Principal Research Associate - Cell Analytical Development (Contract)

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

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, within the cell and gene analytical technologies team, seeks a contract analyst for 6 months to expand testing capabilities for cell therapy programs in Boston.

The role involves routine analytical development activities, identity/potency assays, genome profiling, and impurity characterization using flow cytometry, ELISA, MSD, PCR and other techniques, with strong documentation and cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• Graduate with MS in Cell & Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology or related; 5+ years industrial experience.
• Bachelor's degree with 8+ years industrial experience in a related field.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine testing to support process development and release assays for identity, potency, genome profiling and impurities.
• Conduct analytical testing using flow cytometry, ELISA, MSD, PCR and related techniques.
• Report project progress and present data in internal meetings.
• Coordinate cross-functional sample testing and shipment handling across sites.
• Maintain accurate records in ELN and support inventory/tracking in Benchling.

Skills

Pipetting skills

GLP-like environment

Cross-functional collaboration

MS Office (PowerPoint/Excel/Word)

Data interpretation

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Problem solving

Education

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

BS in Cell & Molecular Biology/Biochemistry/Immunology or related with 8+ years experience

Tools

Benchling

Flow cytometry

ELISA

MSD

PCR

qPCR

ddPCR

Cell culture techniques

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 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

Working Environment:

• This is an onsite position at our Boston LC1 site and occasional travel to Boston FP site.
• Ableto work upright and stationary and/or standfor typical working hours.
• Able to use and learn standard office equipment and technologywith 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

No C2C or Third-Party Vendors