Principal Research Associate – Protein Engineering (Contract)

Job Title: Principal Research Associate – Protein Engineering

Department: Protein Engineering
Location: On-site  - Seattle

Schedule: M-F

Contract Length: 6 momnths with the chance to extend

At Vertex Pharmaceuticals we are relentless in our pursuit of transformative solutions for patients with serious diseases. Our innovative approach to research and development has positioned us as a leader in the biotechnology industry. We are seeking a talented and motivated Principal Research Associate to join our Protein Engineering team and contribute to the advancement of cutting-edge therapeutics.

Position Summary: The Principal Research Associate will play a pivotal role in supporting the Protein Engineering group by driving the progression of molecules from design to functional proteins for downstream testing. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in molecular cloning, yeast display, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) library preparation. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a collaborative and innovative environment, contributing to the development of transformative therapies.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Perform molecular cloning techniques, including PCR, DNA assembly (e.g., Gibson assembly), sequencing, and troubleshooting.
• Support the design, construction, preparation, and validation of DNA constructs for protein engineering projects.
• Conduct yeast culturing and transformations to support yeast display workflows.
• Perform flow cytometry to assess yeast-displayed proteins and analyze data to inform decision-making.
• Prepare and perform quality control for next-generation sequencing (NGS) libraries to support protein engineering workflows.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of protein engineering efforts with downstream assays.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of experimental procedures, results, and data analysis.
• Contribute to the development and optimization of new protocols and methodologies to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Protein Engineering group.

Required Education Level

• Master’s Degree (or equivalent degree) in cellular biology, biochemistry, or bio/chemical engineering and 3+ years of relevant industry experience, or
• Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent degree) in cellular biology, biochemistry, or bio/chemical engineering and 6 + years of relevant industry experience

Qualifications:

• Expertise in molecular cloning workflows and troubleshooting.
• Hands-on experience with yeast culturing and transformations.
• Experience with next-generation sequencing (NGS) library preparation and quality control.
• Proficiency in flow cytometry.
• Experience with yeast DNA library transformation and screening is highly desirable.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot experimental challenges.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills to work in a multidisciplinary team environment.

$63-$67/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 law. In 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 Vertex’s 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 privacyadministrator@atriumstaff.com.

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 tempstaffing@vrtx.com. Please include the job title in the subject of your email.

No C2C or Third-Party Vendors