Senior Research Associate, Translational Immunology

Job Description General Summary: Vertex Pharmaceuticals is seeking an experienced and technically accomplished Senior Research Associate to join our growing Translational Immunology team in Seattle. This is a hands-on laboratory role focused on the design, execution, and optimization of immunological experiments that support target identification, validation, and translational research across Vertex’s autoimmune and inflammatory disease portfolio. The successful candidate will be a highly skilled bench scientist with demonstrated expertise in human immune cell biology and complex immunological assay systems. Working closely with Research Scientists and cross-functional colleagues, this individual will bring technical independence, scientific rigor, and creative problem-solving to generate high-quality data that drives research decisions. The ideal candidate will thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and be motivated by the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the development of transformative medicines for patients with serious diseases. Key Duties and Responsibilities: Independently design, execute, and troubleshoot complex cell-based and immunological assays using primary human immune cells, patient-derived samples, and established cell lines Isolate, culture, stimulate, and functionally characterize human immune cell populations from peripheral blood and tissue-derived sources Perform and optimize multi-parameter flow cytometry experiments, including panel design, compensation, acquisition, and data analysis Execute and develop quantitative immunoassays including ELISA, MSD, Luminex, and ELISpot to support translational research objectives Contribute to experimental design and scientific planning in collaboration with Research Scientists and project leads Analyze and interpret experimental data using FlowJo, GraphPad Prism, and other analytical tools; prepare figures, data summaries, and presentations for team discussions Develop, optimize, and document standard operating procedures for new and existing assay platforms Process, track, and manage biological samples with rigorous attention to quality, chain-of-custody, and inventory standards Maintain thorough and accurate records in electronic laboratory notebooks in compliance with company standards Support laboratory operations including equipment maintenance, reagent inventory, vendor interactions, and supply management Stay current with emerging technologies and methodologies in immunology research and contribute to their evaluation and adoption Perform other duties as assigned Knowledge and Skills: Deep hands-on expertise in human immune cell biology, including isolation, culture, and functional characterization of lymphocyte and myeloid cell populations from blood and tissue Strong proficiency in multi-parameter flow cytometry (8+ colors), including panel design, optimization, compensation, and analysis using FlowJo or equivalent software Solid experience with quantitative immunoassay platforms such as ELISA, MSD, Luminex, and/or ELISpot Demonstrated ability to independently troubleshoot experiments, optimize protocols, and adapt methods to new applications Experience with data analysis and visualization using GraphPad Prism and Microsoft Office; familiarity with R or Python for data analysis is a plus Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple experiments, sample sets, and timelines simultaneously Excellent attention to detail and commitment to data quality, reproducibility, and thorough scientific documentation Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present data clearly to scientific teams Collaborative mindset with a track record of working productively within cross-functional research teams Familiarity with electronic laboratory notebook systems and laboratory information management practices Exposure to or interest in emerging technologies such as single-cell methods, high-dimensional cytometry, spatial biology, or multiplexed tissue imaging is a plus Education and Experience: Master’s degree in Immunology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related discipline and 0–2 years of relevant employment experience, or Bachelor’s degree in Immunology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related discipline and 4+ years of relevant employment experience Minimum of 2 years of experience working in research, preferably in a pharma or biotech setting Pay Range: $79,800 - $119,800 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.