Stem Cell Research Scientist
Vertex Pharmaceuticals LLC
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Job summary
Vertex Pharmaceuticals LLC in Boston seeks a highly motivated Stem Cell Research Scientist to advance cell-based therapies for type 1 diabetes. You will design and execute pluripotent stem cell differentiation, islet biology assays, and translational research with cross-functional teams.
The role emphasizes experimental design, data interpretation, and documentation. On-site work with periodic weekend shifts; Ph.D.
Qualifications
- 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.
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.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
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. This scientist will work closely with cross‑functional partners across Pharmacology, Computational Genomics, and BSMO to support research programs spanning early discovery through preclinical development. This is an on‑site role, with periodic weekend work required based on business needs.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
$104,200 - $156,200
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.
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. Note: The Flex status for this position is subject to Vertex’s Policy on Flex @ Vertex Program and may be changed at any time.
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. 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 ApplicationAssistance@vrtx.com
Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people with serious diseases. The company has approved medicines that treat the underlying causes of multiple chronic, life‑shortening genetic diseases — cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease and transfusion‑dependent beta thalassemia — and continues to advance clinical and research programs in these diseases. Vertex also has a robust clinical pipeline of investigational therapies across a range of modalities in other serious diseases where it has deep insight into causal human biology, including APOL1‑mediated kidney disease, acute and neuropathic pain, type 1 diabetes, myotonic dystrophy type 1 and alpha‑1 antitrypsin deficiency . Founded in 1989 in Cambridge, Mass., Vertex's global headquarters is now located in Boston's Innovation District and its international headquarters is in London. Additionally, the company has research and development sites and commercial offices in North America, Europe, Australia, Latin America and the Middle East. Vertex is consistently recognized as one of the industry's top places to work, including 14 consecutive years on Science magazine's Top Employers list and one of Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For.
For company updates and to learn more about Vertex's history of innovation, visit www.vrtx.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter/X , LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram.
The diversity and authenticity of our people is part of what makes Vertex unique, and we recognize that each employee brings diverse perspectives and strengths. By embracing those strengths and celebrating differences, we are fostering an inclusive culture where each of us can bring our authentic selves to work, inspire innovation together, and change people’s lives. Our vision is clear: to be the place where an authentic, diverse mix of talent want to come, to stay, and do their best work.
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