Senior Scientist, Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research Full-time NEW

Job Title

Vertex seeks an enthusiastic, highly motivated and innovative scientist to join the Cell and Genetic Therapies Hemoglobinopathies research team at the Leiden Center in Boston, MA.

The team's mission is to discover and develop therapeutic modalities with the potential to treat and cure sickle cell disease and beta thalassemia. We are looking for a candidate who is dependable and capable of high experimental productivity on multiple research initiatives. The candidate will collaborate with an interdisciplinary research team to identify and advance safe and efficacious modalities. Therefore, the individual must demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and have demonstrated the ability to guide scientific drug discovery.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Drive preclinical pipeline development of therapeutic strategies to treat diseases of the blood and immune system.
• Contribute from discovery through preclinical proof-of-concept and IND-enabling studies.
• Design, execute, analyze, and interpret results in a range of models from primary human cells, humanized mice, and large animal models.
• Apply advanced data analysis and interpretation skills to inform decision-making.
• Ensure high standards of data quality, reproducibility, and alignment with program milestones.
• Effectively communicate scientific results across interdisciplinary teams.
• Stay current with advances in stem cell biology, gene editing, and therapeutic development, applying insights to strengthen our innovation pipeline.
• Demonstrate leadership by fostering a culture of enthusiasm, curiosity, rigor, and collaboration.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Expertise in hematopoietic stem cell biology and immunology with a deep understanding of preclinical models.
• Direct industry experiences working on teams responsible for developing assays using primary cells.
• Proven ability to design and execute complex experiments, including development of human stem cell models and assays to evaluate targets and lead molecules.
• Strong background in experimental design, data analysis, and biological interpretation.
• Proficiency with molecular biology techniques, gene editing technologies, and flow cytometry.
• Familiarity with non-viral delivery approaches (e.g., lipid nanoparticles, electroporation, or other emerging platforms).
• Demonstrated ability to solve problems, priority management, and adapt rapidly to new information.
• Broad scientific knowledge beyond core expertise, with the ability to integrate insights across disciplines and projects.
• Excellent communication skills, with a track record of delivering technical reports and presentations.

Education and Experience:

• Ph.D. (or equivalent degree) in molecular and cell biology, developmental biology, stem cell biology, or related disciplines and 2-5 years of relevant post-doctoral employment or industry experience, or
• Masters Degree (or equivalent degree) in molecular and cell biology, developmental biology, stem cell biology, or related disciplines and 5+ years of relevant employment experience, or
• Bachelors Degree (or equivalent degree) in molecular and cell biology, developmental biology, stem cell biology, or related disciplines and 8+ years of relevant employment experience.

Pay Range: $128,000 – $192,000

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.

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.