Molecular & Cell Biology Senior Research Scientist Full-time NEW

Senior Research Scientist, Molecular & Cell Biology

Vertex is seeking a highly motivated Senior Research Scientist, Molecular & Cell Biology to join the Human Cell Models group in Boston Research. In this role, you will develop, characterize, and apply physiologically relevant human cellular models using stem cells and primary cells to deepen understanding of disease biology, identify therapeutic opportunities, and support the advancement of novel drug discovery programs.

The successful candidate will bring deep expertise in disease modeling, with particular strength in neuronal model development using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) and/or primary cells. This individual will have demonstrated experience developing neuronal models (i.e. dopaminergic neurons, cortical neurons, neuronal progenitors) using iPSCs including initial optimization and characterization through robust execution and application. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with multidisciplinary partners in early research, screening, pharmacology, chemistry, and computational genomics groups to generate high-quality data and translate scientific findings into actionable program decisions.

Key duties and responsibilities:

• Design, execute, analyze, and communicate rigorous cellular and molecular biology studies supporting predictive disease modeling and drug discovery.
• Develop, optimize, characterize, and apply human neuronal models using primary cells, immortalized cell lines, iPSC-derived systems, and 3D culture approaches, as appropriate.
• Lead end-to-end iPSC model development, including reprogramming, cell-line maintenance, neuronal differentiation, quality assessment, assay readiness, and reproducible implementation.
• Apply molecular, cellular, biochemical, and functional assays to investigate disease mechanisms, validate targets, and assess therapeutic hypotheses.
• Develop scalable, quantitative cell-based assays for mechanistic studies, screening, pharmacology, and target-validation workflows.
• Use genome-editing and gene-modulation approaches—including CRISPR/Cas9, RNA interference, and overexpression—to support experimental objectives.
• Support stem cell expansion and differentiation through bioreactors, high-throughput culture systems, and optimized laboratory automation workflows.
• Operate, troubleshoot, and improve automated laboratory platforms, including Echo liquid handlers, Hamilton systems, plate washers, and related instrumentation.
• Interpret complex experimental data, recommend next-step studies, and integrate findings with genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, imaging, and computational datasets in partnership with cross-functional teams.
• Advance scientific strategy and laboratory innovation through AI-enabled tools, emerging cell-modeling technologies, high-quality documentation, mentorship, and adherence to safety, quality, and data-integrity standards.

Knowledge and skills:

• Deep expertise in ESC and/or iPSC reprogramming, maintenance, expansion, characterization, and differentiation into neuronal lineages.
• Proven ability to independently establish, optimize, and implement reproducible iPSC-derived cell models and functional cell-based assays.
• Experience differentiating neuronal progenitors, cortical neurons, dopaminergic neurons, microglia, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and related cell types using chemical and/or transcription factor-based approaches.
• Strong hands-on capability in human primary cell culture, scalable stem-cell culture platforms, bioreactors, and cell-culture scale-up workflows.
• Experience operating, troubleshooting, and optimizing laboratory automation, including Echo liquid handlers, Hamilton platforms, plate washers, and related systems.
• Proficiency in molecular and cellular biology techniques, including flow cytometry and FlowJo, PCR/qPCR/RT-qPCR, Western blotting, ELISA, immunofluorescence, immunocytochemistry, and microscopy.
• Experience with CRISPR/Cas9, RNA interference, gene-expression modulation, plasmid design, transfection, transduction, and viral-vector approaches.
• Strong experimental design, statistical analysis, data interpretation, ELN documentation, and scientific data-management skills.
• Demonstrated scientific judgment, critical thinking, troubleshooting ability, and capacity to deliver high-quality, reproducible research results.
• Effective written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate findings to technical and nontechnical stakeholders.
• Collaborative, team-oriented mindset with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.
• Preferred: experience with 3D culture systems, organoids, co-cultures, microphysiological systems, high-content imaging, phenotypic screening, functional genomics, multi-omic data integration, and data-analysis tools such as GraphPad Prism, R, or Python.

Education and experience:

• PhD in Stem Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, Neuroscience, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biomedical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline.
• At least four years of relevant postdoctoral and/or industry experience.
• Significant hands-on experience developing and applying iPSC-derived neuronal models in a research setting.
• Experience supporting therapeutic discovery programs within a biotechnology, pharmaceutical, academic, or similarly rigorous research environment is preferred.