Job Description General Summary: The Predictive and Investigative Safety Assessment (PISA) group is seeking a candidate with a strong desire to be part of a highly innovative company aimed at transforming the lives of people with serious diseases, their families, and society. This role will support preclinical safety assessment across the global research portfolio from target selection through lead optimization. Work within a close-knit team, this individual will leverage advanced in vitro technologies, laboratory automation, and computational approaches to design, execute, analyze, and derive insights from mechanistic and phenotypic screening assays designed to evaluate the safety of new candidate molecules. As an integral part of Vertex’s discovery toxicology strategy, the individual will help advance the group’s safety screening and investigative capabilities, with a particular focus on developing fit-for-purpose assays to de-risk complex drug modalities. In addition, this person will support the evolution and implementation of improved translation models and approaches within Preclinical Safety Assessment (PSA) and the broader Preclinical Sciences (PCS) organization. The ideal candidate will bring a combination of wet-laboratory and computational expertise, enabling end-to-end contributions from assay conception through data analysis and presentation of results to stakeholders. The individual will work closely with cross-functional colleagues across Preclinical Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry, Data and Computational Sciences, Data Technology and Engineering, and Research with the shared goal of advancing the Vertex portfolio. Key
Duties
and
Responsibilities
Independently evaluate, design, and execute novel in vitro models to support early screening and investigative safety assessment. Strong focus on identifying and deploying fit-for-purpose investigative assays and methodologies to address emerging safety questions and inform drug development decisions. Leverage laboratory automation and data analytics tools to accelerate the execution, analysis, and interpretation of medium- to high-throughput experiments evaluating toxicological endpoints. Partner closely with Research and Preclinical Sciences colleagues to investigate mechanisms of toxicity and assess human relevance in support of actionable safety strategies and candidate progression. Collaborate with internal and external partners to guide the development, implementation, and continuous refinement of approaches to improve the prediction and translation of drug safety risks. Serve as a key scientific interpreter and communicator of laboratory findings, translating results from diverse safety assays into clear insights for stakeholders. Present critical data and recommendations clearly and effectively to project teams, cross-functional partners, and Vertex leadership, as needed. Evaluate emerging cellular models, screening platforms, and data analytics innovations in toxicology to strengthen and expand internal capabilities. Mentor and support junior scientists, with opportunities for formal supervisory responsibilities. Build and maintain external collaborations across academic and industrial settings to further enhance Vertex’s discovery toxicology capabilities. Knowledge and Skills: Demonstrated expertise in the design, execution, and interpretation of biochemical and cell-based screening assays. Strong hands-on experience in cell culture and assay development, including immortalized cell lines, iPSC-derived models, and/or primary cells systems.
Experience
in immunoassay development and execution is preferred, including multiplexed ELISA platforms, as well as cellular immunophenotyping by flow cytometry. Proficiency in R, Python, MATLAB, or similar scripting languages. Broad foundation in cellular and molecular biology techniques, particularly in multi-well plate-based experimental formats. Strong quantitative, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to derive clear insights from complex datasets and define appropriate follow-up strategies. Excellent writing, verbal communication, and presentation skills. Strong scientific curiosity and desire to work in the discovery toxicology and drug safety. Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced research environment while managing multiple priorities and contributing at a high scientific level. Other
Requirements
Strong desire and aptitude to serve as both a wet-laboratory and computational scientist. Motivated and adaptable self-starter, with a strong desire to impact project progression. Demonstrated track record of effective collaboration and teamwork in multi-disciplinary research environments. Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting.
Education
and
Experience
Bachelor's, Master’s, or PhD degree PhD and 2+ years of academic or pharmaceutical industry experience or, Master’s degree and 5+ years of academic or pharmaceutical industry experience or, Bachelor’s degree and 8+ years of pharmaceutical industry experience
Pay Range
$101,600 - $152,400 Disclosure Statement: 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. Flex Designation: On-Site Designated Flex Eligibility Status: In this On-Site designated role, you will work five days per week on-site with ad hoc flexibility. Note: The Flex status for this position is subject to Vertex’s Policy on Flex @ Vertex Program and may be changed at any time. #LI-Onsite 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 Help Us Achieve Our Mission Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people with serious diseases. The company has approved medicines that treat the underlying causes of multiple chronic, life-shortening genetic diseases — cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia — and continues to advance clinical and research programs in these diseases. Vertex also has a robust clinical pipeline of investigational therapies across a range of modalities in other serious diseases where it has deep insight into causal human biology, including APOL1-mediated kidney disease, acute and neuropathic pain, type 1 diabetes, myotonic dystrophy type 1 and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency . Founded in 1989 in Cambridge, Mass., Vertex's global headquarters is now located in Boston's Innovation District and its international headquarters is in London. Additionally, the company has research and development sites and commercial offices in North America, Europe, Australia, Latin America and the Middle East. Vertex is consistently recognized as one of the industry's top places to work, including 14 consecutive years on Science magazine's Top Employers list and one of Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For. For company updates and to learn more about Vertex's history of innovation, visit www.vrtx.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter/X , LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram. The diversity and authenticity of our people is part of what makes Vertex unique, and we recognize that each employee brings diverse perspectives and strengths. By embracing those strengths and celebrating differences, we are fostering an inclusive culture where each of us can bring our authentic selves to work, inspire innovation together, and change people’s lives. Our vision is clear: to be the place where an authentic, diverse mix of talent want to come, to stay, and do their best work.