Stem Cell Principal Research Scientist, T1D Discovery Biology
Vertex Pharmaceuticals
June 27, 2026
On-site
Boston, MA
Clinical Research and Development
General Summary:
The Principal Scientist, Stem Cell Research provides scientific leadership and ownership of stem cell differentiation, characterization, and assay strategies supporting Vertex stem cell therapy programs. This is a hands-on, lab-based role with responsibility for defining experimental direction, setting scientific standards, and driving decision-making for complex stem cell-derived cellular platforms.
Key Duties And Responsibilities
- Provide scientific leadership and ownership of stem cell-derived cellular models, differentiation platforms, and assay systems as a direct line manager and/or matrix manager of a small team.
- Define experimental strategy, technical roadmaps, and decision criteria for complex differentiation and characterization challenges.
- Distill complex, multidimensional datasets into clear conclusions and actionable recommendations that inform program-level decisions.
- Lead development of robust, quantitative experimental platforms integrating stem cell biology, assay development, imaging, and computational analysis.
- Drive advanced troubleshooting and methods development for stem cell differentiation and functional assessment challenges.
- Serve as a scientific point of accountability in cross-functional discussions.
- Contribute as a scientific lead to invention disclosures, patent filings, publications, and internal technical documentation.
- Provide scientific mentorship and technical direction to junior scientists and research associates.
Knowledge And Skills
- Deep expertise in pluripotent stem cell culture and directed differentiation.
- Strong proficiency with functional, molecular, and imaging-based assays.
- Ability to integrate experimental biology with quantitative data analysis.
- Python (or similar) preferred.
- High-throughput/automated cell culture and assays: plus.
- Benchling/ELN/LIMS familiarity: preferred.
- Excellent scientific communication.
Education And Experience
- PhD (4–7 yrs), MS (7+ yrs), or BS (10+ yrs) in relevant fields.
- Proven experience advancing stem cell-derived systems toward translational/preclinical/product-enabling objectives.
- Ability to define strategy, evaluate trade-offs, and provide data-driven recommendations.
- Experience mentoring and leading across multidisciplinary teams.
The Principal Scientist, Stem Cell Research provides scientific leadership and ownership of stem cell differentiation, characterization, and assay strategies supporting Vertex stem cell therapy programs. This is a hands-on, lab-based role with responsibility for defining experimental direction, setting scientific standards, and driving decision-making for complex stem cell-derived cellular platforms.
Key Duties And Responsibilities
- Provide scientific leadership and ownership of stem cell-derived cellular models, differentiation platforms, and assay systems as a direct line manager and/or matrix manager of a small team.
- Define experimental strategy, technical roadmaps, and decision criteria for complex differentiation and characterization challenges.
- Distill complex, multidimensional datasets into clear conclusions and actionable recommendations that inform program-level decisions.
- Lead development of robust, quantitative experimental platforms integrating stem cell biology, assay development, imaging, and computational analysis.
- Drive advanced troubleshooting and methods development for stem cell differentiation and functional assessment challenges.
- Serve as a scientific point of accountability in cross-functional discussions.
- Contribute as a scientific lead to invention disclosures, patent filings, publications, and internal technical documentation.
- Provide scientific mentorship and technical direction to junior scientists and research associates.
Knowledge And Skills
- Deep expertise in pluripotent stem cell culture and directed differentiation.
- Strong proficiency with functional, molecular, and imaging-based assays.
- Ability to integrate experimental biology with quantitative data analysis.
- Python (or similar) preferred.
- High-throughput/automated cell culture and assays: plus.
- Benchling/ELN/LIMS familiarity: preferred.
- Excellent scientific communication.
Education And Experience
- PhD (4–7 yrs), MS (7+ yrs), or BS (10+ yrs) in relevant fields.
- Proven experience advancing stem cell-derived systems toward translational/preclinical/product-enabling objectives.
- Ability to define strategy, evaluate trade-offs, and provide data-driven recommendations.
- Experience mentoring and leading across multidisciplinary teams.