Senior Research Associate, Gene Editing & Delivery

at  Vertex Pharmaceuticals

Job Description
General Summary:
Vertex seeks a talented scientist to join the Vertex Cell and Genetic Therapies (VCGT) Cell Therapy and Immunology team at The Jeffrey Leiden Center for Cell and Genetic Therapies in Boston, MA. The team’s mission is to discover and actualize the next generation of cell therapies for patients with type 1 diabetes, sickle cell disease and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. We are looking for a candidate with an interest in stem cell culture, developmental biology, immunology, and familiarity with analytical methods in cellular & molecular biology to support development of a Stem Cell Editing Platform. The candidate will work closely with our scientists on discovery projects advancing our capabilities in pluripotent stem biology and immunology. The ideal candidate is scientifically accustomed to taking initiative while working with supervisor in setting the objectives and may take some responsibility for some experimental design. The position requires strong communication and organization skills, but also proven adaptability and multitasking capability.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform human pluripotent stem cell culture, gene editing, cloning, and characterization to support stem cell line development efforts to generate next-generation cell therapies.
• Operate cutting-edge lab equipment for stem cell culture, clonal isolation, cryopreservation, and characterization.
• Follow protocols and contribute to stem cell line development campaigns (periodic weekend work is required).
• Work with cross-functional teams to plan, coordinate, and execute experiments.
• Present findings to group and broader research teams, 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.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Knowledge and Skills:

• Pluripotent stem cell culture experience (e.g., hESC and/or hiPSC). Aseptic technique with 2D culture experience is required, and 3D is desirable.
• Experience with lab automation and familiarity with cGMP compliance is desirable but not required.
• Successful candidate will be a team-player with outstanding organization and multitasking capability.
• Familiarity with stem cell characterization assays such as flow cytometry, ddPCR, DNA sequencing
• Must possess critical thinking, keen attention to detail, and self-reliance to solve tasks independently or ask questions.
• Experience performing stem cell differentiation to any cell type is desirable but not required.
• Candidate must possess flexibility to quickly pivot as projects demand.
• The candidate will be accustomed to effectively communicating progress, needs, and problems.

Education and Experience:

• Masters Degree (or equivalent degree) in biological sciences and 0-2 years of relevant employment experience, or
• Bachelors Degree (or equivalent degree) in biological sciences and 4+ years of relevant employment experience

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

• Perform human pluripotent stem cell culture, gene editing, cloning, and characterization to support stem cell line development efforts to generate next-generation cell therapies.
• Operate cutting-edge lab equipment for stem cell culture, clonal isolation, cryopreservation, and characterization.
• Follow protocols and contribute to stem cell line development campaigns (periodic weekend work is required).
• Work with cross-functional teams to plan, coordinate, and execute experiments.
• Present findings to group and broader research teams, 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.
• Performs other duties as assigne