Stem Cell Senior Research Associate

Job Description

The Discovery Research group at Vertex Cell and Gene Therapies seeks a Senior Research Associate passionate about stem cell biology to contribute to the team's mission to develop future cell therapies to treat all patients with type 1 diabetes.

In this role, this candidate will contribute to small-scale screens to optimize stem cell-derived islet differentiation and will develop and execute assays reporting on cell identity and performance. We seek a candidate with a strong background in cell biology or cell therapy, as well as familiarity with analytical methods in cell and molecular biology.

In addition to applying technical proficiency in stem cell maintenance, differentiation, and characterization, the individual in this role will work closely with our scientists on experimental design, data analysis and interpretation. The position requires strong communication and organization skills, as well as proven adaptability and multitasking capability.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform human pluripotent stem cell culture and support discovery research efforts in stem cell biology.
• Carry out experiments to optimize and troubleshoot stem cell differentiation.
• Utilize analytical tools to evaluate cellular and molecular characteristics during pluripotent stem cell culture and differentiation.
• Maintain rigorous records of experiments and associated data analysis
• Follow protocols and contribute to team's stem cell differentiation studies (periodic weekend work is required).
• Collaborate cross-functionally to plan, coordinate, and execute experiments.
• Present studies effectively at internal group or project team research meetings, summarize data into reports for supervisor.
• Assist with lab management: track cell culture reagents, place orders, prepare media and reagents, continuously work to improve lab operations.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Strong mammalian cell culture experience is required; previous experience in stem cell (e.g., hESC and/or hiPSC) culture and differentiation is helpful.
• Experience with many of the following: flow cytometry, gene expression assays (qPCR, NanoString), sc-RNAseq, cell-based assays (proliferation, cytotoxicity, reporter assays, etc), liquid handling.
• Ability to design and execute follow-up experiments with input from supervisor.
• Must possess critical thinking and self-reliance to solve tasks independently, as well as a willingness to ask questions.
• Outstanding organizational and multitasking capabilities as well as the flexibility to quickly pivot as projects demand.
• Ability to effectively communicate project progress, needs, and problems.

Education and Experience Level:

• BS 4+ years of relevant experience.
• MS 0-2+ years of relevant experience.

Pay Range:

Disclosure Statement:

Flex Designation:

Flex Eligibility Status:

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 ApplicationAssistance@vrtx.com