Discovery Immunology Principal Research Scientist (Immunology)

Location: Seattle, WA, United States; on-site five days per week

Salary: $140,000–$210,000 base salary per year, plus annual bonus and equity awards.

Company

Vertex is a global biotechnology company focused on scientific innovation and developing better outcomes for patients.

What you will do

• Lead discovery immunology programs for autoimmune diseases from target identification and validation through mechanism-of-action studies.
• Design, oversee, and interpret in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies across innate and adaptive immunity.
• Develop disease-relevant models, experimental approaches, and translational strategies for early drug discovery.
• Collaborate with biology, chemistry, computational biology, translational research, biomarkers, bioinformatics, and project leadership.
• Mentor scientists and contribute to scientific strategy, publications, presentations, and conferences.

Requirements

• PhD in immunology, cell biology, molecular biology, or a related life science, or a bachelor's degree with at least 10 years of hands-on laboratory experience.
• Substantial industry or postdoctoral discovery research experience with scientific leadership and ownership of early-stage programs.
• Deep expertise in immunology, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, immune-cell biology, inflammatory signaling, and disease-relevant pathways.
• Experience with immunology assay development, cell-based testing, mechanistic studies, immune-cell profiling, flow cytometry, and multiparameter functional analysis.
• Ability to design hypothesis-driven studies, interpret complex data, validate targets, and translate findings into actionable program strategies.
• Strong publication record, communication skills, collaboration skills, and experience mentoring scientists or leading research teams.

Nice to have

• Experience with immune–stromal cell or organoid co-cultures.
• Familiarity with single-cell, genomic, proteomic, systems-immunology, or bioinformatics approaches.

Culture & Benefits

• Collaborative biotechnology research environment with a focus on continuous learning and scientific excellence.
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits with generous paid time off and summer and winter company shutdowns.
• Educational assistance programs, including student loan repayment.
• Commuting subsidy, matching charitable donations, 401(k), and additional total rewards.
• Inclusive workplace with reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.