Senior Principal Research Scientist, Protein Sciences / Structural Biology

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionVertex Pharmaceuticals is seeking a highly motivated and experienced protein structural biologist to join our San Diego Protein Sciences team. This team is responsible for all gene to structure work as well as cell-based approaches to study the mechanism of action of new and existing therapies. The team has a strong track record in applying structural biology to drug discovery.This critical role will:

• Support Vertex to continually strengthen internal capabilities, structure-based new drug design and exploit external centers of excellence.
• Lead a team of 3-4 scientists, set a clear direction and vision for the future success of the team and will evolve the team's use of cutting-edge technologies in structural biology and biophysics to develop novel and creative solutions to support drug discovery efforts.
• Design and performs sophisticated and complex, technically challenging experiments that impact critical project goals.
• Generates effective hypotheses to pursue project goals and encourages the use of new experimental approaches.
• Integrate and collaborate with related functions in Boston and Oxford and represent Vertex within the wider community in strategic partnerships.

Minimum Qualifications

• Established reputation with a track record in the field of expert membrane protein biochemistry, biophysics, and structural biology
• Demonstrated independent thought/creativity in science. Experience in applying emerging CryoEM and biophysical technologies to strengthen and improve current research capabilities
• Experience in leading a multi-disciplinary team to deliver impactful results and mechanism of action insights in support of drug discovery efforts
• Ability to integrate and collaborate with related Vertex functions in Boston and Oxford to achieve synergistic benefits for projects at all three centers
• Experience in managing personnel performance, goal setting and career growth development
• Excellent communication (oral and written) in articulating goals, objectives, hypotheses, and results to the group and larger cross-functional project teams
• Extensive experience interfacing with internal and external stakeholders to collaborate and execute on research programs, deliver results, and influence decision making
• Maintains the excellence of standards for structure and interpretation of all laboratory records, electronic database entries, internal reports, patents, and external communications from the team
• Ability to navigate and be successful in a fast-paced, cross-functional, and multi-disciplinary work environment

Education and Experience:

• 6+ years of SBDD experience in an industry environment, with proven track record of using structural information to drive chemical design from early hits to leads, to expedite the drug discovery process
• Bachelor's, Master's or PhD in cellular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, or related disciplines

Company InformationVertex 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.Please note that Vertex requires COVID-19 vaccination for all employees working in the U.S. as a condition of employment at Vertex, subject to medical, religious or other accommodations or exemptions required by law. We believe this requirement is vital to keeping everyone at Vertex and in our communities safe. This requirement applies to both existing and new employees who may at any time work on-site at a Vertex facility or visit another location on behalf of Vertex (e.g., conferences, customer visits, etc.), including all remote employees. 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.