Pharmacology Research Scientist

Job Description

The Pharmacology group at Vertex Pharmaceuticals in San Diego is seeking a highly motivated and innovative Pharmacology Research Scientist to join our team. The successful candidate will focus on developing and applying primary tissue assays for drug discovery, with a particular emphasis on ex vivo organ perfusion and nervous system models. This role also requires expertise in in vitro and in vivo assays to support the evaluation of novel therapeutic candidates and elucidation of biological mechanisms. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in a collaborative and dynamic environment.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop, optimize, and implement primary tissue assays to support drug discovery and development programs.
• Design and execute experiments utilizing ex vivo organ perfusion and nervous system models to evaluate drug efficacy, distribution, safety, and mechanism of action.
• Conduct in vitro and in vivo pharmacology studies to complement ex vivo findings and provide a comprehensive understanding of drug candidates.
• Automate data collection and analysis processes to improve efficiency and accuracy in experimental workflows.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including medicinal chemistry, biology, toxicology, and clinical development, to advance projects from discovery to clinical development.
• Analyze, interpret, and present experimental data to project teams and senior leadership.
• Author and review study reports, regulatory documents, and scientific publications.
• Stay current with advancements in pharmacology, ex vivo systems, and related fields to incorporate innovative approaches into research programs.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Proficiency in pharmacology techniques, including cell-based assays, physiology, animal handling, dosing, and tissue dissection/collection.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to automate data collection and analyses and interpret complex data sets.
• Proficiency in data analysis software and tools (e.g., GraphPad Prism, Spotfire, MATLAB, Python).
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.

Education and Experience:

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Biology, or a related field with 0-3 years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree with 3+ years of experience or Bachelors and 6yrs of experience in a pharmaceutical or biotechnology setting.
• Hands-on experience in developing and applying primary tissue assays, including ex vivo organ perfusion and nervous system models.

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Pay Range:

$110,900 - $166,300

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.

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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