Toxicology Research Scientist

Job Description:

Vertex Pharmaceuticals is seeking a highly motivated and innovative scientist to join our Predictive and Investigative Safety Assessment (Toxicology) group in San Diego as a Research Scientist. This lab‑based role offers an exciting opportunity to lead the development of advanced 3D organoid models, organ‑on‑a‑chip technologies, and fit‑for‑purpose assays to investigate toxicological mechanisms and support our therapeutic discovery and development efforts.

• Design and develop fit‑for‑purpose assays to investigate toxicological mechanisms using advanced 3D organoid models, organ‑on‑a‑chip technologies, and/or co‑culture systems.
• Lead development and application of innovative platforms for studying toxicology in multicellular systems, including immune cell interactions and primary cell‑based models.
• Develop and optimize assays to evaluate toxicological mechanisms with focus on precision, reproducibility, and scalability.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to integrate advanced in vitro models into drug discovery workflows, supporting safety assessment and therapeutic development.
• Apply cutting‑edge technologies, including automation and high‑throughput plate formats, to enhance assay performance and throughput.
• Partner with Systems Toxicology to generate and analyze complex biological datasets from in vitro models, enabling identification of toxicological mechanisms and establishing in‑vitro–in‑vivo correlations.
• Effectively communicate scientific findings, project progress, and key insights in project team meetings, department meetings, and discussions with key stakeholders to drive decision‑making and inform strategic goals.

• Familiarity with omics datasets (transcriptomics, proteomics, secretomics, etc.).
• Experience with scripting (Python and/or R/Bioconductor).
• Ability to work effectively in cross‑functional teams and collaborate across disciplines.
• Self‑motivated, organized, and innovative with excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and solve complex biological and technical challenges in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.
• A passion for advancing toxicology research to improve drug safety and transform patients’ lives.

• Ph.D. (or equivalent) in toxicology, cellular biology, immunology, biochemistry, biophysics, or related disciplines with 0–3 years postdoctoral experience, OR Master’s degree and 3+ years experience, OR Bachelor’s degree and 6+ years experience.
• Strong expertise in developing and working with 3D organoid models, organ‑on‑a‑chip technologies, and/or co‑culture systems involving primary epithelial cells and immune cells.
• Proven experience in designing and optimizing cell‑based assays for disease modeling or evaluating mechanisms of toxicity.
• Expertise in immune cell biology and co‑culture models for studying immune‑mediated toxicities.

$101,600 - $152,400. Annual bonus and equity awards available. May be eligible for overtime pay per federal and state requirements.

Vertex provides inclusive market‑leading benefits, including medical, dental, vision, generous paid time off, educational assistance programs, student loan repayment, commuting subsidy, charitable donation matching, 401(k), and more.

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.