Job Description

General Summary:

We seek a highly motivated and innovative scientist to join the High Throughput Human Biology (HTHB) team in the Human Assay Technologies group at Vertex. The ideal candidate will have experience with biochemical and/or cell-based phenotypic assays, including work with complex cell types such as iPSC-derived systems. Experience with miniaturized assays (384- and 1536-well format) is ideal. Knowledge and understanding of HTS workflows, data analysis, and data reporting is necessary, as is familiarity with liquid handling instrumentation (e.g. Bravo, Biomek, Hamilton Star, or similar) and detection instrumentation (e.g. Envision, PheraStar, FLIPR, or similar). Experience with automation scheduling software, protocol design, or other programming knowledge is a plus. Preference will be giving to candidates with a track record of collaboration and innovation in the field. The HTHB group supports small molecule hit discovery and optimization for all disease areas in the Vertex drug discovery portfolio at the Boston site and the Research Scientist will be a member of multiple discovery project teams.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist discovery project teams with the development of biochemical and cell-based assays for small molecule discovery
• Miniaturize (384- and 1536-well format) and adapt cell-based assays to automated screening systems
• Manage compound printing and documentation
• Execute large-scale small molecule screens for hit identification, as well as lower-throughput assays for support of medicinal chemistry and lead optimization
• Analyze and present screening results, and recommend courses of action based on datasets and discussions with biologists and chemists
• Propose and develop innovative approaches to phenotypic screening and small molecule discovery
• Be a key member of the HTHB team and serve as a strong representative on interdisciplinary project teams

Knowledge and Skills:

• Expertise in high-throughput screening and cell-based assays
• Experience with screening data analysis and small molecule drug discovery
• Ability to work well in a team and to collaborate across functional groups
• Self-motivation, organization, effective communication and presentation skills; adept in solving/troubleshooting complex problems as well as the ability to navigate a fast-paced work environment

Education and Experience:

• Ph.D. (or equivalent degree) in cellular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, or related disciplines and 0-3 years of relevant post-doctoral employment experience, or
• Masters Degree (or equivalent degree) in cellular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, or related disciplines and 3+ years of relevant employment experience, or
• Bachelors Degree (or equivalent degree) in cellular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, or related disciplines and 6+ years of relevant employment experience
• A desire to be part of a highly innovative company aimed at transforming the lives of people with serious diseases, their families, and society

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 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.

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