Job Description
Job Description
At Vertex, we invest in scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people with serious diseases. Our growing Molecular Profiling team is seeking a Senior Scientist, Flow Cytometry to provide deep technical expertise in flow cytometry and cellular profiling to support discovery, translational, and development programs. This role will lead and drive the generation of high-dimensional insights into cell phenotype, function, and biology that help inform mechanism of action, biomarker strategies, patient stratification, and program decision-making.
The successful candidate will independently own cytometry workstreams across multiple programs and contribute to the scientific direction of molecular profiling efforts.
The ideal candidate is a highly motivated scientist with strong experience in multiparameter and high-dimensional flow cytometry (spectral flow), cell sorting, and immunophenotyping and a proven ability to thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced research environment.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Design, develop, optimize, and execute flow cytometry-based assays to support research and translational objectives across discovery and development programs
- Lead multicolor immunophenotyping panel design, including marker selection, fluorochrome strategy, controls, and advanced gating and data analysis approaches
- Apply flow cytometry in conjunction with molecular profiling data to enable deeper characterization of cell states, pathway activity, target engagement, and disease-relevant biology
- Partner with cross-functional teams to integrate cellular and molecular datasets, including transcriptomic, proteomic, and biomarker data, to support hypothesis generation and program strategy
- Analyze and interpret complex flow cytometry data to support actionable biological insights, mechanism of action studies, and translational hypotheses
- Establish and apply best practices for sample preparation, staining, acquisition, compensation, quality control, and data analysis
- Troubleshoot technical issues and drive continuous improvement in assay robustness, reproducibility, and efficiency
- Contribute to experimental design, study planning, and strategic program discussions and decision-making
- Prepare technical documentation, protocols, study summaries, and presentations
- Evaluate and implement emerging cytometry and profiling technologies, reagents, and workflows where appropriate
- Mentor junior team members and serve as a scientific resource within the broader organization
- Independently lead cytometry workstreams across multiple programs, ensuring alignment with program goals and timelines
- Influence program decisions through data-driven insights and clear communication of complex biological findings
Knowledge and Skills
- Deep expertise in flow cytometry principles, instrumentation, and assay development
- Strong understanding of immune profiling, cellular phenotyping, and molecular profiling strategies
- Experience connecting cell-based phenotypic data with broader molecular signatures and translational biomarkers
- Experience designing and optimizing high-parameter or multicolor flow cytometry panels, including intracellular and phospho-flow analysis
- Proficiency in flow cytometry analysis software such as FlowJo, Dotmatics or equivalent
- Working knowledge of data analysis approaches and familiarity with R or Python-based workflows (preferred)
- Strong scientific reasoning, data interpretation, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to communicate complex technical findings clearly to technical and cross-functional stakeholders
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a matrixed environment
- Demonstrated ability to operate with a high degree of independence while contributing to team-based goals
Education and Experience
- PhD in Immunology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or related discipline with 2+ years of relevant experience; or
- Master’s degree with 6+ years of relevant experience; or
- Bachelor’s degree with 8+ years of relevant experience
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with primary human samples, including blood- or tissue-derived specimens
- Familiarity with spectral flow cytometry and cell sorting (BD, Cytek, Sony platforms)
- Experience working in environments where molecular profiling and cell-based assays are jointly used to answer translational questions
- Experience in immunology and inflammation disease areas
- Experience supporting translational research, biomarker strategies, or clinical development
- Experience integrating cytometry data with single-cell genomics, spatial transcriptomics, or proteomics datasets
Pay Range:
$124,200 - $186,400Disclosure 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
- PhD in Immunology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or related discipline with 2+ years of relevant experience; or Master's degree with 6+ years; or Bachelor's degree with 8+ years
- Deep expertise in flow cytometry principles, instrumentation, and assay development
- Experience designing and optimizing high-parameter or multicolor flow cytometry panels, including intracellular and phospho-flow analysis
- Proficiency in flow cytometry analysis software such as FlowJo, Dotmatics or equivalent
- Experience connecting cell-based phenotypic data with broader molecular signatures and translational biomarkers
- Ability to independently lead cytometry workstreams, mentor junior team members, and communicate complex findings to cross-functional stakeholders
- Working knowledge of data analysis approaches and familiarity with R or Python-based workflows
- Experience with primary human samples (blood- or tissue-derived specimens)
- Familiarity with spectral flow cytometry and cell sorting (BD, Cytek, Sony platforms)
- Experience integrating cytometry data with single-cell genomics, spatial transcriptomics, or proteomics datasets
- Experience in immunology and inflammation disease areas and supporting translational research or clinical development
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.
