Senior Research Associate (Contract)

Vertex Pharmaceuticals; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals in Seattle is seeking a Senior Research Associate to join the discovery immunology research team. This laboratory‑based role supports preclinical research by designing, executing, and analyzing experiments related to immune mechanisms, target validation, and early drug development.

You will work with primary human immune cells, perform multicolor flow cytometry and Incucyte assays, troubleshoot protocols, and prepare data for internal reports.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biological sciences with 3+ years of relevant employment experience.
• Experience with primary human immune cells culture and immune cell assays.
• Proficiency with multicolor flow cytometry and Incucyte is required.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Cell culture

Flow cytometry

Immunology knowledge

Data analysis

Collaboration

Attention to detail

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

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

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