Discovery Immunology Principal Research Scientist

Job Description

General Summary:

Vertex is seeking a highly motivated Discovery Immunology Principal Research Scientist, to lead immunology discovery programs focused on autoimmune diseases. The successful candidate will shape scientific strategy, identify and validate therapeutic targets, investigate disease mechanisms, and advance early drug discovery. This role requires deep expertise in immunology, translational science, and experimental biology, as well as a record of leading complex research in a collaborative biotechnology environment.

The position partners closely with teams in biology, translational sciences, bioinformatics, drug discovery, and project leadership. This is an on-site, laboratory-based role.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead discovery immunology programs from target identification and validation through mechanism-of-action studies and scientific strategy.

• Design, oversee, and interpret in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies across innate and adaptive immunity.

• Develop disease-relevant models, innovative experimental approaches, and translational strategies.

• Collaborate with chemistry, computational biology, translational research, biomarkers, and project management to guide programs and communicate findings to stakeholders and leaders.

• Mentor scientists and foster scientific excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning.

• Track emerging science, technologies, and the competitive landscape; contribute to publications, presentations, and conferences.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Expertise in autoimmune, inflammatory, immune-mediated diseases.

• Immunology assay development, cell-based testing, and mechanistic studies; experience with immune–stromal cell or organoid co-cultures is preferred.

• Immune-cell profiling, flow cytometry, and multiparameter functional analysis.

• Molecular, biochemical, cytokine, and immune-signaling analyses.

• Target validation, pathway interrogation, and preclinical disease models.

• Familiarity with single-cell, genomic, proteomic, systems-immunology, or bioinformatics approaches.

• Strong publication record and recognized scientific contributions.

Education and Experience:

• PhD in immunology, cell biology, molecular biology, or a related life science; or a bachelor’s degree with at least 10 years of hands-on laboratory experience.

• Substantial industry or postdoctoral discovery research experience, including scientific leadership and ownership of early-stage programs.

• Deep expertise in immunology, including immune cell biology, inflammatory signaling, and disease-relevant pathways.

• Ability to design hypothesis-driven studies, interpret complex data, and translate findings into actionable program strategies.

• Strong communication and collaboration skills in matrixed research environments.

• Experience mentoring scientists or leading research teams.

Pay Range:

$140,000 - $210,000

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