Senior Research Scientist, Target Identification & Validation — Translational Immunology

Job Description General Summary: Vertex Pharmaceuticals is seeking a highly motivated and innovative Senior Research Scientist with expertise in immunology and autoimmune disease biology to join our Target Identification and Validation team within the Seattle-based Translational Immunology team. This role will contribute to the discovery and validation of novel therapeutic targets for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases with serious unmet medical need. The successful candidate will apply deep immunological knowledge and cutting-edge experimental approaches to interrogate disease mechanisms, define novel therapeutic targets, and build data packages that inform portfolio decisions. This is a laboratory-based position embedded within a collaborative, cross-functional drug discovery environment where scientific rigor, creativity, and translational thinking are essential. The ideal candidate will bring hands-on expertise in human immunology, a strong record of scientific accomplishment, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented setting focused on delivering transformative medicines for patients. Key Duties and Responsibilities: Design, execute, and interpret experiments to identify and validate novel therapeutic targets relevant to autoimmune and inflammatory diseases Develop and optimize disease-relevant in vitro and ex vivo assay systems using primary human immune cells and patient-derived samples to evaluate target biology and therapeutic potential Integrate multi-dimensional datasets including genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and functional data to generate and refine target hypotheses Collaborate with data and computational sciences colleagues to leverage large-scale human datasets for target discovery and prioritization Contribute to the design and execution of in vivo studies to assess target relevance and therapeutic mechanisms in preclinical models Present scientific findings and strategic recommendations to cross-functional project teams, senior leadership, and external collaborators with clarity and scientific rigor Evaluate and implement emerging technologies and experimental platforms to advance target identification and validation capabilities Collaborate closely with immune cell profiling, clinical biomarker, and drug discovery teams across Vertex’s multi-site research organization to support program progression Maintain thorough and accurate documentation of experimental work in electronic laboratory notebooks and contribute to internal knowledge-sharing Stay current with the scientific literature and external landscape in immunology and autoimmune disease biology to inform research strategy Perform other duties as assigned Knowledge and Skills: Strong expertise in immunology and immune cell biology, with a working understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying autoimmune and inflammatory diseases Proven experience in the isolation, culture, and functional characterization of primary human immune cell populations from peripheral blood and tissues Deep proficiency in multi-parameter flow cytometry, including panel design, acquisition, and data analysis Hands-on experience with molecular and cellular biology techniques including ELISA, MSD, qPCR, Western blotting, and cell-based functional assays Familiarity with CRISPR-based gene editing approaches and their application to target validation Working knowledge of single-cell technologies, multi-omics approaches, and high-dimensional data analysis Basic computational skills, including data visualization and statistical analysis, with an interest in developing this skill set further Demonstrated ability to design rigorous experiments to determine biological mechanisms, analyze complex datasets, and draw clear scientific conclusions Excellent communication skills with the ability to present scientific data effectively in written and oral formats to diverse audiences Strong collaborative mindset with the ability to work productively in a cross-functional, multi-site team environment Scientific creativity paired with attention to detail and a commitment to data quality and reproducibility Education and Experience: Ph.D. (or equivalent degree) in immunology, molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or related disciplines and 2-5 years of relevant post-doctoral employment experience, or Masters Degree (or equivalent degree) in immunology, molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or related disciplines and 5+ years of relevant employment experience, or Bachelors Degree (or equivalent degree) in immunology, molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or related disciplines and 8+ years of relevant employment experience Pay Range: $124,200 - $186,400 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.