Molecular & Cell Biology Research Scientist (Tissue Dissection)

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated
paid time off, 401(k)
United States, California, San Diego
11010 Torreyana Road (Show on map)
Apr 11, 2025
Job Description Join the cutting-edge team at Vertex Pharmaceuticals as a Research Scientist for Cell Biology in our Tissue Dissection Group. Our Molecular & Cell Biology (MCB) group in San Diego is seeking an outstanding scientist to work in our tissue dissection function to procure & process human tissues & organs to generate high quality cells for numerous Vertex research programs. The ideal candidate will have experience in human tissue procurement through collaboration with national Organ Procurement Organization networks. Expertise in tissue dissection & cell isolation processes is essential (especially DRG, lung, kidney & liver). This role will require the candidate to be reliable & flexible as donated tissues will require processing outside of normal working hours and during weekends. The ideal candidate will have the ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with many project teams to deliver on primary cell & tissues needs to meet site goals. Experience with OPO relationship management and contracting needs for human tissue sample deliveries is preferred. The role will involve method development & process optimization of dissection workflows where required. Experience in cell isolation, purification & characterization techniques is essential. Key Duties and Responsibilities Internal Collaboration - Communicate with project teams on tissue procurement needs. Initiate and execute strategies to drive new project asks that request human tissues or cells. External Collaboration- work closely with OPO partners to evaluate & accept organ/tissue offers, update contracts for new samples and manage relationships to ensure targets can be met. Optimize New Cell Isolation Processes for new projects to deliver on target validation and/or proof of concept experiments. Dissection, Cell Isolation & Characterization - familiarity with common dissection, digestion & cell isolation techniques. Ability to characterize cells using FACS/IF/scRNAseq. Primary cell culture experience. Team Work - work closely with other tissue dissection scientists to plan and execute experiments and ensure equitable sharing of out of hour & weekend work. Organization - immaculate record keeping of donor summaries, dissection protocols and procurement contracts. Compliance in Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN) submissions. Education and Experience: PhD in cell biology, biochemistry, or related disciplines and 0-3+ years of relevant employment experience. Masters Degree (or equivalent degree) in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or related disciplines and 3 + years of relevant employment experience, or Bachelors Degree (or equivalent degree) in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or related disciplines and 6+ years of relevant employment experience Experience in human tissue procurement through OPOs and/or partnership with transplant centers. Ability to take tissue/organ offers during off hours. Experience in dissection of human whole human livers, lungs, DRGs and kidneys Ability to work on weekends and after business hours. Excellent communication skills and ability to work well in a fast-paced environment. Strong multitasking, attention to detail, and independent work abilities. Results-focused, motivated, and well-organized. #LI-SV1 #LI-Onsite Pay Range: $84,800 - $127,200 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. 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