Senior Research Scientist- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Biology

Job Description

General Summary:

The Senior Research Scientist, Hematopoietic Stem Cell Biology is responsible for experimental productivity and delivers reliably and responsibly on independent research initiatives to evaluate genetic therapies and other emerging therapeutic modalities with the potential to treat-and even cure-several of the diseases Vertex is focused on, including sickle cell disease. Designs and executes experiments for major research projects including the development of human stem cell models and assays to evaluate targets and lead candidates for the program. Demonstrates resourcefulness in running multiple activities concurrently, all related to achievement of goals/ objectives. Adapts to new projects rapidly and to multiple projects effectively ensuring alignment with corporate goals. Keeps current on the scientific literature relevant to scientific methodology or field(s) of technical expertise. We are looking for a leader who brings enthusiasm, intellectual curiosity, scientific rigor, and a desire to innovate new medicines for patients.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Drive the preclinical pipeline development of programs based on manipulation of blood stem cells (e.g. hematopoietic stem cells) for diseases of the blood and immune system.

• Contribute to preclinical pipeline programs all the way from discovery to preclinical proof-of-concept and IND-enabling studies.

• Design, execute, and interpret data for experiments in human primary cells, humanized mice and larger animals.

• Communicate scientific data and draw appropriate conclusions effectively, internally and externally.

• Contribute to high quality departmental documents for regulatory submissions, manuscripts, abstracts and publications.

• Effectively collaborate with a fully integrated team to facilitate the success of projects, as well as, assist others outside of own project with troubleshooting and methods development.

• Build and maintain strong collaborative partnerships with other R&D disciplines to advance Vertex programs through discovery and development.

• Develop strategies to ensure effective achievement of broader company scientific objectives

Knowledge and Skills:

• Expertise in the field of hematopoietic stem cell biology and deep understanding of preclinical models of hematopoietic stem cell biology

• Direct industry experience working on teams responsible for developing assays using primary cells.

• Ability to design and execute more challenging experiments including the development of human stem cell models and assays to evaluate targets and lead molecules for Vertex diseases.

• Demonstrates astute understanding of how to deploy own talents most effectively

• Maintains a broad knowledge of relevant science beyond own discrete field(s)

• Demonstrates increased fluency in new fields and projects more quickly and generally handles "multi-tasking" better

• Displays greater ability to productively disseminate ideas across discipline- and Project-boundaries

• Communicates effectively in verbal presentations and in writing technical reports

• Demonstrates ability to solve problems to attain crucial project goals

Education and Experience:

• Ph.D. (or equivalent degree) in molecular and cell biology, developmental biology, stem cell biology, or related disciplines and 2-5 years of relevant post-doctoral employment experience, or

• Masters Degree (or equivalent degree) in molecular and cell biology, developmental biology, stem cell biology, or related disciplines and 5+ years of relevant employment experience, or

• Bachelors Degree (or equivalent degree) in molecular and cell biology, developmental biology, stem cell biology, or related disciplines and 8+ years of relevant employment experience

Company Information

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, 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 ApplicationAssistance@vrtx.com.