Heme, Research Fellow (Gene Editing)

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

Base salary: $197,400–$296,200 per year, plus annual bonus and equity eligibility.

Company

Vertex is a global biotechnology company focused on scientific innovation and the development of therapies for serious diseases.

What you will do

• Lead scientific strategy for in vivo gene-editing platforms, including editing technologies, delivery, tissue targeting, and integrated pharmacology and toxicology.
• Advance gene-editing programs from preclinical proof-of-concept through IND-enabling studies and Phase 1/2 trials.
• Design and guide in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies connected to clinically meaningful biology.
• Lead cross-functional project teams, setting goals, priorities, timelines, budgets, and decision points.
• Integrate scientific, translational, and clinical data to support target selection, candidate optimization, and development candidate nomination.
• Represent research programs through conferences, collaborations, publications, patents, and presentations.

Requirements

• MD and/or PhD in a relevant discipline with 11+ years of experience in academic medicine, translational research, biotech, pharmaceutical R&D, or a related setting.
• Strong expertise in drug development, translational science, and disease biology.
• Scientific leadership experience, a strong publication record, and the ability to influence project direction.
• Experience in cell and gene therapy, genome editing, or in vivo pharmacology.
• Track record in hemoglobinopathies, translational therapeutics, gene therapy, gene editing, stem cell biology, or related fields.
• Ability to work on-site in Boston five days per week.

Nice to have

• Direct experience with sickle cell disease, thalassemia, erythropoiesis, or globin regulation.
• Experience with IND-enabling programs and first-in-human strategy.
• Knowledge of delivery systems, editing efficiency, durability, tissue specificity, and off-target risk.
• Knowledge of HSC biology, stem cell phenotyping, engraftment, ex vivo manipulation, or conditioning strategies.
• Familiarity with FDA and EMA regulatory pathways and GCP.

Culture & Benefits

• Collaborative, matrixed research environment with opportunities to mentor others and build a high-performing research culture.
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits, paid time off, and seasonal company shutdowns.
• Educational assistance, student loan repayment, commuting subsidy, charitable donation matching, and 401(k).
• Encouragement to stay informed about AI, technology, automation, and advances that improve research and decision-making.