular biology or related life science

10+ years hands-on laboratory experience (Bachelor degree path)

Industry or postdoctoral discovery research leadership

Immunology, immune cell biology, inflammatory signaling

Ability to design hypothesis-driven studies and translate findings

Strong communication and collaboration in matrixed environments

Mentoring scientists or leading research teams

Tools

Flow cytometry

Single-cell analysis

Job description

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated seeks a Discovery Immunology Principal Research Scientist to lead autoimmune disease-focused immunology discovery programs. You will shape strategy, identify targets, and advance early drug discovery in a collaborative biotech environment.

The role partners with biology, translational sciences, bioinformatics, drug discovery, and project leadership; it is an on-site, laboratory-based position with opportunities to publish and present findings.