Job Description
JOB TITLE: Analytical Development Principal Research Associate
LOCATION: 316 Northern Ave., Boston, Massachusetts 02210
OPENINGS: 1
DUTIES:
- Independently perform complex experimental procedures using various technical platforms, including ELISA, flow cytometry, cell culture, cell-based bioassays, and HPLC, designed through collaboration with supervisor.
- Independently develop ELISA and plate-based binding assays with minimal oversight, in accordance with USP guidelines for biologic assays.
- Improve and transfer a research-grade assay to a GMP test lab.
- Work collaboratively with cross functional teals providing technical support to achieve program goals within established timelines and demonstrating excellent documentation skills.
- Report experimental findings and results to team members in an organized and clear manner.
- Author method documents, analytical protocols, and reports.
- Contribute to lab organization and efficient lab functioning.
- Design development studies with the ability to efficiently assess assay performance.
- Perform statistical analysis of experimental data and interpret results.
- Trend method performance of GMP release and stability assays, identify areas of improvement, and conduct experiments.
- Interact with vendor and contract test labs to transfer and qualify methods following ICH, USP and EP guidelines.
- Design, conduct, and trend stability studies using appropriate statistical tests per ICH and EMA guidelines.
- Present data at cross functional meetings.
REQUIREMENTS: Employer will accept a Bachelor’s degree, or foreign equivalent in Biology, Analytical Sciences, Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Pharmacology and Drug Development, or a related field and 5 years of experience in the job offered or in an Analytical Development Principal Research Associate-related occupation.
Alternatively, employer will accept a Master’s degree, or foreign equivalent, in Biology, Analytical Sciences, Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Pharmacology and Drug Development, or a related field and 3 years of experience in the job offered or in an Analytical Development Principal Research Associate-related occupation.
Position requires demonstrable experience in the following:
Hands on experience with cell culture of primary and secondary cell lines, cell line transfections, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), flow cytometry, gel electrophoresis, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), statistical programs including John’s Macintosh Project (JMP), and GraphPad Prism. Method development and troubleshooting experience with plate-based binding assays including ELISA, AlphaLISA, and HTFR. Proven technical proficiency and demonstrated skill in designing, executing, and interpreting experiments. Experiments include linearity, accuracy, precision, spike recovery, and forced degradation. Analysis and interpretation of complex experimental data with proficiency in problem solving. Emerging knowledge of regulatory guidance for analytical development. Regulatory guidance includes International Council for Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) Quality Modules for method development and validation and United States Pharmacopeia (USP) guidance chapters for biologic method development and validation. Knowledge and hands on experience with analytical platforms including JMP and GraphPad Prism used for characterization and release assays.
Rate of Pay: $109533.00 - $128500.00
CONTACT: Send Resume to [email protected]. Reference 12140.409. EOE.
Pay Range:
$0 - $0Disclosure Statement:
The range provided is based on what we believe is a reasonable estimate for the base salary pay range for this job at the time of posting. This role is eligible for an annual bonus and annual equity awards. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. Actual base salary pay will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, and other job-related factors permitted by law.
At Vertex, our Total Rewards offerings also include inclusive market-leading benefits to meet our employees wherever they are in their career, financial, family and wellbeing journey while providing flexibility and resources to support their growth and aspirations. From medical, dental and vision benefits to generous paid time off (including a week-long company shutdown in the Summer and the Winter), educational assistance programs including student loan repayment, a generous commuting subsidy, matching charitable donations, 401(k) and so much more.
Flex Designation:
On-Site DesignatedFlex 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 [email protected]
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Biology, Analytical Sciences, Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Pharmacology and Drug Development, or related field and 5 years of relevant experience
- Master's degree in Biology, Analytical Sciences, Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Pharmacology and Drug Development, or related field and 3 years of relevant experience
- Hands-on experience with cell culture of primary and secondary cell lines
- Experience with cell line transfections
- Proficiency with PCR and gel electrophoresis
- Development and troubleshooting of ELISA and plate-based binding assays (including AlphaLISA and HTRF)
- Experience with flow cytometry
- Experience with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
- Experience using statistical programs, including JMP and GraphPad Prism
- Method development, validation (linearity, accuracy, precision, spike recovery, forced degradation) and GMP assay transfer experience
- Knowledge of regulatory guidance for analytical development (ICH, USP, EMA) and experience interacting with vendor/contract labs
- Strong documentation skills and ability to author method documents, analytical protocols, and reports
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Vertex Pharmaceuticals and has not been reviewed or approved by Vertex Pharmaceuticals.
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Parental & Family Support — Policies provide 12 weeks of 100% paid bonding leave for all U.S. parents with additional fully paid time for birth parents. Family-forming supports include adoption and surrogacy assistance, fertility options like IVF and egg cryopreservation, breast‑milk shipping, subsidized childcare, backup care, and a DCFSA match.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time off includes roughly four weeks of vacation, 13 holidays, sick time, and two companywide shutdowns (summer and year‑end). Some roles also include flexible or unlimited time off and paid volunteer time.
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Retirement Support — Programs include a 401(k) plan with employer contributions and an employee stock purchase plan. Filings describe employer contributions occurring in company stock, supporting long‑term ownership.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Insights
What We Do
Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people with serious and life-threatening diseases. We discovered and developed the first medicines to treat the underlying cause of cystic fibrosis (CF), a rare, life-threatening genetic disease. In addition to clinical development programs in CF, Vertex has more than a dozen ongoing research programs focused on the underlying mechanisms of other serious diseases. Founded in 1989 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, our corporate headquarters is now located in Boston’s Innovation District, and our international headquarters is in London, United Kingdom. We currently employ approximately 3,500 people in the United States, Europe, Canada, Australia and Latin America with nearly two-thirds of our staff dedicated to research and development. Vertex is consistently recognized as one of the industry’s top places to work by Science Magazine, The Boston Globe, Boston Business Journal and the San Diego Business Journal. Our research and medicines have also received esteemed recognitions, including the Robert J. Beall Therapeutics Development Award, the French Prix Galien and the British Pharmacological Society awards.








