Principal Research Associate – Cell Analytical Development (Contract)

Vertex Pharmaceuticals; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 119,851,000 - 143,270,000; Full time

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals in Boston is seeking a contract specialist to join the cell and gene analytical technologies team for six months. The role focuses on expanding testing capabilities and supporting routine analytical activities in cell therapy programs.

The candidate will work hands-on with flow cytometry, cell culture, ELISA, MSD, PCR/qPCR/ddPCR and related techniques, while maintaining SOPs and ELN documentation.

Qualifications

• Graduate in Cell & Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology or related discipline (MS with 5+ years or BS with 8+ years industrial exposure).
• Experience with cell therapies and analytical development in a cross-functional team environment.
• Strong troubleshooting and meticulous SOP/report documentation.
• Proficient in flow cytometry, ELISA, MSD, PCR/qPCR/ddPCR and cell culture techniques.
• Experience with Benchling or similar LIMS/inventory systems.
• Excellent communication and collaborative skills across Process Development, Manufacturing, and Quality.

Responsibilities

• Support routine testing for identity, potency, genome profiling and impurities for Vertex preclinical, clinical and next generation cell therapy programs.
• Perform sample testing using flow cytometry, cell culture, ELISA, MSD, PCR and related methods.
• Prepare progress reports and present data at group/project meetings.
• Coordinate cross-functional communication to ensure coordinated sample testing.
• Coordinate shipment handling and inventory across projects.
• Maintain accurate ELN documentation and data records.
• Support Benchling activities related to inventory control and sample tracking.
• Flexibility for second shift, weekends, and occasional travel within 2 miles.

Skills

Flow cytometry

ELISA

PCR

qPCR

ddPCR

Cell culture

Benchling

Inventory systems

Pipetting skills

MS Office

Data interpretation

Cross-functional communication

Analytical development

Education

MS degree in Cell & Molecular Biology

BS degree in related field

Tools

Benchling

PowerPoint

Excel

Word

Job description

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 requiredfor 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

Working Environment:

• 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
Requisition Disclaimer:

This job posting is for a temporary role with a third-party agency partner on assignment at Vertex Pharmaceuticals (“Vertex”). The individual selected for this role will be offered the role as an employee of a third- party agency partner; compensation, medical benefits, fringe benefits and other terms and conditions of employment shall be presented by the third-party agency partner upon offer. The pay rate range provided is a reasonable estimate of the anticipated compensation range for this job at the time of posting. The actual pay rate will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, location and/or being pursued and other job-related factors permitted by law. In addition, this role will be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements

No C2C or Third-Party Vendors