Principal Optical Scientist: Advanced Microscopy & Imaging

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

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Equity awards

Commuting subsidy

Paid time off

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals seeks an experienced Principal Scientist focused on optical design, microscopy, and functional imaging at our San Diego site. You will bridge science and engineering, collaborating with biologists, chemists, and software specialists to invent bespoke instruments for automated drug discovery.

The role requires a PhD with 8+ years of relevant experience, strong programming skills, and a track record in translating complex imaging into actionable biology.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in physics/chemistry/engineering with 8+ years of relevant experience.
• Hands-on optical techniques in imaging platforms for biology.
• Proficiency in programming for data analysis and instrument control.
• Experience with functional measurements in cells (voltage/calcium).
• Expertise across widefield, confocal, light sheet, super‑resolution or two‑photon microscopy.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with cross‑disciplinary teams to define project needs and opportunities for custom instrumentation.
• Design and build prototype optical instruments for automated drug discovery workflows.
• Conduct proof‑of‑concept experiments and optimize assays with biologists and chemists.
• Work with engineers to deliver production‑ready instruments for deployment.
• Communicate findings through reports, presentations, and discussions.

Skills

Optical design

Microscopy

Functional imaging

Staff mentoring

Cross-functional collaboration

Project leadership

Written & verbal communication

Instrumentation development

Education

PhD in Physics / Physical Chemistry / Bioengineering

Job description

Vertex Pharmaceuticals seeks an experienced Principal Scientist focused on optical design, microscopy, and functional imaging at our San Diego site. You will bridge science and engineering, collaborating with biologists, chemists, and software specialists to invent bespoke instruments for automated drug discovery.

The role requires a PhD with 8+ years of relevant experience, strong programming skills, and a track record in translating complex imaging into actionable biology.