Immunology Senior Research Scientist - Flow Cytometry

About the role

The Molecular Profiling team at Vertex is seeking a Senior Scientist, Flow Cytometry to join our dynamic and innovative environment. This role offers the opportunity to leverage cutting-edge flow cytometry techniques to advance our mission of creating transformative medicines for patients with serious diseases.

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

Qualifications

• 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