Research Associate - Analytical Development

Atrium; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Vertex Cell and Gene Therapies (VCGT) is seeking a hands-on contract specialist with strong cell culture background to expand testing capabilities. The role involves manual and automated molecular biology and cell assays across preclinical to clinical programs, using Hamilton and Tecan automation, and robust SOP/documentation practices at our Boston site.

The candidate will support RT-qPCR, ELISA, MSC/Alphalisa assays, manage data and reports, and travel between nearby sites as required.

Qualifications

• Graduate in Cell & Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, or related discipline (Required).
• BS with 2+ years of experience or MS with 0-2 years of experience (Required).
• Familiarity with cell therapy workflows and GMP/GLP-like environments (Preferred).
• Experience with PCR, RT-qPCR, ELISA assays is needed (Required).
• Ability to follow SOPs and maintain proper documentation (Required).

Responsibilities

• Perform routine manual and automated molecular biology and cellular assays for preclinical to clinical programs.
• Support cell counting, viability assays, flow cytometry, and high-throughput imaging using automation.
• Assist Mol Bio assays (RT-qPCR, ELISA, MSD, Alphalisa) with automation.
• Set up, monitor, and complete daily testing with analytical development teams.
• Document results and present data in group/project meetings.
• Coordinate shipment and handling of reagents; track inventory.
• Contribute to data management and deliverables timelines.
• Work Wednesday to Sunday with second shift/late evenings; travel between sites as needed.

Skills

Pipetting skills

Molecular assays

Mammalian cell culture

SOPs and documentation

Cross-functional collaboration

Analytical data interpretation

Education

BS in Cell & Molecular Biology / Biochemistry / Immunology

MS 0-2 years or BS 2+ years experience

Tools

Hamilton automation

Tecan automation

ELN/LIMS systems

PS PowerPoint/Excel/Word

Job description

The cell and gene analytical technologies team within Vertex Cell and Gene Therapies (VCGT) is seeking an individual for a 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 a strong background in cell culture work and experience in handling automated platforms with troubleshooting abilities, and a thorough understanding of SOPs and report documentation. Extensive hands‑on experience with cell therapies is preferred. This individual will collaborate and coordinate across cross‑functional teams within Analytical and Process Development to support the development of Cell and Gene Therapy processes and products.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Carry out routine molecular biology and cellular assays both manually and automated for Vertex’s preclinical, clinical, and next‑generation cell therapy programs.
• Provide analytical testing support for cell‑based assays like cell count and viability assays, high‑throughput fluorescence cell‑based assays, and flow cytometry assays using automation tools like liquid handlers, flow cytometers, and high‑content microscopes.
• Provide analytical testing support for Mol Bio‑based assays such as RT‑qPCR, ELISA, MSD, and Alphalisa assays both manually and using automation tools like liquid handlers.
• Assist analytical development teams with setting up, monitoring, and successfully completing daily testing both manually and automated.
• Report on project progress and reports or present data effectively at internal group or project team meetings as needed.
• Coordinate shipment, handling, and reagents from internal and external sources.
• Track inventory for samples and reagents as needed for several projects.
• Participate in data management activities to ensure timely completion of deliverables.
• Support Wednesday to Sunday with occasional off‑schedule days, and second shift/late evening coverage as required for process and analytical development teams on several assays as required, and be flexible to travel between sites within a 2.0‑mile distance.
• Be a strong team player contributing to group priorities and deliverables and have great attention to detail skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced environment with changing priorities
• Maintain excellent written documentation of completed experiments (ELN) and maintain knowledge‑sharing systems (MSTeams and SharePoint).
• Ability to follow and understand SOPs and review protocols or reports as needed, along with good analytical understanding for data interpretation.
• Assist with lab organization and compliance with lab safety protocols.
• This position is primarily lab‑based.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education level and/or relevant experience(s):

Required:

(Graduate in Cell & Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, or related discipline)

BS with 2+ years of experience or MS with 0-2 years of experience.

Preferred:

Relevant industry experience with Mol Bio assays in biologics or cell and gene therapy space.

Knowledge and skills (general and technical)

Required:

• Possesses excellent pipetting skills.
• Has experience with molecular assays such as PCR, RT‑qPCR, and ELISA.
• Hands‑on experience and technical proficiency with mammalian cell culture and aseptic technique.
• Ability to follow SOPs and instructions.
• Has excellent communication skills and is effectively able to work collaboratively with cross‑functional teams.
• Strong organizational skills and good attention to detail.
• Possess standard lab safety regulations and works in a GLP‑like laboratory environment.
• Ability to utilize Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel, and Word to perform tasks as assigned.
• Able to perform successfully under pressure while prioritizing and handling multiple projects or priorities within required timelines.
• Strong attention to detail.

Preferred:

• Industry experience in cell and gene therapy space.
• Experience with Sangar sequencing.
• Experience culturing multiple different cell types.
• Experience working with ELN/LIMS systems.
• Experience working with pluripotent/hematopoietic stem cells.
• Knowledge of lab automation tools such as Hamilton and Tecan.
• This is an on‑site position at our Boston FP site and occasional travel to the Boston LC 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.

6 months with the chance to extend.

Pay Range

$35/hr - $38/hr

Shift/Hours

Support Wednesday to Sunday with occasional off‑schedule days, and second shift/late evening coverage as required.