Research Associate - Analytical Development

Job Description

The cell and gene analytical technologies team within Vertex cell and genetic therapies (VCGT) is seeking an individual for 6-month contract who can serve as a key contributor in expanding our testing capabilities and supporting routine analytical activities. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in cell culture work and experience in handling automated platforms with troubleshooting abilities, and a thorough understanding of SOPs and report documentation.

Extensive hands‑on experience with cell therapies is preferred. This individual will collaborate and coordinate across cross‑functional teams within Analytical and Process Development, to support the development of Cell and Gene Therapy processes and products.

Key

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Carry out routine molecular biology and cellular assays both manually and automated for Vertex’spreclinical, clinical and next generation cell therapy programs.
• Provide analytical testing support for cell-based assays like cell count and viability assay, high throughput fluorescence cell-basedassayand flow cytometry assay using automation tools like liquid handlers, flow cytometers and high content microscopes.
• Provide analytical testing support for Mol Bio-based assays such as RT-qPCR, ELISA, MSD, and Alphalisa assayboth manually and using automation tools like liquid handlers
• Assist analytical development teams with setting up, monitoring, and successfully completing daily testing both manually and automated.
• Report on project progress and reports or present data effectively at internal group or project team meetings as needed.
• Coordinate shipment, handling, and reagents from internal and external sources.
• Track inventory for samples and reagents as needed for several projects.
• Participate in data management activities to ensure timely completion of deliverables.
• Support Wednesday to Sunday with occasional off‑schedule days, and second shift/late evening coverage as required for process and analytical development teams on several assays as required and flexible to travel between sites within 2.0 mile distance.
• Be a strong team player contributing to group priorities and deliverables and great attention to detail skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced environment with changing priorities
• Maintain excellent written documentation of completed experiment (ELN) and maintain knowledge share systems (MS-Teams and share points).
• Ability to follow and understand SOPs and review protocols or reports as needed along with good analytical understanding for data interpretation.
• Assist with lab organization and compliance with lab safety protocols.
• This position is primarily lab-based.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Education level and/or relevant experience(s):

Required:(Graduate in Cell & Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology or related discipline)
BSwith 2+ years experienceor MSwith 0-2 years experience.

Preferred:

Relevant industry experience with Mol Bio assays in biologics or cell and gene therapy space.

Knowledge and skills (general and technical)

Required:

• Possesses excellent pipetting skills.
• Has experience with molecular assays such as PCR, RT-qPCR, and ELISA
• Hands‑on experience and technical proficiency with mammalian cell culture, aseptic technique.
• Ability to follow SOPs and instructions.
• Has excellent communication skills and is effectively able to work collaboratively with cross‑functional teams.
• Strong organizational skills and good attention to detail.
• Possess standard lab safety regulations and work in GLP like laboratory environment
• Ability to utilize Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel and Word to perform tasks as assigned.
• Able to perform successfully under pressure while prioritizing and handling multiple projects or priorities within…