Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated
Molecular and Cell Biology Principal Research Scientist, Targeted Drug Delivery
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, San Diego, California, United States, 92154
Overview
Have you got what it takes to succeed The following information should be read carefully by all candidates. 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 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.
Position The Principal Research Scientist will focus on targeted drug delivery including nucleic acid therapies. This role will be on-site at our state-of-the-art research site in San Diego. The successful candidate will have extensive expertise in receptor biology and targeted delivery in extrahepatic tissues/cells, which is instrumental in the development of novel therapeutics.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Develop and implement strategic plans for receptor & ligand identification, characterization, optimization, and application in drug discovery.
Execute research plans, collect and interpret data, troubleshoot, and define next steps.
Collaborate with cross-functional partners (medicinal chemistry, computational genomics, molecular and cellular biology, pharmacology, protein sciences) to support integrated drug discovery programs from target validation through lead optimization.
Apply innovative approaches and stay current with advances in receptor biology, ligand discovery, and nucleic acid therapeutics to strengthen pipeline opportunities.
Prepare and present data in project team meetings, contributing scientific insight and recommendations to guide program strategy.
Maintain high standards of scientific rigor, accurate documentation, data integrity, and compliance with regulatory guidelines.
Knowledge and Skills
Strong expertise in receptor biology, ligand-receptor interactions and signaling mechanisms.
Hands-on experience with biochemical, biophysical, and/or cell-based assays to study receptor function and behavior.
Experience with ligand-mediated delivery into specific tissues or cell types is highly desirable.
Demonstrated track record of scientific achievement (e.g., publications, presentations, or contributions to therapeutic programs) in receptor biology and targeted drug delivery.
Ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary project teams.
Excellent personal and communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders and drive decision-making across functions.
Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary, and innovative environment.
Education and Experience
Ph.D. (or equivalent degree) in biology, biochemistry or related science with 4-7 years of relevant post-doctoral experience, or
Master's degree (or equivalent) in biology, biochemistry or related science with 7+ years of relevant employment experience, or
Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent) in biology, biochemistry or related science with 10+ years of relevant employment experience
Flex Designation: On-Site
Flex Eligibility Status: On-Site designated role, 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.
Pay Range $136,000 - $204,000
Disclosure Statement The range provided is based on 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 be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. Actual base salary pay will be based on factors such as skills, competencies, experience, and other factors permitted by law. From Vertex, total rewards include benefits such as medical, dental, vision, generous paid time off (including a week-long company shutdown in the Summer and the Winter), educational assistance programs including student loan repayment, commuting subsidy, charitable donations matching, 401(k) and more.
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 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.
Applicants requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position should contact the recruiter or hiring manager, or email Talent Acquisition at ApplicationAssistance@vrtx.com.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Have you got what it takes to succeed The following information should be read carefully by all candidates. 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 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.
Position The Principal Research Scientist will focus on targeted drug delivery including nucleic acid therapies. This role will be on-site at our state-of-the-art research site in San Diego. The successful candidate will have extensive expertise in receptor biology and targeted delivery in extrahepatic tissues/cells, which is instrumental in the development of novel therapeutics.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Develop and implement strategic plans for receptor & ligand identification, characterization, optimization, and application in drug discovery.
Execute research plans, collect and interpret data, troubleshoot, and define next steps.
Collaborate with cross-functional partners (medicinal chemistry, computational genomics, molecular and cellular biology, pharmacology, protein sciences) to support integrated drug discovery programs from target validation through lead optimization.
Apply innovative approaches and stay current with advances in receptor biology, ligand discovery, and nucleic acid therapeutics to strengthen pipeline opportunities.
Prepare and present data in project team meetings, contributing scientific insight and recommendations to guide program strategy.
Maintain high standards of scientific rigor, accurate documentation, data integrity, and compliance with regulatory guidelines.
Knowledge and Skills
Strong expertise in receptor biology, ligand-receptor interactions and signaling mechanisms.
Hands-on experience with biochemical, biophysical, and/or cell-based assays to study receptor function and behavior.
Experience with ligand-mediated delivery into specific tissues or cell types is highly desirable.
Demonstrated track record of scientific achievement (e.g., publications, presentations, or contributions to therapeutic programs) in receptor biology and targeted drug delivery.
Ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary project teams.
Excellent personal and communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders and drive decision-making across functions.
Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary, and innovative environment.
Education and Experience
Ph.D. (or equivalent degree) in biology, biochemistry or related science with 4-7 years of relevant post-doctoral experience, or
Master's degree (or equivalent) in biology, biochemistry or related science with 7+ years of relevant employment experience, or
Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent) in biology, biochemistry or related science with 10+ years of relevant employment experience
Flex Designation: On-Site
Flex Eligibility Status: On-Site designated role, 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.
Pay Range $136,000 - $204,000
Disclosure Statement The range provided is based on 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 be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. Actual base salary pay will be based on factors such as skills, competencies, experience, and other factors permitted by law. From Vertex, total rewards include benefits such as medical, dental, vision, generous paid time off (including a week-long company shutdown in the Summer and the Winter), educational assistance programs including student loan repayment, commuting subsidy, charitable donations matching, 401(k) and more.
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 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.
Applicants requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position should contact the recruiter or hiring manager, or email Talent Acquisition at ApplicationAssistance@vrtx.com.
#J-18808-Ljbffr