Principal Research Scientist-Translational Immunology

Job Description

General Summary:

Vertex is seeking a Principal Scientist, Translational Immunology to join our Seattle-based Research & Development organization. This role will provide scientific leadership at the interface of discovery and early development, translating immune disease mechanisms into robust, clinically actionable programs.
The successful candidate will partner closely with Immune Cell Profiling, Discovery Immunology, Computational Sciences, Biomarkers, and Clinical colleagues to design and execute translational strategies that advance programs from late discovery through IND-enabling stages. This position requires deep immunology expertise, strong cross-functional leadership, and a proven ability to drive programs forward through data-driven decision-making.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide translational immunology leadership across discovery programs, partnering with Immune Cell Profiling and disease strategy teams to define hypotheses, experimental plans, and decision criteria aligned with portfolio priorities.
• Design and execute integrated translational strategies to enable progression of assets from late discovery into early development, including target validation, mechanism confirmation, and risk mitigation.
• Lead the development and application of cellular, molecular, and functional assays that connect mechanism of action to disease biology, target engagement, and pharmacodynamic outcomes.
• Collaborate closely with Computational Biology, Data Science, and PK/PD teams to integrate multi-modal datasets (e.g., single-cell, proteomics, functional assays) into cohesive biological insights that inform program decisions.
• Partner with Biomarkers and Translational Medicine to define and implement biomarker strategies supporting first-in-human studies and early clinical development.                          
• Lead reverse translational efforts by integrating early clinical data, human biomarker readouts, and patient-derived insights back into discovery and preclinical models to refine mechanism of action, identify resistance biology, and inform next-generation target and modality strategies.
• Contribute to the generation of high-quality translational data packages to support target nomination, asset progression, and internal governance decisions
• Champion innovative technologies and therapeutic modalities—including biologics, small molecules, peptides, and cell-engaging platforms—to address unmet needs in immune-mediated diseases.
• Actively contribute to Immunology portfolio and disease-area strategy discussions, ensuring alignment with Vertex’s long-term scientific and business objectives.
• Maintain scientific leadership by staying current with emerging immunology research, platforms, and competitive intelligence, and by representing Vertex at key scientific meetings when appropriate.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Deep expertise in immune-mediated and autoimmune diseases, including mechanistic biology, translational challenges, and evolving clinical and competitive landscapes.
• Demonstrated success leading discovery and translational research programs, with a track record of advancing assets toward clinical development
• Strong understanding of therapeutic modalities relevant to immunology, including biologics and small molecules, and how mechanism informs modality selection.
• Proven experience developing and executing translational research strategies, including data generation, integration, and interpretation across experimental and computational domains.
• Experience defining and applying clinically relevant biomarkers for target engagement, pharmacodynamics, and mechanism validation.
• Significant people-leadership experience, including mentoring scientists, influencing matrix teams, and fostering a culture of scientific rigor and accountability.
• Strong working knowledge of cross-functional drug development, including collaboration with Translational Medicine, Clinical Development, CMC, Regulatory, and Operations.
• Experience contributing to IND-enabling packages and regulatory submissions is strongly preferred.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex scientific concepts to senior leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree with 10+ years of experience, Master’s degree with 7+ years of experience, or PhD with 4–7 years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 7 years of direct industry experience in immunology or related therapeutic areas.

Pay Range:

Disclosure Statement:

Flex Designation:

Flex 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]