Research Scientist, Human Cell Models (Contract)

Research Scientist, Human Cell Models (Temporary 1-Year Contract)

Vertex Pharmaceuticals is seeking a highly motivated Research Scientist to join the Human Cell Models (HCM) team at our Boston research site for a temporary 1-year assignment. In this role, the successful candidate will provide hands-on laboratory support for the development and execution of disease-relevant cell models and assays to deepen understanding of disease biology and advance small molecule discovery and mechanism-of-action studies.

This is a laboratory-based contract role for a scientist with experience in complex human iPSC-derived cell models and cell-based phenotypic assays, including a strong understanding of differentiation, scale-up protocols, and methods for characterizing iPSC-derived models. The individual will work closely with cross-functional teams and provide experimental support across multiple drug discovery programs.

The ideal candidate will be a strong experimentalist who is organized, collaborative, and able to integrate quickly into a fast-paced team, execute established workflows, troubleshoot challenges, and support project needs and timelines.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the development and execution of robust human cell models that recapitulate key aspects of disease biology, including models derived from patient cells
• Design, execute, analyze, and troubleshoot experiments with appropriate guidance and in close collaboration with team members
• Support genetic engineering of iPSC lines, including clone generation, cell culture, and characterization
• Execute established protocols and help optimize methods for scale-up primary or iPSC-derived models, to support small molecule discovery
• Perform cell-based assays and mechanism-of-action studies to address key biological and pharmacological questions
• Prepare reagents, media, assay materials, and other laboratory supplies needed to support ongoing experiments
• Order, receive, organize, and maintain laboratory stock, consumables, and reagents to ensure continuity of team operations
• Provide experimental and operational support to other scientists on the team, as needed, to advance group and project objectives
• Analyze and clearly communicate experimental findings, including recommendations for next steps
• Collaborate with scientists, project leaders, and functional partners to support project goals and timelines
• Present data to research teams in a clear, organized, and timely manner
• Maintain accurate records, documentation, and experimental tracking in accordance with team standards

Qualifications

• Strong expertise in routine iPSC culture, maintenance, and characterization
• Background in developmental biology and human disease modeling is essential; experience with neuronal differentiations is preferred
• Experience with cell model development to support screening assays, including assay optimization, miniaturization, and/or automation
• Broad laboratory experience in cell and molecular biology techniques including western blotting, qPCR, immunofluorescence, and ELISA
• Experience incorporating AI tools into experimental work is preferred
• Experience with primary human cell culture, including PBMCs, fibroblasts, and other relevant patient-derived cell types, is preferred
• Experience with large-scale tissue culture or automation experience is a plus
• Strong record-keeping, documentation, and data organization skills
• Demonstrated troubleshooting ability, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Willingness to contribute to both scientific execution and laboratory support activities
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative research environment

Education and Experience

• Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related discipline with 1–3 years of relevant experience, or
• M.S. in a relevant scientific discipline with 4–6 years of relevant academic and/or industry experience

Additional Role Information

• This is a temporary full-time onsite contract position with an anticipated duration of 1 year
• The individual in this role will be engaged to provide project-based scientific and laboratory support to the Human Cell Models team
• This position may support multiple programs and priorities based on evolving research and business needs
• Occasional weekend work may be required based on experimental timelines and project needs

$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 law. In addition, this role will be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements

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