Senior Research Scientist, Integrated Pharmacology

About the role

We seek a highly independent, collaborative, and innovative scientist to join the Quantitative Cellular Pharmacology team in the Integrated Pharmacology group at Vertex Pharmaceuticals. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated with a strong foundation in cell biology and/or biochemistry and have experience with cell-based/biochemical assays. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing human disease-relevant assays to understand and address the underlying cause of serious life-threatening diseases. Our ideal candidate will have a track record of innovation in the field. The Integrated Pharmacology group supports late-stage drug discovery for all disease areas in the Vertex drug discovery portfolio at the Boston site, and the Senior Research Scientist will be a member of multiple discovery project teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of cell-based and/or biochemical assays for small molecule discovery as a key member of discovery project teams
• Execute cell-based and/or biochemical assays supporting medicinal chemistry optimization, characterize our lead molecules in in vitro models of human disease, and meet deliverables for preclinical development projects
• Analyze, critically interpret, and present data to cross-functional project teams, and recommend courses of action based on datasets and discussions with biologists and chemists
• Propose and develop innovative approaches to small molecule discovery based on the latest technologies and publications in the field
• Identify and evaluate new technologies to improve efficiency and processes
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
• Be a key member of the Integrated Pharmacology group and serve as a strong representative on interdisciplinary project teams
• Ensure data integrity and compliance under Vertex policies

Qualifications

• PhD (or equivalent degree) in a relevant discipline (Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry or related Biological Sciences) and 2-5 years of productive, relevant industry or postdoctoral experience in cell-based and/or biochemical assays to lead discovery, optimization and characterization
• Master's Degree (or equivalent degree) in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or related disciplines and 5+ years of relevant employment experience
• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent degree) in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or related disciplines and 8+ years of relevant employment experience

Skills

• Strong understanding of Cell Biology and expertise in cell-based and/or biochemical assay development
• Target identification/validation, mechanism of action studies, and understanding drug candidate pharmacology using innovative approaches and technologies are required
• Experience with miniaturized assays (384), knowledge of multiplex assay platforms, multi-parametric data analysis, and basic command-line programming is helpful
• Self-motivation, independence, organization, effective communication and presentation skills; adept in solving/troubleshooting complex problems as well as the ability to navigate a fast-paced work environment
• A desire to be part of a highly innovative company aimed at transforming the lives of people with serious diseases, their families, and society

Pay

• $64/hr - $66/hr