Stem Cell Research Scientist

Biopharma Careers; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 104,000 - 156,000; Full time

Job summary

Vertex is seeking a Stem Cell Research Scientist to advance cell-based therapies for type 1 diabetes. The role focuses on pluripotent stem cell culture, islet differentiation, and translational research with rigorous experimental design.

You will design complex in vitro and ex vivo studies, develop assays, and collaborate across teams to drive preclinical objectives. The position is on-site in our research facilities with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent in molecular and cell biology, developmental biology, stem cell biology, or related field with 0–3 years of postdoctoral experience; or
• Master's degree in molecular and cell biology with 3+ years of experience; or
• Bachelor's degree with 6+ years of experience in related discipline.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and analyze in vitro and ex vivo experiments using primary islets and stem cell-derived islet models.
• Develop and optimize in vitro assays for phenotypic and physiological characterization of islet biology.
• Execute extended stem cell differentiation campaigns, including maintenance, expansion, and differentiation of pluripotent stem cells.
• Apply molecular, cellular, and biochemical techniques to characterize stem cell-derived models and assess outcomes.
• Collaborate with internal research teams to support translational and preclinical objectives.
• Maintain accurate experimental records and contribute to scientific reports and documentation.
• Interpret complex biological datasets and recommend next steps.
• Stay current with advances in stem cell biology and diabetes research.
• Support troubleshooting and protocol refinement for lab processes.
• Contribute to a collaborative and rigorous team environment.

Skills

Stem cell biology

Pluripotent stem cells

Experimental design

Data analysis

Scientific communication

Education

Ph.D. in molecular and cell biology

Master's in molecular and cell biology

Bachelor's in molecular and cell biology

Tools

scRNA-seq

Flow cytometry

Western blotting

Immunohistochemistry

Job description

General Summary

Vertex is seeking a highly motivated Stem Cell Research Scientist to join our research organization and advance innovative therapeutic approaches for type 1 diabetes (T1D). In this role, you will contribute to the discovery and development of cell-based therapies by applying expertise in stem cell biology, islet differentiation, cellular assay development, and translational research. The ideal candidate will bring strong technical depth in pluripotent stem cell culture and differentiation, experimental design, and functional characterization of stem cell-derived models, along with a passion for translating cutting-edge science into meaningful therapies for patients.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and analyze complex in vitro and ex vivo experiments using primary islets and stem cell-derived islet models
• Develop and optimize in vitro assays for phenotypic and physiological characterization of islet biology
• Execute extended stem cell differentiation campaigns, including maintenance, expansion, and differentiation of pluripotent stem cells
• Apply molecular, cellular, and biochemical techniques to characterize stem cell-derived models and assess experimental outcomes
• Collaborate with internal research teams to support translational and preclinical research objectives
• Maintain accurate and detailed experimental records and contribute to scientific reports, presentations, and technical documentation
• Interpret complex biological datasets and recommend scientifically sound next steps
• Stay current with advances in stem cell biology, regenerative medicine, diabetes research, and related therapeutic areas
• Support troubleshooting, protocol refinement, and continuous improvement of laboratory processes
• Contribute to a collaborative, innovative, and scientifically rigorous team environment
• Performs other duties as assigned

Knowledge and Skills

• Ability to design and execute complex experiments, including the development of in vitro assays to evaluate novel cell therapy assets within T1D.
• Hands-on experience with pluripotent stem cells and directed differentiation protocols.
• Experience working with in vivo and/or ex vivo disease models.
• Extensive experience developing and running cell-based functional assays and standard molecular biology assays (e.g., scRNA-seq, flow cytometry, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry).
• Familiarity with omics-based approaches, including transcriptomics and single-cell analysis.
• Deep understanding of developmental biology or a related discipline, with strong knowledge of relevant scientific literature.
• Proven track record of scientific productivity, innovation, and experimental creativity, supported by publications in developmental biology or related fields.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Experience supporting drug discovery or translational research programs in a biotech or pharmaceutical setting preferred.
• Experience mentoring junior scientists or research associates preferred.

Education and Experience

• Ph.D. (or equivalent degree) in molecular and cell biology, developmental biology, stem cell biology, or a related discipline, and 0–3 years of relevant postdoctoral employment experience; or
• Master's degree (or equivalent degree) in molecular and cell biology, developmental biology, stem cell biology, or a related discipline, and 3+ years of relevant employment experience; or
• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent degree) in molecular and cell biology, developmental biology, stem cell biology, or a related discipline, and 6+ years of relevant employment experience.

Pay Range

$104,200 - $156,200

Disclosure Statement

The range provided is based on what we believe is a reasonable estimate for the base salary pay range for this job at the time of posting. This role is eligible for an annual bonus and annual equity awards. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. Actual base salary pay will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, and other job-related factors permitted by law.

Flex Designation

On-Site Designated

Flex Eligibility Status

In this On-Site designated role, you will work five days per week on-site with ad hoc flexibility.

Flex status for this position is subject to Vertex's Policy on Flex @ Vertex Program and may be changed at any time.

Company Information

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation.

Vertex is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Vertex is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. Vertex will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.

At Vertex, our Total Rewards offerings also include inclusive market-leading benefits to meet our employees wherever they are in their career, financial, family and wellbeing journey while providing flexibility and resources to support their growth and aspirations. From medical, dental and vision benefits to generous paid time off (including a week-long company shutdown in the Summer and the Winter), educational assistance programs including student loan repayment, a generous commuting subsidy, matching charitable donations, 401(k) and so much more.

Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should make a request to the recruiter or hiring manager, or contact Talent Acquisition at [e-mail]