Job Description
General Summary
Vertex Biologics, Cell and Genetic Therapies is seeking a highly motivated Senior Scientist to join our Analytical Development team. The successful candidate will play a critical role in the development, optimization, and validation of bioassays to support characterization of biologics and other complex biologic modalities. This position requires a strong background in bioassay development, biologics, and cell line development, as well as a passion for innovation and collaboration in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. The position will be based in Boston, MA.
Key Responsibilities
Bioassay Development:
- Design, develop, and optimize bioassays to support the characterization, potency, and stability testing of biologics.
- Support tech transfer to external QC. Perform troubleshooting and support analytical investigation.
- Implement cutting-edge technologies and methodologies to enhance assay robustness and performance.
Cell Line Development:
- Manage CROs for the development of cell lines for use in bioassays. Act as the primary point of contact to provide technical guidance and ensure alignment with project goals and timelines.
- Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges related to cell line development and maintenance.
Assay Validation:
- Lead the qualification and validation of bioassays in compliance with regulatory guidelines (e.g., USP, FDA, ICH).
- Author and review technical reports, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and regulatory submission documents.
Data Analysis and Interpretation:
- Analyze experimental data using statistical tools and software to ensure accuracy and reliability.
- Interpret results and provide scientific insights to guide decision-making in product development.
Collaboration and Cross-Functional Support:
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Analytical Development, Process Development and Regulatory Affairs, to support the development of biologics.
- Provide technical expertise and guidance to junior scientists and team members.
Innovation and Continuous Improvement:
- Stay current with advancements in bioassay technologies and industry trends.
- Identify and implement innovative approaches to improve assay performance and efficiency.
Up to 10% travel is required for this role.
Qualifications
Education and Experience:
- Ph.D. degree in immunology, cell biology or biology-related scientific discipline and 3-5 years of work experience in biopharmaceutical industry or
- Master’s degree in biology-related scientific discipline and 5 years of work experience in biopharmaceutical industry or
- Bachelor’s degree in biology-related scientific discipline and 8 years of work experience in biopharmaceutical industry.
- Must have prior hands-on experience developing and qualifying/validating bioassays for biologics in compliance with regulatory guidelines.
- Strong background in cell line development for assay purposes.
Technical Skills:
- Proven proficiency in ELISA, reporter gene assays, cytotoxicity/ADCC/CDC assays and other bioassay readout.
- Familiarity with statistical tools and software for data analysis (e.g., JMP, GraphPad Prism, SoftMax Pro and other bioassay data analysis software).
- Must be familiar with USP, FDA and ICH guidelines governing bioassay development and validation.
Soft Skills:
- Demonstrated ability to multi-task as necessary, manage competing priorities and advance multiple projects within required timelines.
- Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities. Attention to details.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present complex data to diverse audiences.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional teams.
- Effective delivery of objectives within the preset timeline.
- Proven leadership and mentoring skills.
Pay Range:
$122,400 - $183,600Disclosure 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]
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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
Similar Jobs
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.
