Research Scientist

At Vertex Pharmaceuticals, we are relentless in our pursuit of transforming the lives of people with serious diseases. We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Research Scientist to join our Structural Biology and Biophysics team in Boston. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a collaborative team dedicated to producing and characterizing high‑quality recombinant proteins for structural, biochemical, and biophysical studies.

Your contributions will play a critical role in elucidating target mechanisms of action and ligand engagement, driving our mission to deliver transformative therapies to patients.

• Express both soluble and integral membrane proteins using various recombinant systems, including bacterial, insect, and mammalian platforms.
• Perform transformation, transfection, or transduction of appropriate expression systems.
• Maintain and manage mammalian and insect cell lines to support protein expression.
• Optimize protein expression processes to enhance yield and quality of downstream proteins.
• Design, execute, and analyze experiments while managing multiple projects and priorities.
• Qualify and characterize expressed proteins using analytical techniques such as SDS‑PAGE, Western blot, and fluorescence‑detection size‑exclusion chromatography (FSEC).
• Maintain detailed and accurate experimental records in an electronic lab notebook (ELN).
• Effectively communicate experimental results and manage production timelines to meet project goals.

• Master’s degree (MSc) in Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or a related field with 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Bachelor’s degree (BSc) in Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or a related field with 8+ years of relevant experience.
• PhD in Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or a related field.

• Hands‑on experience with protein expression in multiple systems (e.g., bacterial, insect, mammalian).
• Experience generating reagents required for protein expression.
• Proficiency in biochemical techniques such as SDS‑PAGE and Western blot.
• Experience with protein characterization and purification, including manual and automated chromatography systems (preferred).

• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities to manage multiple projects effectively.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills to convey results and collaborate with team members.
• Ability to work independently with attention to detail and meet deadlines.
• A collaborative mindset with the ability to thrive in a team‑oriented environment.
• Adaptability to a dynamic, fast‑paced work environment.

$104,000 - $156,000

The range provided is based on what we believe is a reasonable estimate for the base salary pay range for this job at the time of posting. This role is eligible for an annual bonus and annual equity awards. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. Actual base salary pay will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, and other job‑related factors permitted by law.

At Vertex, our Total Rewards offerings also include inclusive market‑leading benefits to meet our employees wherever they are in their career, financial, family and wellbeing journey while providing flexibility and resources to support their growth and aspirations. From medical, dental and vision benefits to generous paid time off (including a week‑long company shutdown in the Summer and the Winter), educational assistance programs including student loan repayment, a generous commuting subsidy, matching charitable donations, 401(k) and so much more.

On‑Site Designated

In this On‑Site designated role, you will work five days per week on‑site with ad hoc flexibility.

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 A