Stem Cell Research Scientist

Job Description

The Discovery Research group at Vertex Cell and Gene Therapies is seeking a scientist passionate about stem cell biology to contribute to the team's mission to develop future cell therapies to treat all patients with type 1 diabetes. This role will require a creative thinker to propose innovative strategies and implement new approaches to advance directed differentiation factor screening. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated expertise in stem cell biology, gene expression assays, and coding for data analysis, and will thrive in a collaborative, fast-moving research environment.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

• Culture and differentiate pluripotent stem cells, partner in designing interventions for protocol optimization, and measure effects on cell fate and gene expression.
• Visualize and interpret data in Python, and leverage structured data capture to systematically compile results over time.
• Present results and recommend courses of action in a clear and compelling manner, demonstrating solid judgment of feasibility and project impact.
• Identify, prioritize, and introduce relevant emerging technologies to advance technology platforms and achieve project goals.
• Maintain rigorous documentation of experiments and associated data analysis.
• Contribute to team cell differentiation studies (periodic weekend work is required).

Required Knowledge/Skills:

• Expertise in developmental biology and the hallmarks of developmental signaling pathways.
• Experience coding in Python to interpret and visualize data.
• Extensive experience culturing pluripotent stem cells or other mammalian cells.
• Experience both executing and optimizing directed differentiation protocols.
• Demonstrated skill in measuring gene expression by several of the following methods: single cell RNA-seq, bulk RNA-seq, qPCR, Nanostring, confocal microscopy, and flow cytometry.
• Specific experience researching pancreatic organogenesis in vivo or islet directed differentiation in vitro is a strong plus.
• Excellent troubleshooting skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently.
• Highly self-motivated, proactive, and adaptable, with a passion for scientific problem-solving.
• Excellent communication and time management skills and ability to work in a highly collaborative team environment.

Education and Experience:

• Ph.D. (or equivalent degree) in molecular and cell biology, developmental biology, stem cell biology, or related disciplines and 0-3 years of relevant post-doctoral employment experience, or
• Masters Degree (or equivalent degree) in molecular and cell biology, developmental biology, stem cell biology, or related disciplines and 3+ 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 6+ years of relevant experience

Pay Range:

Disclosure Statement:

Flex Designation:

Flex Eligibility Status:

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 ApplicationAssistance@vrtx.com