Comparative Medicine Research Associate

Job Description

General Summary:

The Comparative Medicine team is seeking an energetic, compassionate, and results-oriented individual. The ideal candidate should have a passion for learning, strong communication and organizational skills as well as a sense of creativity and a strong set of technical skills with laboratory rodents. This individual will be required to perform in vivo studies to advance Vertex research and development programs supporting small molecule therapeutics, gene therapy, and cellular therapy, as well as monitor the health and wellbeing of laboratory rodents in a 27,000 sq. ft. AAALAC-accredited vivarium.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Independently perform dosing via standard routes of administration in laboratory rodents (IV, IP, PO, SC, IM), blood sampling via standard routes of blood collection in laboratory rodents, anesthesia, euthanasia, tissue harvest, and data recording; collect and process other samples under the direction of a veterinarian or senior research associate
• Under minimal direction, perform surgical preparation and provide post-operative care and monitoring of laboratory rodents
• The incumbent may perform the above duties alongside research scientists; must be prepared to work collaboratively and be flexible, depending on the timelines, readouts, and specific circumstances of a given animal study
• Independently perform data acquisition & entry, provide study directors with proper documentation of any protocol deviations; execute studies using good documentation practices and adherence to all facility guidelines, policies, and SOPs
• Monitor health and behavior of laboratory rodents and assist with administration of veterinary treatments
• Assist in the oversight of procedure room spaces within the vivarium, maintaining inspection readiness and ensuring study supplies are adequately stocked and spaces are prepared for upcoming and ongoing study work
• Support rotating weekend, holiday and/or overtime coverage; may require flexible shifts to accommodate operations
• Other duties as needed

Education and Experience:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree (B.A./B.S.) or equivalent in a biological science.
• Experience: 1-4 years of experience in a laboratory animal research setting. Proficiency with basic laboratory rodent techniques, anatomy, and behavior is essential.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.
• Certification/Licensure: AALAS technical certification (ALAT, LAT, LATG) preferred.
• Other: A proven track record of collaborative work practices and strong oral and written communication skills, a familiarity with various types of data acquisition and protocol management software, as well as Microsoft Office applications, is strongly desired.

Pay Range:

$30 - $45

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