Molecular & Cell Biology Senior Research Scientist

Job Description

Role Summary

Vertex is seeking a highly motivated Senior Research Scientist Molecular & Cell Biology to join the Human Cell Models group in Boston this role you will develop characterize and apply physiologically relevant human cellular models using stem cells and primary cells to deepen understanding of disease biology identify therapeutic opportunities and support the advancement of novel drug discovery programs.

The successful candidate will bring deep expertise in disease modeling with particular strength in neuronal model development using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) and/or primary cells. This individual will have demonstrated experience developing neuronal models (i.e. dopaminergic neurons cortical neurons neuronal progenitors) using iPSCs including initial optimization and characterization through robust execution and application. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with multidisciplinary partners in early research screening pharmacology chemistry and computational genomics groups to generate high-quality data and translate scientific findings into actionable program decisions.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design execute analyze and communicate rigorous cellular and molecular biology studies supporting predictive disease modeling and drug discovery.
• Develop optimize characterize and apply human neuronal models using primary cells immortalized cell lines iPSC-derived systems and 3D culture approaches as appropriate.
• Lead end-to-end iPSC model development including reprogramming cell-line maintenance neuronal differentiation quality assessment assay readiness and reproducible implementation.
• Apply molecular cellular biochemical and functional assays to investigate disease mechanisms validate targets and assess therapeutic hypotheses.
• Develop scalable quantitative cell-based assays for mechanistic studies screening pharmacology and target-validation workflows.
• Use genome-editing and gene-modulation approachesincluding CRISPR/Cas9 RNA interference and overexpressionto support experimental objectives.
• Support stem cell expansion and differentiation through bioreactors high-throughput culture systems and optimized laboratory automation workflows.
• Operate troubleshoot and improve automated laboratory platforms including Echo liquid handlers Hamilton systems plate washers and related instrumentation.
• Interpret complex experimental data recommend next-step studies and integrate findings with genomic transcriptomic proteomic imaging and computational datasets in partnership with cross-functional teams.
• Advance scientific strategy and laboratory innovation through AI-enabled tools emerging cell-modeling technologies high-quality documentation mentorship and adherence to safety quality and data-integrity standards.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Deep expertise in ESC and/or iPSC reprogramming maintenance expansion characterization and differentiation into neuronal lineages.
• Proven ability to independently establish optimize and implement reproducible iPSC-derived cell models and functional cell-based assays.
• Experience differentiating neuronal progenitors cortical neurons dopaminergic neurons microglia astrocytes oligodendrocytes and related cell types using chemical and/or transcription factor-based approaches.
• Strong hands-on capability in human primary cell culture scalable stem-cell culture platforms bioreactors and cell-culture scale-up workflows.
• Experience operating troubleshooting and optimizing laboratory automation including Echo liquid handlers Hamilton platforms plate washers and related systems.
• Proficiency in molecular and cellular biology techniques including flow cytometry and FlowJo PCR/qPCR/RT-qPCR Western blotting ELISA immunofluorescence immunocytochemistry and microscopy.
• Experience with CRISPR/Cas9 RNA interference gene-expression modulation plasmid design transfection transduction and viral-vector approaches.
• Strong experimental design statistical analysis data interpretation ELN documentation and scientific data-management skills.
• Demonstrated scientific judgment critical thinking troubleshooting ability and capacity to deliver high-quality reproducible research results.
• Effective written verbal and presentation skills with the ability to communicate findings to technical and nontechnical stakeholders.
• Collaborative team-oriented mindset with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced cross-functional environment.
• Preferred: experience with 3D culture systems organoids co-cultures microphysiological systems high-content imaging phenotypic screening functional genomics multi-omic data integration and data-analysis tools such as GraphPad Prism R or Python.

Education and Experience:

• PhD in Stem Cell Biology Developmental Biology Neuroscience Cell Biology Molecular Biology Genetics Biomedical Sciences or a related scientific discipline.
• At least four years of relevant postdoctoral and/or industry experience.
• Significant hands-on experience developing and applying iPSC-derived neuronal models in a research setting.
• Experience supporting therapeutic discovery programs within a biotechnology pharmaceutical academic or similarly rigorous research environment is preferred.

At Vertex we embrace continuous learning and encourage employees to stay informed on advances in AI technology automation and industry trends. We seek talent who bring an external perspective demonstrate curiosity and sound judgment and thoughtfully adopt new capabilities that improve decision-making drive innovation increase efficiency and help deliver better outcomes for patients.

Pay Range:

Disclosure Statement:

Flex Designation:

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 Vertexs Policy on Flex @ Vertex Program and may be changed at any time.

#LI-Onsite

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 persons 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