Biomarkers Senior Research Lab Scientist (Ligand Binding Assays)

Job Description Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people with serious diseases. Our teams bring together deep scientific expertise, advanced technologies, and a commitment to improving patient outcomes through discovery, development, and delivery of innovative therapies. Within Vertex, the Biomarkers organization plays an important role in advancing clinical development through biomarker research, assay development, and cross-functional collaboration. Role Summary Vertex is seeking a strategic, hands-on Biomarkers Senior Research Lab Scientist to develop and optimize biomarker assays for clinical trials at Vertex. The candidate will design and execute experiments within our laboratory to identify and characterize novel biomarkers in human biofluids and tissues. This is an exciting opportunity for a highly independent scientist who thrives in a fast-paced, agile environment and brings strong assay development and validation expertise. In this role, you will work closely with Research, Quality, and Biomarker Leads to support alignment across ongoing biomarker research activities. Key Duties & Responsibilities Design and execute method development activities for innovative biomarker assays intended for use as primary, secondary, or exploratory endpoints in clinical trials Evaluate assay feasibility and strategies for the measurement of novel biomarkers in relevant biological matrices, including human biofluids and tissues Troubleshoot technical challenges related to assay development, validation, and implementation across technologies and disease areas Support the generation and characterization of critical reagents across assay types as needed Partner internally and externally to evaluate CROs and support transfer, validation, and implementation of internally developed assays with external vendors Generate and analyze experimental data, and interpret and present results to internal stakeholders and project teams Collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams to support biomarker research goals Required Education and Qualifications Ph.D. or equivalent degree with 2-5 years of relevant post-doctoral employment experience or Master’s degree with 5+ years of relevant employment experience or Bachelor’s degree with 8+ years of relevant employment experience Prior hands‑on experience developing ligand binding assays for translational or clinical applications Experience developing and validating assays, with working knowledge of assay validation expectations and fit‑for‑purpose principles under Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and Good Clinical Practices (GCP) environments Strong laboratory experience in molecular biology and cell biology Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with proven ability to work effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary team Strong scientific independence and ability to work with minimal guidance Technical Skills Required Extensive method development and validation experience in ligand binding assays, including immunoassays and ELISA Biomarker assay development, optimization, and troubleshooting Western blot Protein labeling and quantification Molecular biology techniques Cell biology techniques Data interpretation and presentation Preferred Skills Experience with cell culture and cell-based assays Experience with genomic assays such as qPCR, ddPCR, and NGS Experience with flow cytometry assays Experience supporting external collaborations and CRO assay transfer activities Understanding of translational medicine and biomarker strategy in clinical development Benefits Opportunities to work on innovative biomarker research that supports clinical development Cross-functional collaboration with Research, Quality, and Biomarker leadership Competitive compensation and comprehensive employee benefits Pay Range: $120,000 - $180,000 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 Designation 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. 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. 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. Our Vision 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (US)