Senior Research Scientist, Integrated Pharmacology (Contract)

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

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals in Boston is seeking an independent scientist to join the Quantitative Cellular Pharmacology team within the Integrated Pharmacology group. The candidate will develop human disease-relevant assays using cell biology and biochemistry to understand and address serious life-threatening diseases.

You will lead assay development, support medicinal chemistry optimization, and characterize lead molecules in vitro models of human disease, meeting preclinical deliverables in a

Qualifications

• PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline and 2-5 years of productive industry or postdoctoral experience in cell-based and/or biochemical assays to lead discovery, optimization and characterization.

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 vitro models 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.

Skills

Cell biology

Biochemical assays

Lead optimization

Data analysis

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

PhD in Cell Biology or related

Masters in Molecular Biology/Biochemistry

Bachelor in Biochemistry/Related

Tools

384-well assays

Multiplex assay platforms

Command line basics

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

No C2C or Third-Party Vendors