Pharmacology Principal Research Associate (Biotechnology)

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

Salary: $89,800–$134,800 annual base salary, plus annual bonus and equity awards.

Company

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

What you will do

• Design, execute, and interpret independent in vivo and ex vivo pharmacology experiments evaluating compound effects on disease biology.
• Lead flow cytometry analysis and cell sorting workflows using ex vivo samples from rodent and large-animal studies.
• Prepare samples and cells, perform staining and acquisition, optimize panels, conduct gating analysis, and complete sorting workflows.
• Perform animal handling, dosing through multiple routes of administration, perfusion, biofluid collection, tissue dissection, and tissue processing.
• Conduct ELISA assays using serum and urine samples and perform appropriate statistical analyses.
• Troubleshoot experiments, refine protocols, prepare study plans and reports, and present findings to internal groups and project teams.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in biological science with 5+ years of experience, or a master’s degree with 2+ years of experience.
• Strong technical expertise in flow cytometry analysis and cell sorting, including ex vivo samples from rodent and large-animal tissues.
• Hands-on experience with in vivo pharmacology techniques, including animal handling, dosing, perfusion, fluid collection, and tissue dissection and processing.
• Experience with ELISA assays for serum and urine samples, experimental design, data interpretation, and protocol refinement.
• Strong understanding of biological and immunological principles, analytical skills, reliability, and written and verbal communication.
• Ability to work on-site in Boston five days per week.

Nice to have

• Background in muscular dystrophy or cystic kidney disease.
• Developing knowledge of related scientific disciplines.

Culture & Benefits

• Continuous learning and exposure to advances in AI, technology, automation, and industry trends.
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Generous paid time off, including summer and winter company shutdowns.
• Educational assistance programs, including student loan repayment.
• Commuting subsidy, matching charitable donations, and 401(k) benefits.