Job Description
General Summary:
We are seeking a motivated Scientist to join our Protein Science team. In this role, you will purify and characterize therapeutic proteins and research reagents at milligram- to gram-scale in support of early- and late-stage discovery programs. The ideal candidate will bring strong expertise in protein purification, protein analytics, and protein-protein interaction characterization, and will help advance platform capabilities through innovative approaches in analytical characterization and biologics developability assessment.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
- Operate AKTA chromatography systems using UNICORN software to purify antibodies, Fc fusion proteins, and His-tagged protein reagents for in vitro and in vivo applications.
- Design and execute fit-for-purpose purification strategies using Protein A, immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC), ion exchange chromatography (IEX), hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC), and preparative size exclusion chromatography (SEC).
- Perform analytical characterization using UV-Vis spectroscopy, analytical SEC on HPLC/UPLC systems with Empower software, endotoxin testing, SDS-PAGE, and western blotting.
- Develop, implement, and improve analytical workflows to support the developability assessment of biologics.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams and external partners to support mass spectrometry analyses.
- Develop and optimize bio-layer interferometry (BLI) assays to evaluate protein-protein interactions and determine binding kinetics, including KD, kon, and koff.
- Present purification, analytical, and developability data to the Protein Science team, project teams, and the broader research organization.
- Maintain accurate, timely, and well-organized records in electronic lab notebooks and protein inventory/database systems.
Knowledge and Skills:
- Demonstrated expertise operating AKTA systems and UNICORN software for protein purification.
- Strong hands-on experience with protein capture and polishing methods using resins such as MabSelect SuRe, MabSelect PrismA, Capto L, Capto DEAE, Capto Q, and Capto S.
- Proficiency with Waters HPLC/UPLC systems and Empower software, including SEC, HIC, IEX, and reversed-phase methods.
- Experience performing SDS-PAGE and developing or troubleshooting western blot methods.
- Experience evaluating protein stability and manufacturability using biophysical methods such as DSF, DLS, AC-SINS, cross-interaction chromatography (CIC), or standup monolayer chromatography (SMAC).
- Experience supporting protein therapeutic candidates from early discovery through advancement toward development in highly collaborative, fast-paced, and results-driven teams.
- Experience using BLI or SPR to perform kinetic or quantitative binding assays.
- Familiarity with cIEF for charged variant analysis and mass spectrometry for protein identification and post-translational modification (PTM) analysis.
Education and Experience:
- PhD in Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, or a related field with 2+ years of relevant industry experience; or
- Master’s degree in one of the above fields with 3+ years of relevant industry experience; or
- Bachelor’s degree in one of the above fields with 6+ years of relevant industry experience.
Pay Range:
$104,000 - $156,000Disclosure 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 relevant field with 2+ years of experience
- Master's degree in relevant field with 3+ years of experience
- Bachelor's degree in relevant field with 6+ years of experience
- Expertise in protein purification and analytics
- Experience with AKTA systems and UNICORN software
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.
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