Research Scientist, Human Cell Models — Immunology & Molecular Cell Biology (Contract)

Research Scientist Human Cell Models Immunology & Molecular Cell Biology

Location: Boston MA
Employment Type: 1-year contract / Research Scientist role

Company Overview

Vertex is a global biotechnology company focused on scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people with serious diseases. The role sits within a collaborative research environment supporting discovery and development efforts through disease-relevant human cell models assay development and mechanistic biology.

Role Summary

Vertex is seeking a highly motivated Research Scientist Human Cell Models to support immunology and molecular/cell biology research at the Boston Research site. This scientist will contribute to the development optimization and execution of relevant human cell models and cell-based assays to support target identification validation small molecule discovery screening and mechanism-of-action studies.

The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on expertise in primary cell culture including PBMC and lymphocyte culture and differentiation immunophenotyping molecular biology genome engineering and assay development. A successful candidate will be scientifically curious technically rigorous and comfortable working in a fast-paced research environment to build disease-relevant models enable translational biology and generate actionable insights for research programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Design execute analyze and interpret cell-based and immunology-focused experiments to support target identification target validation small molecule discovery and mechanism-of-action studies.
• Develop optimize and troubleshoot in vitro human cell model systems and assay workflows using immune primary and/or immortalized cell models.
• Culture maintain and evaluate B cells PBMC-derived immune cell populations primary human cells and/or immortalized cell lines for functional and mechanistic studies
• Perform and optimize immunophenotyping assays using multicolor flow cytometry including complex panel design and data interpretation.
• Develop and miniaturize cell-based assays including fluorescent luminescent FRET/BRET luciferase AlphaLISA Western blot and other protein quantification or localization assays for screening and mechanistic applications.

• Routinely execute developed cell-based assays to support medicinal chemistry design cycles
• Perform cytokine profiling and immune functional readouts using platforms such as MSD and Luminex.

• Analyze datasets interpret biological results and clearly communicate findings recommendations and next steps to project teams.
• Maintain accurate timely and high-quality experimental records and documentation aligned with Vertex standards.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional scientists and interdisciplinary project teams to support program goals scientific decision-making assay improvements data quality and reproducibility.

Required Experience

• Hands-on experience with PBMC isolation enrichment and culture of primary lymphocyte populations (B cells T cells and other immune subsets) immune cell functional assays and culture of primary and immortalized human cell lines.
• Proven expertise in multicolor flow cytometry and immunophenotyping including experience with complex panels
• Experience developing and executing cellular assays for protein quantification protein interactions localization signaling or reporter-based readouts using technologies such as luciferase AlphaLISA FRET BRET and/or Western blotting.
• Experience with cytokine profiling platforms such as MSD and Luminex
• Ability to independently design and execute experiments troubleshoot technical issues interpret biological data and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present results clearly and work effectively in a collaborative team environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in stromal biology inflammation immune cell activation differentiation and/or signaling pathways
• Experience working with primary or immortalized cell models
• Familiarity with Python coding bioinformatics NGS analysis or large assay data analysis
• Experience supporting interdisciplinary research programs in a fast-moving discovery environment.

Education and Experience

• Ph.D. or equivalent degree in Immunology Molecular Biology Cell Biology or a related discipline with 03 years of relevant postdoctoral or industry experience.
  OR
• M.S. in Immunology Molecular Biology Cell Biology or a related discipline with 5 years of relevant academic or industry experience.

$60-$65/HR

This job posting is for a temporary role with a third-party agency partner on assignment at Vertex Pharmaceuticals (Vertex). The individual selected for this role will be offered the role as an employee of a third- party agency partner; compensation medical benefits fringe benefits and other terms and conditions of employment shall be presented by the third-party agency partner upon offer. The pay rate range provided is a reasonable estimate of the anticipated compensation range for this job at the time of posting. The actual pay rate will be based on a number of factors including skills competencies experience location and/or being pursued and other job-related factors permitted by addition this role will be eligible for overtime pay in accordance with federal and state requirements

By applying for this position you agree to the Atrium Terms and Conditions and you direct Atrium to share your application materials which may include your CV/Resume email address or phone number with Vertex. For more information on how Vertex handles your personal data related to your job application please see Vertexs Careers Privacy Notice. Agreeing to the Atrium Terms and Conditions includes permission to use the email address and mobile phone number you provide during the application process or throughout the duration of your prospective or actual employment to notify you of job openings profiles articles news and other employment-related information as well as to notify you of special promotions or additional products and services offered by us or our affiliates and partners

(collectively Atrium Alerts). Atrium Alerts may be sent by email phone or text message. Your personal information will be safely stored within the Atrium & Vertex databases. Atrium does not sell your personal information to third parties. Text message and data rates may apply. To OPT OUT of text messaging or to modify your communication preferences for Atrium Alerts at any time please contact Atrium at .

If you do not agree with the Atrium Terms and Conditions you can still complete your application for this position by emailing your resume to our team at Please include the job title in the subject of your email.

No C2C or Third-Party Vendors