Biomarkers Senior Research Lab Scientist (Ligand Binding Assays)

Job Description

Company Overview

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people with serious diseases. Our teams bring together deep scientific expertise, advanced technologies, and a commitment to improving patient outcomes through discovery, development, and delivery of innovative therapies. Within Vertex, the Biomarkers organization plays an important role in advancing clinical development through biomarker research, assay development, and cross-functional collaboration.

Role Summary

Vertex is seeking a strategic, hands-on Biomarkers Senior Research Lab Scientist to develop and optimize biomarker assays for clinical trials at Vertex. The candidate will design and execute experiments within our laboratory to identify and characterize novel biomarkers in human biofluids and tissues. This is an exciting opportunity for a highly independent scientist who thrives in a fast-paced, agile environment and brings strong assay development and validation expertise. In this role, you will work closely with Research, Quality, and Biomarker Leads to support alignment across ongoing biomarker research activities.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Design and execute method development activities for innovative biomarker assays intended for use as primary, secondary, or exploratory endpoints in clinical trials
• Evaluate assay feasibility and strategies for the measurement of novel biomarkers in relevant biological matrices, including human biofluids and tissues
• Troubleshoot technical challenges related to assay development, validation, and implementation across technologies and disease areas
• Support the generation and characterization of critical reagents across assay types as needed
• Partner internally and externally to evaluate CROs and support transfer, validation, and implementation of internally developed assays with external vendors
• Generate and analyze experimental data, and interpret and present results to internal stakeholders and project teams
• Collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams to support biomarker research goals

Required Education and Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent degree with 2–5 years of relevant post-doctoral employment experience, or
• Master’s degree with 5+ years of relevant employment experience, or
• Bachelor’s degree with 8+ years of relevant employment experience
• Prior hands-on experience developing ligand binding assays for translational or clinical applications
• Experience developing and validating assays, with working knowledge of assay validation expectations and fit-for-purpose principles under Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and Good Clinical Practices (GCP) environments
• Strong laboratory experience in molecular biology and cell biology
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with proven ability to work effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary team
• Strong scientific independence and ability to work with minimal guidance

Technical Skills Required

• Extensive method development and validation experience in ligand binding assays, including immunoassays and ELISA
• Biomarker assay development, optimization, and troubleshooting
• Western blot
• Protein labeling and quantification
• Molecular biology techniques
• Cell biology techniques
• Data interpretation and presentation

Preferred Skills

• Experience with cell culture and cell-based assays
• Experience with genomic assays such as qPCR, ddPCR, and NGS
• Experience with flow cytometry assays
• Experience supporting external collaborations and CRO assay transfer activities
• Understanding of translational medicine and biomarker strategy in clinical development

Benefits

• Opportunities to work on innovative biomarker research that supports clinical development
• Cross-functional collaboration with Research, Quality, and Biomarker leadership
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive employee benefits

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:

$120,000 - $180,000

Disclosure Statement:

Flex Designation:

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.

#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 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