Discovery Immunology Principal Research Scientist (Biotech)

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

Base salary: $140,000–$210,000 per year, plus eligibility for an annual bonus and annual equity awards.

Company

Vertex is a global biotechnology company focused on scientific innovation.

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 teams.
• 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, including scientific leadership and ownership of early-stage programs.
• Deep expertise in immunology, immune-cell biology, inflammatory signaling, autoimmune or immune-mediated diseases, 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, and translate findings into actionable program strategies.
• Strong publication record, communication and 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, matrixed biotechnology research environment.
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits with paid time off.
• Company shutdown periods during the summer and winter.
• Educational assistance, including student loan repayment, and a commuting subsidy.
• 401(k), matching charitable donations, annual bonus eligibility, and annual equity awards.