Toxicology Research Scientist

Job Description

Vertex Pharmaceuticals is seeking a highly motivated and innovative scientist to join our Predictive and Investigative Safety Assessment (Toxicology) group in San Diego as a Research Scientist. This lab-based role offers an exciting opportunity to lead the development of advanced 3D organoid models, organ-on-a-chip technologies, and fit-for-purpose assays to investigate toxicological mechanisms and support our therapeutic discovery and development efforts. The successful candidate will have a proven track record of working with complex in vitro models, including primary cells and immune cells in 3D formats or co-culture systems, and will bring expertise in developing and applying innovative approaches to assess molecular toxicities. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in cellular biology, toxicology, and advanced in vitro model systems, with demonstrated experience in tissue engineering and assay optimization. Experience with immune cell co-culture models, primary cell systems, and high-throughput plate formats is highly desirable.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design and develop fit-for-purpose assays to investigate toxicological mechanisms using advanced 3D organoid models, organ-on-a-chip technologies, and/or co-culture systems.
• Lead the development and application of innovative platforms for studying toxicology in multicellular systems, including immune cell interactions and primary cell-based models.
• Develop and optimize assays to evaluate toxicological mechanisms, with a focus on precision, reproducibility, and scalability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate advanced in vitro models into drug discovery workflows, supporting safety assessment and therapeutic development.
• Apply cutting-edge technologies, including automation and high-throughput plate formats, to enhance assay performance and throughput.
• Partner with Systems Toxicology to generate and analyze complex biological datasets from in vitro models, enabling the identification of toxicological mechanisms and establishing in vitro-in vivo correlations.
• Effectively communicate scientific findings, project progress, and key insights in project team meetings, department meetings, and discussions with key stakeholders to drive decision-making and inform strategic goals.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Familiarity with omics datasets (transcriptomics, proteomics, secretomics, etc.).
• Experience with scripting (Python and/or R/Bioconductor).
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams and collaborate across disciplines.
• Self-motivated, organized, and innovative, with excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and solve complex biological and technical challenges in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• A passion for advancing toxicology research to improve drug safety and transform the lives of patients.

Education and Experience:

• Ph.D. (or equivalent degree) in toxicology, cellular biology, immunology, biochemistry, biophysics, or related disciplines with 0-3 years of relevant postdoctoral employment experience, or a Masters degree and 3+ years of experience or a Bachelors degree and 6+ years of experience
• Strong expertise in developing and working with 3D organoid models, organ-on-a-chip technologies, and/or co-culture systems, particularly involving primary epithelial cells and immune cells.
• Proven experience in designing and optimizing cell-based assays for disease modeling and/or evaluating mechanisms of toxicity.
• Expertise in immune cell biology and co-culture models for studying immune-mediated toxicities.

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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.

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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]