Molecular & Cell Biology Senior Research Scientist (iPSC)

Location: Boston, MA; five days per week on-site

Base salary: $121,600–$182,400 per year, plus annual bonus and equity eligibility.

Company

Vertex is a global biotechnology company focused on scientific innovation and therapeutic discovery.

What you will do

• Develop, optimize, characterize, and apply human neuronal models using primary cells, immortalized cell lines, iPSC-derived systems, and 3D cultures.
• Lead end-to-end iPSC model development, including reprogramming, cell-line maintenance, neuronal differentiation, quality assessment, and assay readiness.
• Design and execute molecular, cellular, biochemical, and functional studies for disease modeling, target validation, screening, and pharmacology.
• Develop scalable quantitative cell-based assays and use CRISPR/Cas9, RNA interference, overexpression, transfection, and viral-vector approaches.
• Operate and improve automated laboratory platforms, including Echo liquid handlers, Hamilton systems, plate washers, bioreactors, and high-throughput culture systems.
• Interpret experimental, genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, imaging, and computational data while collaborating with multidisciplinary research teams.

Requirements

• PhD in stem cell biology, developmental biology, neuroscience, cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, biomedical sciences, or a related discipline.
• At least four years of relevant postdoctoral and/or industry experience.
• Deep expertise in ESC/iPSC reprogramming, maintenance, expansion, characterization, and differentiation into neuronal lineages.
• Hands-on experience with human primary cell culture, scalable stem-cell platforms, bioreactors, and reproducible iPSC-derived neuronal models.
• Proficiency in molecular and cellular biology techniques, flow cytometry and FlowJo, PCR/qPCR/RT-qPCR, Western blotting, ELISA, immunofluorescence, immunocytochemistry, and microscopy.
• Strong experimental design, statistical analysis, scientific documentation, data management, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Nice to have

• Experience with 3D culture systems, organoids, co-cultures, microphysiological systems, high-content imaging, phenotypic screening, functional genomics, and multi-omic data integration.
• Experience with GraphPad Prism, R, or Python for data analysis.
• Experience supporting therapeutic discovery programs in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, academic, or comparable research environments.

Culture & Benefits

• On-site role with ad hoc flexibility under the Flex @ Vertex program.
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits, paid time off, and summer and winter company shutdowns.
• Educational assistance, student loan repayment support, commuting subsidy, charitable donation matching, and 401(k).
• Continuous learning focused on AI, technology, automation, and industry developments.
• Inclusive workplace with reasonable accommodations and equal employment opportunity.