Senior Research Scientist, Integrated Pharmacology (Contract)

Vertex Pharmaceuticals LLC; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 88,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals seeks an independent scientist to join the Quantitative Cellular Pharmacology team in the Integrated Pharmacology group at the Boston site. Develop human disease-relevant cell-based and biochemical assays to understand disease mechanisms and support late-stage discovery.

You will lead assay development, analyze data for cross-functional teams, and contribute innovative approaches to small molecule discovery while ensuring data integrity and compliance.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant discipline with 2–5 years of industry or postdoctoral experience in cell-based and/or biochemical assays.
• Masters degree in molecular/cell biology, biochemistry, or related field with 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Bachelor's degree in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or related disciplines with 8+ years of relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of cell-based and/or biochemical assays for small molecule discovery within discovery project teams.
• Execute assays to support medicinal chemistry optimization and characterize lead molecules in human disease models.
• Analyze and present data to cross-functional teams, recommending actions based on datasets.

Skills

Cell biology

Biochemical assays

Data interpretation

Independent work

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Problem solving

Education

PhD in Cell Biology/Biochemistry

Masters in related field

Bachelor's in related field

Tools

Miniaturized assays (384)

Multiplex assay platforms

Multi-parametric data analysis

Command line programming

Job description

Job Description

We seek a highly independent, collaborative and innovative scientist to join the Quantitative Cellular Pharmacology team in the Integrated Pharmacology group at Vertex Pharmaceuticals. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated with a strong foundation in cell biology and/or biochemistry and have experience with cell-based/biochemical assays. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing human disease-relevant assays to understand and address the underlying cause of serious life-threatening diseases. Our ideal candidate will have a track record of innovation in the field. The Integrated Pharmacology group supports late-stage drug discovery for all disease areas in the Vertex drug discovery portfolio at the Boston site and the Senior Research Scientist will be a member of multiple discovery project teams.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development of cell-based and/or biochemical assays for small molecule discovery as a key member of discovery project teams
• Execute cell based and/or biochemical assays supporting medicinal chemistry optimization, characterize our lead molecules in in vitromodels of human disease and meet deliverables for preclinical development projects
• Analyze, critically interpret and present data to cross-functional project teams, and recommend courses of action based on datasets and discussions with biologists and chemists
• Propose and develop innovative approaches to small molecule discovery based on the latest technologies and publications in the field
• Identify and evaluate new technologies to improve efficiency and processes
• Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
• Be a key member of the Integrated Pharmacology group and serve as a strong representative on interdisciplinary project teams
• Ensure data integrity and compliance under Vertex policies

Knowledge & Skills:

• Strong understanding of Cell Biology and expertise in cell-based and/or biochemical assay development
• Target identification/validation, mechanism of action studies and understanding drug candidate pharmacology using innovative approaches and technologies is required
• Experience with miniaturized assays (384), knowledge of multiplex assay platforms, multi-parametric data analysis and basic command line programming is helpful
• Self-motivation, independence, organization, effective communication and presentation skills; adept in solving/troubleshooting complex problems as well as the ability to navigate a fast-paced work environment
• A desire to be part of a highly innovative company aimed at transforming the lives of people with serious diseases, their families and society

Education & Experience:

• PhD (or equivalent degree) in a relevant discipline (Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry or related Biological Sciences) and 2-5 years of productive, relevant industry or postdoctoral experience in cell-based and/or biochemical assays to lead discovery, optimization and characterization
• Masters Degree (or equivalent degree) in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or related disciplines and 5+ years of relevant employment experience, or
• Bachelors Degree (or equivalent degree) in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or related disciplines and 8+ years of relevant employment experience

Contract Length: 6 months

Pay Range

$64/hr. - $66/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