Job Description
We are seeking a Senior Research Scientist in Computational Genomics to join Vertex's Data and Computational Sciences organization at our San Diego research site. In this role, you will work at the intersection of human genetics, genomics, and modern computational approaches, including emerging AI technologies, to accelerate the development of transformative therapies for serious human diseases. Working closely with cross-functional disease project teams, you will help shape the development of novel therapies in areas including lung diseases and pain by designing human genetic and genomics studies and translating complex datasets into insights that inform program strategy, target evaluation, biomarker development, and mechanistic understanding. You will take ownership of analyses from biological question to actionable recommendation and help guide the application of genomics and human genetics across discovery programs.
Success in this role will require scientific independence, sound judgment, and effective collaboration across disease biology, experimental genomics, translational research, computational sciences, and project leadership.
This position is based in San Diego, CA and is eligible for on‑site or hybrid work, with an expectation of at least three days per week on‑site.
Key responsibilities:
- Partner closely with cross-functional project teams to identify critical scientific questions that can be addressed through human genetics, genomics, sequencing, and computational analyses.
- Design, execute, and interpret human genetic, genomic, and multi-omic studies that advance target discovery, target validation, biomarker development, and mechanistic understanding.
- Apply and develop computational and statistical approaches to analyze complex biological datasets, integrating internal data with publicly available resources to generate actionable insights.
- Take ownership of analyses from biological question through recommendation, clearly communicating conclusions, limitations, and proposed next steps to diverse scientific audiences.
- Help shape genomics strategies across discovery programs, ensuring that study design, analysis plans, and interpretation are scientifically rigorous and aligned with project objectives.
- Collaborate with computational and experimental scientists to identify opportunities where emerging computational approaches, including machine learning and AI technologies, can accelerate biological discovery and enhance the analysis and interpretation of genomic and human genetic data.
- Contribute to scientific publications, internal reports, regulatory submissions, and other communications that support research and development activities.
Knowledge and Skills:
- Deep understanding of human genetics, genomics, and their application to disease biology, target discovery, and therapeutic development.
- Strong scientific judgment and the ability to translate complex datasets into clear conclusions, recommendations, and next steps.
- Ability to independently drive scientific questions from study design through interpretation and influence project decision-making.
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to convey complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences.
- Interest in evaluating and applying emerging computational approaches, including machine learning and AI technologies, where they can meaningfully advance biological discovery.
- A team-oriented growth mindset that welcomes feedback from others and supports other team members; a positive attitude that enthusiastically tackles and overcomes challenges
Minimum Qualifications:
- PhD in computational biology, bioinformatics, genomics, human genetics, systems biology, bioengineering, or a related field, with 3+ years of relevant post-doctoral or industry experience; or Master's degree in a related field with 8+ years of relevant industry experience.
- Demonstrated excellence in the analysis, visualization, and interpretation of human genetics, genomic, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) data.
- Experience applying computational methods and bioinformatics tools to large-scale biological datasets.
- Proficiency in programming (R, Python), Unix/Linux environments, and high-performance computing systems.
- Solid foundation in statistics and genetics, including the role of human genetic variation in disease biology.
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Pay Range:
$129,900 - $194,900Disclosure 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:
Hybrid-Eligible Or On-Site EligibleFlex Eligibility Status:
In this Hybrid-Eligible role, you can choose to be designated as:
1. Hybrid: work remotely up to two days per week; or select
2. On-Site: 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.
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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
- PhD in computational biology, bioinformatics, genomics, human genetics, systems biology, bioengineering, or a related field, plus 3 or more years of relevant postdoctoral or industry experience
- Alternatively, a Master's degree in a related field plus 8 or more years of relevant industry experience
- Demonstrated excellence analyzing, visualizing, and interpreting human genetics, genomic, and next-generation sequencing data
- Experience applying computational methods and bioinformatics tools to large-scale biological datasets
- Proficiency in R and Python programming
- Proficiency in Unix/Linux environments and high-performance computing systems
- Solid foundation in statistics and genetics, including human genetic variation in disease biology
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.
