High Throughput Biology Principal Research Associate

Job Description

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is seeking a highly skilled and proactive Principal Research Associate to join our Human Cell Core, contributing to the development and execution of advanced human cell models at scale. The ideal candidate is an expert experimentalist who excels in a fastpaced, team-oriented environment and operates with a high level of scientific rigor and independence. 

This role involves maintaining and expanding primary human cells at scale,operating automation-enabled cell culture platforms and executing functional assays to support cell optimization and troubleshooting efforts.Success in this position requires exceptional reliability, attention to detail, adaptability, problemsolving skills and ability to work in team oriented environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintain and expand primary human cells at scale, ensuring batch reliability and consistency across multiweek workflows.

• Operate, optimize, and troubleshootstate-of-the-art instrumentation and liquid handling equipment to support human cells at scale

• Conduct complex, rigorous experiments independently to answer critical questions

• Evaluate emerging technologies and methods and implement improvements that enhance throughput, robustness, or reproducibility

• Execute functional assays and interpret data to support optimization, cell validation and troubleshooting efforts

• Maintain high-quality, detailed digital records of methods, results, and system performance. 

• Present experimental findings at internal project team meetings, contributing data-driven recommendations to inform nextstep decisions.

• Communicate effectively in team meetings, cross-functional settings, and written reports

Knowledge and Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in culturing primary human cells or iPSCs

• Hands-on experience operating and troubleshooting laboratory automation instrumentation.

• Strong understanding of QC metrics, cell characterization workflows, and high-throughput assay principles.

• Proven ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment. 

• Excellent organizational and communication skills. 

• Exceptional multitasking skills, attention to details and ability to work in a collaborative team environment 

• Ability and willingness to work rotating weekend shifts according to business needs

Education and Experience:

• Masters Degree (or equivalent degree) in biological sciences and 0-2 years of relevant employment experience, or

• Bachelors Degree (or equivalent degree) in biological sciences and 5+ 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