Research Scientist

Job Description

At Vertex Pharmaceuticals, we are relentless in our pursuit of transforming the lives of people with serious diseases. We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Research Scientist to join our Structural Biology and Biophysics team in Boston. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a collaborative team dedicated to producing and characterizing high-quality recombinant proteins for structural, biochemical, and biophysical studies. Your contributions will play a critical role in elucidating target mechanisms of action and ligand engagement, driving our mission to deliver transformative therapies to patients.

As a Research Scientist, you will work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, contributing to multiple projects simultaneously. You will leverage your expertise in recombinant protein expression and characterization to support drug discovery efforts. The ideal candidate is a self-motivated, detail-oriented individual who thrives in a collaborative and innovative setting.

Key Responsibilities:

• Express both soluble and integral membrane proteins using various recombinant systems, including bacterial, insect, and mammalian platforms.
• Perform transformation, transfection, or transduction of appropriate expression systems.
• Maintain and manage mammalian and insect cell lines to support protein expression.
• Optimize protein expression processes to enhance yield and quality of downstream proteins.
• Design, execute, and analyze experiments while managing multiple projects and priorities.
• Qualify and characterize expressed proteins using analytical techniques such as SDS-PAGE, Western blot, and fluorescence-detection size-exclusion chromatography (FSEC).
• Maintain detailed and accurate experimental records in an electronic lab notebook (ELN).
• Effectively communicate experimental results and manage production timelines to meet project goals.

Minimum Qualifications:
 

Education :

• Master’s degree (MSc) in Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or a related field with 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Bachelor’s degree (BSc) in Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or a related field with 8+ years of relevant experience.
• PhD in Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or a related field.

Technical Expertise:

• Hands-on experience with protein expression in multiple systems (e.g., bacterial, insect, mammalian).
• Experience generating reagents required for protein expression.
• Proficiency in biochemical techniques such as SDS-PAGE and Western blot.
• Experience with protein characterization and purification, including manual and automated chromatography systems (preferred).

Key Skills:

• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities to manage multiple projects effectively.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills to convey results and collaborate with team members.
• Ability to work independently with attention to detail and meet deadlines.
• A collaborative mindset with the ability to thrive in a team-oriented environment.
• Adaptability to a dynamic, fast-paced work environment.

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