Optics / Microscopy Principal Scientist
Vertex Pharmaceuticals
September 01, 2026
On-site
San Diego, CA
Other
Principal Scientist (Optical Design, Microscopy, Functional Imaging)
Key Duties And Responsibilities
- Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to understand project needs and identify opportunities for custom instrumentation.
- Align stakeholders and propose new projects to senior leaders.
- Design and build prototype optical instruments.
- Conduct proof-of-concept experiments and optimize assays with biologists and chemists.
- Work with engineers to specify, design, and build robust, production-ready instruments for automated drug discovery.
- Communicate findings via written reports, presentations, and discussions.
Knowledge And Skills
- Formal optical design principles: ray tracing, ABCD matrices, Gaussian beams, optical aberrations.
- Engineering design processes and quantitative instrument specifications.
- Familiarity with automation and high-throughput screening.
- Understanding of pharmaceutical research and drug discovery.
- Strong written and verbal communication.
- Experience supervising/mentoring junior researchers.
- Ability to deliver innovative solutions to complex scientific/technical challenges.
Education & Experience
- Ph.D. in Physics, Physical Chemistry, Bioengineering, or related + 8+ years relevant experience.
- Hands-on optical techniques in biological imaging platforms (e.g., optical table setups).
- Programming proficiency for data analysis and instrument control.
- Functional cell measurements (e.g., voltage/calcium imaging).
- Expertise in multiple imaging modalities (widefield fluorescence, confocal, light sheet, super-resolution, or two-photon).
Pay Range
- $144,400 - $216,600. Eligible for annual bonus and annual equity awards.
Benefits (explicitly stated)
- Medical, dental, and vision; paid time off (including summer/winter shutdown); educational assistance/student loan repayment; commuting subsidy; matching charitable donations; 401(k).
Key Duties And Responsibilities
- Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to understand project needs and identify opportunities for custom instrumentation.
- Align stakeholders and propose new projects to senior leaders.
- Design and build prototype optical instruments.
- Conduct proof-of-concept experiments and optimize assays with biologists and chemists.
- Work with engineers to specify, design, and build robust, production-ready instruments for automated drug discovery.
- Communicate findings via written reports, presentations, and discussions.
Knowledge And Skills
- Formal optical design principles: ray tracing, ABCD matrices, Gaussian beams, optical aberrations.
- Engineering design processes and quantitative instrument specifications.
- Familiarity with automation and high-throughput screening.
- Understanding of pharmaceutical research and drug discovery.
- Strong written and verbal communication.
- Experience supervising/mentoring junior researchers.
- Ability to deliver innovative solutions to complex scientific/technical challenges.
Education & Experience
- Ph.D. in Physics, Physical Chemistry, Bioengineering, or related + 8+ years relevant experience.
- Hands-on optical techniques in biological imaging platforms (e.g., optical table setups).
- Programming proficiency for data analysis and instrument control.
- Functional cell measurements (e.g., voltage/calcium imaging).
- Expertise in multiple imaging modalities (widefield fluorescence, confocal, light sheet, super-resolution, or two-photon).
Pay Range
- $144,400 - $216,600. Eligible for annual bonus and annual equity awards.
Benefits (explicitly stated)
- Medical, dental, and vision; paid time off (including summer/winter shutdown); educational assistance/student loan repayment; commuting subsidy; matching charitable donations; 401(k).