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. The successful candidate will have a proven track record of working with complex in vitro models, including primary cells and immune cells in 3D formats or co-culture systems, and will bring expertise in developing and applying innovative approaches to assess molecular toxicities. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in cellular biology, toxicology, and advanced in vitro model systems, with demonstrated experience in tissue engineering and assay optimization. Experience with immune cell co-culture models, primary cell systems, and high-throughput plate formats is highly desirable. Key Duties and Responsibilities: 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 the 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 a 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 the 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. Knowledge and Skills: Familiarity with omics datasets (transcriptomics, proteomics, secretomics, etc.). Experience with scripting (Python and/or R/Bioconductor). Demonstrated 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 the lives of patients. Education and Experience: Ph.D. (or equivalent degree) in toxicology, cellular biology, immunology, biochemistry, biophysics, or related disciplines with 0-3 years of relevant postdoctoral employment experience, or a Masters degree and 3+ years of experience or a Bachelors degree and 6+ years of experience Strong expertise in developing and working with 3D organoid models, organ-on-a-chip technologies, and/or co-culture systems, particularly involving primary epithelial cells and immune cells. Proven experience in designing and optimizing cell-based assays for disease modeling and/or evaluating mechanisms of toxicity. Expertise in immune cell biology and co-culture models for studying immune-mediated toxicities. #LI-KM1 #LI-Onsite 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 View email address on click.appcast.io 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 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.