Senior Research Scientist, Human Cell Engineering and In Vitro Disease Modeling
Vertex Pharmaceuticals
10 hours ago
On-site
San Diego, CA
$121,600 - $182,400 USD yearly
Clinical Research and Development
Senior Research Scientist (Disease Modeling Group) — San Diego (On-Site)
Key Responsibilities
- Design, generate, QC and validate engineered human cell lines; perform functional characterization of genetic edits and prepare documentation for internal review.
- Establish and maintain quality control criteria for different cell types and disease model systems.
- Contribute to the design and development of human in vitro disease models that recapitulate disease mechanisms and phenotypes.
- Perform and optimize primary cell culture, iPSC differentiation, transdifferentiation, and gene-editing workflows.
- Collaborate with cross-functional project teams to integrate disease models into compound screening, target validation, and mechanistic studies.
- Analyze datasets, prepare high-quality experimental summaries, and communicate findings to project teams and functional leadership.
- Maintain awareness of emerging technologies in gene editing, cell engineering, and in vitro disease modeling.
- Contribute to continuous improvement of methodologies, tools, and best practices within the group.
Knowledge And Skills
- Ability to analyze complex datasets, review scientific literature, and formulate hypotheses.
- Expertise with human cell-based systems for disease modeling and therapeutic development.
- Hands-on experience establishing iPSC differentiation workflows across multiple cell lineages.
- Proficiency with CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing for disease modeling.
- Hands-on competence with standard validation methods (RNAseq, qPCR/ddPCR, NGS, Western blot, immunostaining).
- Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to manage multiple high-impact projects in a fast-paced environment with strong prioritization and execution.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a matrixed organization.
- Strong publication record and evidence of contributions to drug discovery programs.
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, or related discipline and 2–5 years of relevant post-doctoral employment experience; OR
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or related disciplines and 5+ years of relevant employment experience; OR
- Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or related disciplines and 8+ years of relevant employment experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, generate, QC and validate engineered human cell lines; perform functional characterization of genetic edits and prepare documentation for internal review.
- Establish and maintain quality control criteria for different cell types and disease model systems.
- Contribute to the design and development of human in vitro disease models that recapitulate disease mechanisms and phenotypes.
- Perform and optimize primary cell culture, iPSC differentiation, transdifferentiation, and gene-editing workflows.
- Collaborate with cross-functional project teams to integrate disease models into compound screening, target validation, and mechanistic studies.
- Analyze datasets, prepare high-quality experimental summaries, and communicate findings to project teams and functional leadership.
- Maintain awareness of emerging technologies in gene editing, cell engineering, and in vitro disease modeling.
- Contribute to continuous improvement of methodologies, tools, and best practices within the group.
Knowledge And Skills
- Ability to analyze complex datasets, review scientific literature, and formulate hypotheses.
- Expertise with human cell-based systems for disease modeling and therapeutic development.
- Hands-on experience establishing iPSC differentiation workflows across multiple cell lineages.
- Proficiency with CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing for disease modeling.
- Hands-on competence with standard validation methods (RNAseq, qPCR/ddPCR, NGS, Western blot, immunostaining).
- Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to manage multiple high-impact projects in a fast-paced environment with strong prioritization and execution.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a matrixed organization.
- Strong publication record and evidence of contributions to drug discovery programs.
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, or related discipline and 2–5 years of relevant post-doctoral employment experience; OR
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or related disciplines and 5+ years of relevant employment experience; OR
- Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or related disciplines and 8+ years of relevant employment experience.