Cell Models & Delivery Biology Principal Research Associate

Location: Boston, MA; on-site five days per week with ad hoc flexibility.

Salary: $88,200–$132,400 base salary, plus eligibility for annual bonus and annual equity awards.

Company

Vertex is a global biotechnology company investing in scientific innovation and developing better outcomes for patients.

What you will do

• Design, execute, optimize, and interpret in vitro molecular and cellular assays supporting non-viral delivery biology and gene replacement strategies.
• Evaluate uptake, dose response, intracellular trafficking, functional delivery, gene expression, pharmacological activity, and immunological responses.
• Perform nucleic acid extraction and gene-expression analyses using qPCR, RT-qPCR, TaqMan assays, and related methods.
• Execute protein and cellular assays including ELISA, MSD, Western Blot/Jess, immunoprecipitation, reporter gene, and cell-signaling assays.
• Support gene-editing and gene-replacement studies, collaborate with cross-functional teams and external partners, and communicate findings through reports and presentations.
• Maintain accurate electronic laboratory notebook records, structured documentation, and SOPs.

Requirements

• Master’s degree or equivalent in biological sciences or a related field plus 8+ years of relevant employment experience, or a bachelor’s degree or equivalent plus 10+ years of relevant employment experience.
• Significant hands-on laboratory experience in molecular biology, nucleic acid therapeutics, protein-based assays, and tissue culture.
• Experience with RNA/DNA extraction, qPCR, construct design, gene-expression analysis, reporter assays, Western Blot/Jess, MSD, immunoprecipitation, and ELISA.
• Experience with one or more of RNA/DNA therapeutics, lipid nanoparticle dosing, receptor biology and intracellular trafficking, gene expression, cell transfection/transduction, or confocal imaging.
• Ability to identify technical gaps, improve assay performance, and refine experimental workflows.
• Strong collaboration skills for a highly cross-functional, fast-paced research environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly summarize complex experimental findings.

Nice to have

• Experience with IND-enabling studies, data visualization, report writing, electronic laboratory notebook systems such as Benchling, or structured data documentation.

Culture & Benefits

• Continuous learning and encouragement to stay informed about AI, technology, automation, and industry trends.
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits, generous paid time off, and company shutdowns in summer and winter.
• Educational assistance programs, including student loan repayment.
• Commuting subsidy, matching charitable donations, and 401(k).
• Equal employment opportunity, non-discrimination, and reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants.