Research Associate - Analytical Development (Contract)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Onsite position

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals is seeking a 6-month contract candidate for the cell and gene analytical technologies team at our Boston site. The role focuses on expanding testing capabilities for preclinical to next-gen cell therapies, requiring hands-on cell culture, automation handling, and strict SOP adherence.

Responsibilities include routine molecular biology and cellular assays, data reporting, and cross-functional collaboration with Analytical and Process Development teams.

Qualifications

• Requires graduate in Cell & Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology or related discipline; BS with 2+ years or MS with 0-2 years.
• Experience with PCR, RT-qPCR, ELISA and cellular assays.
• Hands-on mammalian cell culture and aseptic technique.
• Ability to follow SOPs and instructions; strong documentation.
• Excellent communication and collaboration across cross-functional teams.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; GLP-like environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel and Word.

Responsibilities

• Carry out routine molecular biology and cellular assays manually and with automation.
• Support cell-based assays including flow cytometry and high-content screening.
• Assist Mol Bio-based assays such as RT-qPCR, ELISA, MSD, and AlphaLISA.
• Set up, monitor, and complete daily testing with automation.
• Document progress and present data in team meetings.
• Coordinate shipment and handling of reagents from internal/external sources.
• Track inventory for samples and reagents across projects.
• Maintain ELN entries and SOP compliance.

Skills

Pipetting skills

PCR / RT-qPCR

Mammalian cell culture

Aseptic technique

SOP adherence

Data documentation

Cross-functional collaboration

Attention to detail

Office software (PowerPoint/Excel/Word

Education

Bachelor's degree in Cell & Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology or related discipline

2+ years experience in relevant field

MS degree with 0-2 years experience

Tools

Hamilton automation

Tecan automation

Flow cytometer

High-content microscope

ELN/LIMS systems

Sanger sequencing

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 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 assaysboth manually and automated for Vertex’spreclinical, clinical and next generation cell therapy programs.
• Provide analytical testing support for cell-based assayslike cell count and viability assay, high throughput fluorescencecell-basedassayand flow cytometry assayusing automation tools like liquid handlers, flow cytometers and high content microscopes.
• Provide analytical testing support for Mol Bio-based assayssuch as RT-qPCR, ELISA, MSD, and Alphalisa assayboth 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 flexible to travel between sites within 2.0 mile distance.
• Be a strong team player contributing to group priorities and deliverablesand great attention to detail skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced environment with changing priorities
• 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.
• Assist with lab organization and compliance with lab safetyprotocols.
• This position isprimarily 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)BSwith 2+ years experienceor MSwith 0-2 years 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, aseptic technique.
• Ability to follow SOPs andinstructions.
• 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 work in 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 details.

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 withpluripotent/hematopoieticstem cells.
• Knowledge of lab automation tools such as Hamilton and Tecan.

Working Environment:

• This is an onsite position at our Boston FP site and occasional travel to Boston LC 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

$35/hr. - $38/hr.

Shift/Hours

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

No C2C or Third-Party Vendors