Research Scientist

Job Description At Vertex Pharmaceuticals, we are relentless in our pursuit of transforming the lives of people with serious diseases. We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Research Scientist to join our Structural Biology and Biophysics team in Boston. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a collaborative team dedicated to producing and characterizing high-quality recombinant proteins for structural, biochemical, and biophysical studies. Your contributions will play a critical role in elucidating target mechanisms of action and ligand engagement, driving our mission to deliver transformative therapies to patients. As a Research Scientist, you will work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, contributing to multiple projects simultaneously. You will leverage your expertise in recombinant protein expression and characterization to support drug discovery efforts. The ideal candidate is a self-motivated, detail-oriented individual who thrives in a collaborative and innovative setting. Key Responsibilities: Express both soluble and integral membrane proteins using various recombinant systems, including bacterial, insect, and mammalian platforms. Perform transformation, transfection, or transduction of appropriate expression systems. Maintain and manage mammalian and insect cell lines to support protein expression. Optimize protein expression processes to enhance yield and quality of downstream proteins. Design, execute, and analyze experiments while managing multiple projects and priorities. Qualify and characterize expressed proteins using analytical techniques such as SDS-PAGE, Western blot, and fluorescence-detection size-exclusion chromatography (FSEC). Maintain detailed and accurate experimental records in an electronic lab notebook (ELN). Effectively communicate experimental results and manage production timelines to meet project goals. Minimum Qualifications: Education : Master’s degree (MSc) in Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or a related field with 5+ years of relevant experience. Bachelor’s degree (BSc) in Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or a related field with 8+ years of relevant experience. PhD in Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or a related field. Technical Expertise: Hands-on experience with protein expression in multiple systems (e.g., bacterial, insect, mammalian). Experience generating reagents required for protein expression. Proficiency in biochemical techniques such as SDS-PAGE and Western blot. Experience with protein characterization and purification, including manual and automated chromatography systems (preferred). Key Skills: Strong organizational and multitasking abilities to manage multiple projects effectively. Excellent communication and presentation skills to convey results and collaborate with team members. Ability to work independently with attention to detail and meet deadlines. A collaborative mindset with the ability to thrive in a team-oriented environment. Adaptability to a dynamic, fast-paced work environment. Pay Range: $104,000 - $156,000 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 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.