Pharmacology Research Scientist

Job Description The Pharmacology group at Vertex Pharmaceuticals in San Diego is seeking a highly motivated and innovative Pharmacology Research Scientist to join our team. The successful candidate will focus on developing and applying primary tissue assays for drug discovery, with a particular emphasis on ex vivo organ perfusion and nervous system models. This role also requires expertise in in vitro and in vivo assays to support the evaluation of novel therapeutic candidates and elucidation of biological mechanisms. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in a collaborative and dynamic environment. Key Duties and Responsibilities: Develop, optimize, and implement primary tissue assays to support drug discovery and development programs. Design and execute experiments utilizing ex vivo organ perfusion and nervous system models to evaluate drug efficacy, distribution, safety, and mechanism of action. Conduct in vitro and in vivo pharmacology studies to complement ex vivo findings and provide a comprehensive understanding of drug candidates. Automate data collection and analysis processes to improve efficiency and accuracy in experimental workflows. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including medicinal chemistry, biology, toxicology, and clinical development, to advance projects from discovery to clinical development. Analyze, interpret, and present experimental data to project teams and senior leadership. Author and review study reports, regulatory documents, and scientific publications. Stay current with advancements in pharmacology, ex vivo systems, and related fields to incorporate innovative approaches into research programs. Knowledge and Skills: Proficiency in pharmacology techniques, including cell-based assays, physiology, animal handling, dosing, and tissue dissection/collection. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to automate data collection and analyses and interpret complex data sets. Proficiency in data analysis software and tools (e.g., GraphPad Prism, Spotfire, MATLAB, Python). Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment. Education and Experience: Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Biology, or a related field with 0-3 years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree with 3+ years of experience or Bachelors and 6yrs of experience in a pharmaceutical or biotechnology setting. Hands-on experience in developing and applying primary tissue assays, including ex vivo organ perfusion and nervous system models. #LI-KM1 #LI-Onsite Pay Range: $110,900 - $166,300 Disclosure Statement: The range provided is based on what we believe is a reasonable estimate for the base salary pay range for this job at the time of posting. This role is eligible for an annual bonus and annual equity awards. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. Actual base salary pay will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, and other job-related factors permitted by law. At Vertex, our Total Rewards offerings also include inclusive market-leading benefits to meet our employees wherever they are in their career, financial, family and wellbeing journey while providing flexibility and resources to support their growth and aspirations. From medical, dental and vision benefits to generous paid time off (including a week-long company shutdown in the Summer and the Winter), educational assistance programs including student loan repayment, a generous commuting subsidy, matching charitable donations, 401(k) and so much more. Flex Designation: On-Site Designated Flex Eligibility Status: In this On-Site designated role, you will work five days per week on-site with ad hoc flexibility. Note: The Flex status for this position is subject to Vertex’s Policy on Flex @ Vertex Program and may be changed at any time. #LI-Onsite Company Information Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation. Vertex is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Vertex is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. Vertex will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law. Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should make a request to the recruiter or hiring manager, or contact Talent Acquisition at ApplicationAssistance@vrtx.com Help Us Achieve Our Mission Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people with serious diseases. The company has approved medicines that treat the underlying causes of multiple chronic, life-shortening genetic diseases — cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia — and continues to advance clinical and research programs in these diseases. Vertex also has a robust clinical pipeline of investigational therapies across a range of modalities in other serious diseases where it has deep insight into causal human biology, including APOL1-mediated kidney disease, acute and neuropathic pain, type 1 diabetes, myotonic dystrophy type 1 and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency . Founded in 1989 in Cambridge, Mass., Vertex's global headquarters is now located in Boston's Innovation District and its international headquarters is in London. Additionally, the company has research and development sites and commercial offices in North America, Europe, Australia, Latin America and the Middle East. Vertex is consistently recognized as one of the industry's top places to work, including 14 consecutive years on Science magazine's Top Employers list and one of Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For. For company updates and to learn more about Vertex's history of innovation, visit www.vrtx.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter/X , LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram. The diversity and authenticity of our people is part of what makes Vertex unique, and we recognize that each employee brings diverse perspectives and strengths. By embracing those strengths and celebrating differences, we are fostering an inclusive culture where each of us can bring our authentic selves to work, inspire innovation together, and change people’s lives. Our vision is clear: to be the place where an authentic, diverse mix of talent want to come, to stay, and do their best work.