Toxicology Research Scientist

Job Description

General Summary:

The Predictive and Investigative Safety Assessment (PISA) group is seeking a candidate with a strong desire to be part of a highly innovative company aimed at transforming the lives of people with serious diseases, their families, and society. This role will support preclinical safety assessment across the global research portfolio from target selection through lead optimization. Work within a close-knit team, this individual will leverage advanced in vitro technologies, laboratory automation, and computational approaches to design, execute, analyze, and derive insights from mechanistic and phenotypic screening assays designed to evaluate the safety of new candidate molecules. As an integral part of Vertex’s discovery toxicology strategy, the individual will help advance the group’s safety screening and investigative capabilities, with a particular focus on developing fit-for-purpose assays to de-risk complex drug modalities. In addition, this person will support the evolution and implementation of improved translation models and approaches within Preclinical Safety Assessment (PSA) and the broader Preclinical Sciences (PCS) organization.  

The ideal candidate will bring a combination of wet-laboratory and computational expertise, enabling end-to-end contributions from assay conception through data analysis and presentation of results to stakeholders. The individual will work closely with cross-functional colleagues across Preclinical Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry, Data and Computational Sciences, Data Technology and Engineering, and Research with the shared goal of advancing the Vertex portfolio.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Independently evaluate, design, and execute novel in vitro models to support early screening and investigative safety assessment.
• Strong focus on identifying and deploying fit-for-purpose investigative assays and methodologies to address emerging safety questions and inform drug development decisions.
• Leverage laboratory automation and data analytics tools to accelerate the execution, analysis, and interpretation of medium- to high-throughput experiments evaluating toxicological endpoints.
• Partner closely with Research and Preclinical Sciences colleagues to investigate mechanisms of toxicity and assess human relevance in support of actionable safety strategies and candidate progression.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to guide the development, implementation, and continuous refinement of approaches to improve the prediction and translation of drug safety risks.
• Serve as a key scientific interpreter and communicator of laboratory findings, translating results from diverse safety assays into clear insights for stakeholders.
• Present critical data and recommendations clearly and effectively to project teams, cross-functional partners, and Vertex leadership, as needed.
• Evaluate emerging cellular models, screening platforms, and data analytics innovations in toxicology to strengthen and expand internal capabilities.
• Mentor and support junior scientists, with opportunities for formal supervisory responsibilities.
• Build and maintain external collaborations across academic and industrial settings to further enhance Vertex’s discovery toxicology capabilities.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in the design, execution, and interpretation of biochemical and cell-based screening assays.
• Strong hands-on experience in cell culture and assay development, including immortalized cell lines, iPSC-derived models, and/or primary cells systems.
• Experience in immunoassay development and execution is preferred, including multiplexed ELISA platforms, as well as cellular immunophenotyping by flow cytometry.
• Proficiency in R, Python, MATLAB, or similar scripting languages.
• Broad foundation in cellular and molecular biology techniques, particularly in multi-well plate-based experimental formats.
• Strong quantitative, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to derive clear insights from complex datasets and define appropriate follow-up strategies.
• Excellent writing, verbal communication, and presentation skills.
• Strong scientific curiosity and desire to work in the discovery toxicology and drug safety.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced research environment while managing multiple priorities and contributing at a high scientific level.

Other Requirements:  

• Strong desire and aptitude to serve as both a wet-laboratory and computational scientist.
• Motivated and adaptable self-starter, with a strong desire to impact project progression.
• Demonstrated track record of effective collaboration and teamwork in multi-disciplinary research environments.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's, Master’s, or PhD degree
• PhD and 2+ years of academic or pharmaceutical industry experience or, 
• Master’s degree and 5+ years of academic or pharmaceutical industry experience or, 
• Bachelor’s degree and 8+ years of pharmaceutical industry experience

Pay Range:

$101,600 - $152,400

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