Protein Sciences Research Scientist

Job Description

General Summary:

We are seeking a motivated Scientist to join our Protein Science team. In this role, you will purify and characterize therapeutic proteins and research reagents at milligram- to gram-scale in support of early- and late-stage discovery programs. The ideal candidate will bring strong expertise in protein purification, protein analytics, and protein-protein interaction characterization, and will help advance platform capabilities through innovative approaches in analytical characterization and biologics developability assessment.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Operate AKTA chromatography systems using UNICORN software to purify antibodies, Fc fusion proteins, and His-tagged protein reagents for in vitro and in vivo applications.
• Design and execute fit-for-purpose purification strategies using Protein A, immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC), ion exchange chromatography (IEX), hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC), and preparative size exclusion chromatography (SEC).
• Perform analytical characterization using UV-Vis spectroscopy, analytical SEC on HPLC/UPLC systems with Empower software, endotoxin testing, SDS-PAGE, and western blotting.
• Develop, implement, and improve analytical workflows to support the developability assessment of biologics.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and external partners to support mass spectrometry analyses.
• Develop and optimize bio-layer interferometry (BLI) assays to evaluate protein-protein interactions and determine binding kinetics, including KD, kon, and koff.
• Present purification, analytical, and developability data to the Protein Science team, project teams, and the broader research organization.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and well-organized records in electronic lab notebooks and protein inventory/database systems.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise operating AKTA systems and UNICORN software for protein purification.
• Strong hands-on experience with protein capture and polishing methods using resins such as MabSelect SuRe, MabSelect PrismA, Capto L, Capto DEAE, Capto Q, and Capto S.
• Proficiency with Waters HPLC/UPLC systems and Empower software, including SEC, HIC, IEX, and reversed-phase methods.
• Experience performing SDS-PAGE and developing or troubleshooting western blot methods.
• Experience evaluating protein stability and manufacturability using biophysical methods such as DSF, DLS, AC-SINS, cross-interaction chromatography (CIC), or standup monolayer chromatography (SMAC).
• Experience supporting protein therapeutic candidates from early discovery through advancement toward development in highly collaborative, fast-paced, and results-driven teams.
• Experience using BLI or SPR to perform kinetic or quantitative binding assays.
• Familiarity with cIEF for charged variant analysis and mass spectrometry for protein identification and post-translational modification (PTM) analysis.

Education and Experience:

• PhD in Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, or a related field with 2+ years of relevant industry experience; or
• Master’s degree in one of the above fields with 3+ years of relevant industry experience; or
• Bachelor’s degree in one of the above fields with 6+ years of relevant industry experience.

Pay Range:

$104,000 - $156,000

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