Senior Research Associate (Contract)

Vertex Pharmaceuticals LLC; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 114,616,000 - 126,050,000; Full time

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals LLC seeks a Senior Research Associate in Seattle to support preclinical immunology programs. You will design, execute, and analyze experiments focused on immune mechanisms, target validation, and early drug development in a collaborative lab setting.

The role involves isolating primary human immune cells, using multicolor flow cytometry and Incucyte assays, and maintaining rigorous data records for internal reporting. This is a 12-month contract with Monday–Friday hours.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in biological sciences and 3+ years of relevant experience.
• Hands-on tissue culture with primary human cells and cell lines.
• Experience with cell-based immunology assays including multicolor flow cytometry and Incucyte.

Responsibilities

• Isolate, culture, and manipulate primary human immune cells and cell lines.
• Design and execute experiments to interrogate immune cell phenotype and function including flow cytometry.
• Troubleshoot experiments and optimize protocols.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data with detailed lab records.
• Collaborate with discovery teams to achieve project goals.
• Prepare data for internal reports and meetings.

Skills

Tissue culture

Flow cytometry

Immunology assays

Data analysis

Collaboration

Attention to detail

Immunology knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in biological sciences

Tools

Incucyte

ELISA

Luminex

MSD

Job description

Job Description

The discovery immunology research team is seeking a highly motivated Senior Research Associate. The successful candidate will support preclinical research efforts by designing, executing, and analyzing experiments related to immune mechanisms, target validation, and therapeutic development. This is a laboratory-based role where the successful candidate will contribute directly to early-stage drug discovery programs.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Isolate, culture, and manipulate primary human immune cells and cell lines.
• Design and execute experiments to interrogate immune cell phenotype and function, including cell-based multicolor flow cytometry and Incucyte assays.
• Troubleshoot experiments and optimize protocols.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data while maintaining accurate and detailed laboratory records.
• Collaborate with scientists across discovery teams in order to achieve project goals.
• Prepare data for internal reports and presentations for internal meetings.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Required Education Level

• Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent degree) in biological sciences and 3+ years of relevant employment experience

Required Knowledge/Skills

• Hands-on tissue culture experience, including the isolation and maintenance of primary human immune cells and human cell lines.
• Experience with a variety of cell-based immunology assays to interrogate immune cell phenotype and function including multicolor flow cytometry and Incucyte assays.
• Experience measuring soluble analytes such as by ELISA, Luminex, or MSD.
• Critical thinking and self-reliance to solve tasks independently or ask questions.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Willingness and ability to work in a highly collaborative environment.
• Foundational knowledge of immunology and an eagerness to learn new techniques and skills.

Contract Length

12 months with the chance to extend.

Pay Range

$40/hr. - $44/hr.

Shift/Hours

Monday - Friday