Principal Research Associate - Cell Analytical Development

Vertex Cell and Genetic Therapies (VCGT) is seeking a contract contributor for 6 months to expand testing capabilities and support routine analytical activities. The ideal candidate will have experience with cell-based and plate-based analytical methods, strong troubleshooting skills, and a thorough understanding of SOPs and report documentation. Extensive hands-on experience with cell therapies is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Actively involved in routine testing to support process development, characterization, and release assays for identity, potency, genome profiling, and impurities for Vertex preclinical, clinical, and next-generation cell therapy programs.
• Perform sample testing using techniques such as Flow Cytometry, Cell culture, ELISA, MSD, PCR, and residual impurity characterization.
• Report on project progress and present data effectively at internal group or project team meetings.
• Communicate cross-functionally to ensure effective coordination of sample testing.
• Coordinate shipment handling, including receiving, logging, and distributing samples and reagents from internal and external sources.
• Manage and monitor inventory for samples and reagents across multiple projects to ensure accuracy, traceability, and availability.
• Contribute to data management activities by maintaining accurate records and supporting timely completion of deliverables.
• Support daily Benchling activities related to inventory control, sample tracking, and record maintenance.
• Support Monday to Friday with occasional weekends and second shift/late evening coverage as required; flexible to travel between sites within a 2.0-mile distance.
• Be a strong team player contributing to group priorities and deliverables.
• Maintain excellent written documentation of completed experiments (ELN) and knowledge share systems (MS Teams and SharePoint).
• Follow and understand SOPs, review protocols or reports as needed, and demonstrate good analytical understanding for data interpretation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Graduate degree in Cell & Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, or related discipline.
• MS with 5+ years of experience with strong industrial exposure, or BS with 8+ years of experience with strong industrial exposure.

Skills

• Excellent pipetting skills.
• Knowledge of standard lab safety regulations and experience working in a GLP-like laboratory environment.
• Experience with molecular and plate-based techniques related to cell and gene therapy, such as flow cytometry, ELISA, MSD, PCR, qPCR, ddPCR, cell counting methods, and cell culture techniques.
• Experience with Benchling or similar laboratory/inventory systems.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel, and Word.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Able to perform successfully under pressure while prioritizing and handling multiple projects or priorities within required timelines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Industry experience in the cell and gene therapy space.
• Experience in laboratory operations, inventory coordination, or sample management.
• Experience working with pluripotent/hematopoietic stem cells.
• Prior Project Management experience or PM training.

Working Environment

• Onsite position at the Boston LC1 site with occasional travel to the Boston FP site.
• Able to work upright and stationary and/or stand for typical working hours.
• Able to use and learn standard office equipment and technology with proficiency.

Pay

$42/hr - $50/hr

Schedule

Support Monday to Friday with occasional weekends and second shift/late evening coverage as required.