Molecular and Cell Biology Principal Research Scientist, Targeted Drug Delivery
Vertex Pharmaceuticals
Full-time
On-site
San Diego, CA
$136,000 - $204,000 USD yearly
Clinical Research and Development
Want to see how your resume matches up to this job? A free trial of our JobsAI will help! With over 2,000 biopharma executives loving it, we think you will too! Try it now — JobsAI.
Role Summary
Molecular and Cell Biology Principal Research Scientist, Targeted Drug Delivery role focusing on targeted drug delivery including nucleic acid therapies. On-site in San Diego, requiring extensive expertise in receptor biology and targeted delivery in extrahepatic tissues/cells to support development of novel therapeutics.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement strategic plans for receptor & ligand identification, characterization, optimization, and application in drug discovery.
- Execute research plans, collect and interpret data, troubleshoot, and define next steps.
- Collaborate with cross-functional partners (medicinal chemistry, computational genomics, molecular and cellular biology, pharmacology, protein sciences) to support integrated drug discovery programs from target validation through lead optimization.
- Apply innovative approaches and stay current with advances in receptor biology, ligand discovery, and nucleic acid therapeutics to strengthen pipeline opportunities.
- Prepare and present data in project team meetings, contributing scientific insight and recommendations to guide program strategy.
- Maintain high standards of scientific rigor, accurate documentation, data integrity, and compliance with regulatory guidelines.
Qualifications
- Strong expertise in receptor biology, ligand–receptor interactions and signaling mechanisms.
- Hands-on experience with biochemical, biophysical, and/or cell-based assays to study receptor function and behavior.
- Experience with ligand-mediated delivery into specific tissues or cell types is highly desirable.
- Demonstrated track record of scientific achievement in receptor biology and targeted drug delivery.
- Ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary project teams.
- Excellent personal and communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders and drive decision-making across functions.
- Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary, and innovative environment.
Education
- Ph.D. (or equivalent) in biology, biochemistry or related science and 4–7 years of relevant post-doctoral experience, or
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in biology, biochemistry or related science and 7+ years of relevant experience, or
- Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent) in biology, biochemistry or related science and 10+ years of relevant experience.