Toxicology Research Scientist

About the role

Vertex Pharmaceuticals is seeking a highly motivated and innovative scientist to join our Predictive and Investigative Safety Assessment (Toxicology) group in San Diego.

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.

Requirements

• 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.

Qualifications

• 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.

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.

Benefits

• Inclusive market-leading benefits to meet employees' needs, including medical, dental, vision, and flexible spending accounts.
• Generous paid time off, including a week-long company shutdown in the Summer and the Winter.
• Student loan repayment program.
• Matching charitable donations.
• 401(k) plan.

Pay

The pay range for this role is $101,600 - $152,400 annually.

Schedule

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.