Research Scientist, Human Cell Models — Immunology & Molecular Cell Biology (Contract

Research Scientist, Human Cell Models — Immunology & Molecular Cell Biology

Location:

Boston, MA

Employment Type:

1-year contract / Research Scientist role

Vertex is a global biotechnology company focused on scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people with serious diseases. The role sits within a collaborative research environment supporting discovery and development efforts through disease-relevant human cell models, assay development, and mechanistic biology.

Role Summary

Vertex is seeking a highly motivated Research Scientist, Human Cell Models to support immunology and molecular/cell biology research at the Boston Research site. This scientist will contribute to the development, optimization, and execution of relevant human cell models and cell-based assays to support target identification, validation, small molecule discovery screening, and mechanism-of-action studies.

The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on expertise in primary cell culture, including PBMC and lymphocyte culture and differentiation, immunophenotyping, molecular biology, genome engineering, and assay development. A successful candidate will be scientifically curious, technically rigorous, and comfortable working in a fast-paced research environment to build disease-relevant models, enable translational biology, and generate actionable insights for research programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, execute, analyze, and interpret cell-based and immunology-focused experiments to support target identification, target validation, small molecule discovery, and mechanism-of-action studies.
• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot in vitro human cell model systems and assay workflows using immune, primary, and/or immortalized cell models.
• Culture, maintain, and evaluate B cells, PBMC-derived immune cell populations, primary human cells, and/or immortalized cell lines for functional and mechanistic studies
• Perform and optimize immunophenotyping assays using multicolor flow cytometry, including complex panel design and data interpretation.
• Develop and miniaturize cell-based assays, including fluorescent, luminescent, FRET/BRET, luciferase, AlphaLISA, Western blot, and other protein quantification or localization assays for screening and mechanistic applications.

• Routinely execute developed cell-based assays to support medicinal chemistry design cycles
• Perform cytokine profiling and immune functional readouts using platforms such as MSD and Luminex.

• Analyze datasets, interpret biological results, and clearly communicate findings, recommendations, and next steps to project teams.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and high-quality experimental records and documentation aligned with Vertex standards.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional scientists and interdisciplinary project teams to support program goals, scientific decision-making, assay improvements, data quality, and reproducibility.

Required Experience

• Hands-on experience with PBMC isolation, enrichment and culture of primary lymphocyte populations (B cells, T cells, and other immune subsets), immune cell functional assays, and culture of primary and immortalized human cell lines.
• Proven expertise in multicolor flow cytometry and immunophenotyping, including experience with complex panels
• Experience developing and executing cellular assays for protein quantification, protein interactions, localization, signaling, or reporter-based readouts using technologies such as luciferase, AlphaLISA, FRET, BRET, and/or Western blotting.
• Experience with cytokine profiling platforms such as MSD and Luminex
• Ability to independently design and execute experiments, troubleshoot technical issues, interpret biological data, and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present results clearly and work effectively in a collaborative team environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in stromal biology, inflammation, immune cell activation, differentiation, and/or signaling pathways
• Experience working with primary or immortalized cell models
• Familiarity with Python coding, bioinformatics, NGS analysis, or large assay data analysis
• Experience supporting interdisciplinary research programs in a fast-moving discovery environment.

Education and Experience

• Ph.D. or equivalent degree in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or a related discipline with 0–3 years of relevant postdoctoral or industry experience. OR
• M.S. in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or a related discipline with 5+ years of relevant academic or industry experience.