Discovery Biology Principal Research Scientist

Job DescriptionGeneral Summary:Vertex is building out an Exploratory Discovery group focused on fundamental human biology, pushing the frontiers of stem cell biology to enable curative cell therapies in multiple disease areas. The Stem Cell Principal Research Scientist is self-reliant with a formidable record of accomplishments, independently identifying and solving tough problems repeatedly, across a number of critical and diverse projects. The Principal Research Scientist innovates proficiently and generates insights that influence research strategies including, but not limited to, the development of human stem cell models and assays to evaluate targets and lead molecules for Vertex diseases. The role provides reliable, valuable advice to other research Project Teams on a regular basis. Exhibits an ability to make significant conceptual contributions.Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Designs and performs sophisticated, technically challenging experiments, efficiently and independently
• Generates effective hypotheses to pursue Project goals and set new experimental directions
• Identifies broad implications to findings, which transcend the immediate experiment
• Develops novel and creative solutions to overcome Project goal obstacles
• Performs advanced, complex experimental troubleshooting and methods development, and is routinely called upon to use this prowess to assist others outside of own Projects
• Makes substantive conceptual contributions to Project activities and scientific strategies
• "Imports" new principles/concepts from other fields to establish new progress in Projects
• Coordinates publication and/or patenting of findings, or is a major contributor to these processes
• Provides authoritative technical recommendations broadly within the company regarding own field/discipline, and often occupies a key or pivotal formal or informal Project role
• May be the practical manager of CRO contracts or external collaborative research

Required Skills and Experience:

• Ph.D. (or equivalent degree) in molecular and cell biology, developmental biology, stem cell biology, or related disciplines and 4-7 years of relevant post-doctoral employment experience, or
• Masters Degree (or equivalent degree) in molecular and cell biology, developmental biology, stem cell biology, or related disciplines and 7+ years of relevant employment experience, or
• Bachelors Degree (or equivalent degree) in molecular and cell biology, developmental biology, stem cell biology, or related disciplines and 10+ years of relevant employment experience
• Demonstrates advanced judgment balancing technical feasibility and scientific opportunity/impact in the development of human stem cell models and assays to evaluate targets and lead molecules for Vertex diseases.
• Displays high level of scientific curiosity and ambitious in offering up cutting-edge ideas
• Knowledgeable with hands on experience with molecular and cellular assays and their limitations, including, for example, protein gels, immunohistochemistry, RNA Seq, FACS.
• Experience with genetic modification or genetic engineering is a plus
• Regularly executes technically challenging, complex experiments successfully within project expectations
• Discerns new, productive paths in experiments with greater regularity
• Demonstrates initiative and ability to capitalize on scientific creativity and insights
• Assigned to the more challenging or higher-value Project tasks/problems
• Often will have demonstrated outstanding determination and/or persistence in supporting Project(s)
• A superior communicator, demonstrating the ability to write advanced technical documents and demonstrating confidence and versatility in presenting verbally to diverse audiences

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.