Principal Research Associate - Cell Analytical Development

Atrium; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 58,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

Vertex cell and genetic therapies (VCGT) seeks a hands-on, cell therapy analytical specialist for a 6-month contract to expand testing capabilities and support routine analytical activities. You will work with diverse teams across Process Development, Manufacturing and Quality to advance cell and gene therapy programs.

The role requires experience with a range of cell-based assays and strong SOP/reporting skills, with flexibility for second shift and occasional travel between nearby sites in the

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in Cell & Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology or related discipline.
• MS with 5+ years experience in industry or BS with 8+ years industrial exposure.

Responsibilities

• Assist in routine testing to support process development, characterization and release assays (identity, potency, genome profiling, impurities).
• Perform sample testing using flow cytometry, cell culture, ELISA, MSD, PCR, and related methods.
• Prepare and present data at internal group/project team meetings.
• Coordinate cross-functional sample testing and shipments.
• Manage inventory and tracking of samples and reagents across projects.
• Maintain accurate records and support timely deliverables in data management systems.
• Support Benchling inventory control, sample tracking and record maintenance.

Skills

Pipetting skills

Molecular techniques

Flow cytometry

ELISA

PCR / qPCR / ddPCR

Cell culture

Benchling / inventory systems

MS-Teams / SharePoint

Data interpretation

Documentation / ELN

Education

MS in Cell & Molecular Biology / Biochemistry / Immunology or related

BS with 8+ years industrial exposure

Tools

Benchling

Lab inventory systems

Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Word)

Job description

The cell and gene analytical technologies team within Vertex cell and genetic therapies (VCGT) is seeking an individual

for 6-month contract who can serve as a key contributor in expanding our testing capabilities and supporting routine

analytical activities. The ideal candidate will have experience with a range of cell-based and plate-based analytical

methods, strong troubleshooting skills, and a thorough understanding of SOPs and report documentation. Extensive handson experience with cell therapies is preferred. This individual will collaborate and coordinate across cross-functional

teams, including Process Development, Manufacturing, and Quality, to support the development of Cell and Gene

Therapy processes and products.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Actively involved in routine testing to support process development and characterization and release assays for identity, potency, genome profiling and impurities for Vertex preclinical, clinical and next generation cell therapy programs.
• Perform sample testing for analytical development team by using a variety of techniques; (e.g- Flow Cytometry, Cell culture, ELISA, MSD, PCR, residual impurity characterization.
• Report on project progress and reports or present data effectively at internal group or project team meetings as needed.
• Communicate cross functionally across teams to ensure the sample testing is effectively coordinated.
• Coordinate shipment handling, including receiving, logging, and distributing samples and reagents from internal and external sources.
• Manage and monitor inventory for samples and reagents across multiple projects to ensure accuracy, traceability, and availability.
• Contribute to data management activities by maintaining accurate records and supporting the timely completion of deliverables.
• Support daily Benchling activities related to inventory control, sample tracking, and record maintenance.
• Support Monday to Friday with occasional weekends, and second shift/late evening coverage as required for process and analytical development teams on several assays as required and flexible to travel between sites within 2.0 mile distance.
• Be a strong team player contributing to group priorities and deliverables.
• Maintain excellent written documentation of completed experiment (ELN) and maintain knowledge share systems (MS-Teams and share points).
• Ability to follow and understand SOPs and review protocols or reports as needed along with good analytical understanding for data interpretation.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education level and/or relevant experience:

Required: (Graduate in Cell & Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology or related discipline) MS with 5+ years experience with strong industrial exposure. BS with 8+ years experience with strong industrial exposure

Preferred: Relevant industry experience in biologics or cell and gene therapy space.

Knowledge and skills (general and technical)

Required:

• Possesses excellent pipetting skills.
• Possess standard lab safety regulations and work in GLP like laboratory environment.
• Has experience with molecular and plate-based techniques related to cell and gene therapy like Flow cytometry, ELISA, MSD, PCR, qPCR, ddPCR, Cell counting methods, Cell culture techniques etc.
• Experience with Benchling or similar laboratory/inventory systems.
• Has excellent communication skills and is effectively able to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to utilize Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel and Word to perform tasks as assigned.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Able to perform successfully under pressure while prioritizing and handling multiple projects or priorities within required timelines

Preferred:

• Industry experience in cell and gene therapy space.
• Experience in laboratory operations, inventory coordination, or sample management preferred.
• Experience working with pluripotent/hematopoietic stem cells.
• Prior Project Management experience or PM training
• This is an onsite position at our Boston LC1 site and occasional travel to Boston FP site.
• Able to work upright and stationary and/or stand for typical working hours.
• Able to use and learn standard office equipment and technology with proficiency.

Contract Length:

6 months with the chance to extend.

Pay Range

$42/hr.-$50/hr.

Shift/Hours

Support Monday to Friday with occasional weekends, and second shift/late evening coverage as required