Pharmacology Senior Research Associate

Job Description

General Summary:

The Pharmacology Senior Research Associate conducts independent research to evaluate the effects of compounds on in vivo disease biology, with a strong emphasis on in vivo pharmacology and surgical execution in rodent models. This role requires excellent technical skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to troubleshoot and adapt experimental approaches.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with rodent surgical procedures, including kidney-related surgeries such as renal pelvis injection, and a strong understanding of kidney anatomy. Large animal in vivo surgical experience is a plus. This individual should demonstrate strong in vivo technical expertise, scientific rigor, and the ability to generate high-quality data in a collaborative research environment. In addition to technical strength, the successful candidate will bring a strong team-oriented mindset, a positive, can-do attitude, and a willingness to support team and project goals.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Execute and interpret in vivo experiments with a high level of reliability, independence, and scientific rigor
• Perform and support in vivo pharmacology studies, primarily in rodent models
• Conduct rodent surgical procedures with strong technical proficiency, including kidney surgeries such as renal pelvis injection
• Apply knowledge of kidney anatomy to support study planning, surgical execution, tissue collection, and data interpretation
• Perform core in vivo procedures, including:
  • Animal handling
  • Dosing via multiple routes of administration (ROAs)
  • Blood and other fluid sample collection
  • Perfusion, necropsy, tissue dissection, and tissue processing
• Contribute to experimental planning and support prioritization of studies based on project impact
• Perform basic statistical analyses, as appropriate
• Routinely troubleshoot experiments and refine methods to improve study outcomes
• Prepare clear protocols, surgical procedures, and written study reports
• Maintain awareness of relevant scientific literature, technical advances, and disease area trends
• Present study results clearly and effectively at internal meetings
• Work collaboratively across teams and contribute positively to a highly interactive research environment
• Perform additional duties as assigned

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong hands-on experience in in vivo pharmacology, with demonstrated success in rodent studies
• Proven technical expertise in rodent surgical procedures, particularly kidney surgery, including renal pelvis injection
• Strong understanding of kidney anatomy and its application to experimental design, surgical procedures, and tissue evaluation
• Experience with a broad range of in vivo techniques, including animal handling, dosing via multiple ROAs, perfusion, fluid collection, and tissue dissection/processing
• Large animal in vivo and/or surgical experience is a plus
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, including data interpretation and protocol refinement
• Consistent reliability in experimental execution, data quality, and study delivery
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Strong teamwork spirit, a collaborative mindset, and a can-do attitude
• Developing knowledge of related scientific disciplines

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in a biological science required
• Typically requires: 
  • Bachelor’s degree with 4+ years of experience, or
  • Master’s degree with 0–2 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience

Pay Range:

$76,100 - $114,100

Disclosure Statement:

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 ApplicationAssistance@vrtx.com