Senior Research Scientist, Human Cell Engineering and In Vitro Disease Modeling

Job Description

Vertex Pharmaceuticals is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Research Scientist to join our Disease Modeling Group. In this role, you will be responsible for the development of engineered human cell models and their integration into drug discovery workflows, supporting translational relevance and enabling the advancement of Vertex’s pipeline. You will apply expertise in human cell biology, primary cell systems, iPSC technologies, and gene editing to develop robust in vitro disease models that support target validation, proof-of-concept studies, primary screening, selectivity and efficacy assessments, mechanism of action studies, and medicinal chemistry optimization. The ideal candidate brings strong technical depth, scientific curiosity, and the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams.  This is a full time, onsite position in San Diego.

Key Responsibilities 

• Design, generate, QC and validate engineered human cell lines; perform functional characterization of genetic edits and prepare documentation for internal review. 
• Establish and maintain quality control criteria for different cell types and disease model systems. 
• Contribute to the design and development of human in vitro disease models that recapitulate disease mechanisms and phenotypes. 
• Perform and optimize primary cell culture, iPSC differentiation, transdifferentiation, and gene-editing workflows. 
• Collaborate with cross-functional project teams to integrate disease models into compound screening, target validation, and mechanistic studies. 
• Analyze datasets, prepare high-quality experimental summaries, and communicate findings to project teams and functional leadership. 
• Maintain awareness of emerging technologies in gene editing, cell engineering, and in vitro disease modeling. 
• Contribute to continuous improvement of methodologies, tools, and best practices within the group. 

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong ability to analyze complex datasets, review scientific literature, and formulate hypotheses. 
• Demonstrated expertise with human cell based systems for disease modeling and therapeutic development. 
• Extensive hands-on experience establishing iPSC differentiation workflows across multiple cell lineages. 
• Proficiency with CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing and its application in disease modeling. 
• Hands-on competence with standard validation methods (RNAseq, qPCR/ddPCR, NGS, Western blot, immunostaining). 
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills. 
• Ability to manage multiple high-impact projects in a fast paced environment, with excellent prioritization and execution. 
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a matrixed organization. 
• Strong publication record and evidence of contributions to drug discovery programs.

Required Qualifications 

• Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, or related discipline and 2-5 years of relevant post-doctoral employment experience, or
• 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

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

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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