Sr. Research Associate, Discovery Core (Contract)

at  Vertex Pharmaceuticals

Job Description:

SENIOR RESEARCH ASSOCIATE, DISCOVERY CORE

Vertex Pharmaceuticals is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Research Associate to support drug discovery efforts in the areas of high throughput assays and cell culture production. The candidate will be responsible for utilizing common HTS related tools as well as novel approaches to execute primary high-throughput screening and execution of cell culture responsibilities to support the High Throughput Assays (HTA) group. The candidate will demonstrate a passion to identify drug candidates working together with Vertex scientists across various disciplines with a production mindset. The position requires a high degree of reliability, independence, attention to detail, data analysis and interpretation skills, as well as strong communication skills. A demonstrated strong understanding of best practices to ensure reliability, efficiency, and quality control of large-scale assays is desired.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in a Life Science, or equivalent scientific/technical experience above high-school level is required
• 2+ years of experience with standard sterile cell culture techniques required for the routine handling and maintenance of recombinant cell lines at scale
• Demonstrated experience in the use of automation and HTS instrumentation
• Proficient in strong data analysis skills, computer skills and the ability to draw conclusions and communicate results from large data sets
• The successful candidate will be a self-motivated, detail oriented individual able to multitask and follow directions
• Critical thinking and the ability to learn and apply troubleshooting techniques for automation is key
• Must be flexible and responsive to changing priorities
• Ability and willingness to work rotating weekend shifts according to business needs
• Must have a high aptitude for common computer programs (e.g. MS Office), in addition to being comfortable in learning new software and hardware systems
• Ability to navigate and be successful in a fast-paced, highly-matrixed work environment
  Pay Range:
  $45 - $52/HR
  Requisition Disclaimer:
  This job posting is for a temporary role with a third-party agency partner on assignment at Vertex Pharmaceuticals (“Vertex”). The individual selected for this role will be offered the role as an employee of a third- party agency partner; compensation, medical benefits, fringe benefits and other terms and conditions of employment shall be presented by the third-party agency partner upon offer. The pay rate range provided is a reasonable estimate of the anticipated compensation range for this job at the time of posting. The actual pay rate will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, location and/or being pursued and other job-related factors permitted by law. In addition, this role will be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements
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• Execute a variety of target and phenotypic cell-based assays to support early lead discovery programs using automation tools.
• Execute standard cell culture procedures, including maintaining and plating of recombinant HEK cell lines at scale on a weekly basis, utilizing plate-based automation.
• Provide analysis of HTS and/or SAR-MedChem assay data to identify and characterize potential drug candidates
• Effectively collate and interpret data systematically and make recommendations for next steps
• Clearly and effectively communicate ideas and results (both verbally and in writing) to a broad range of audiences.
• Identify areas for streamlining workflows where warranted