Analytical Development Research Scientist

Vertex Pharmaceuticals • Boston, MA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Vertex is seeking a highly motivated Scientist to join its Analytical Development team. The role leads development of analytical cell lines used as critical reagents for potency assay development, functional characterization, and analytical control strategy. The Scientist develops, optimizes, and validates bioassays to support characterization of biologics and other complex biologic modalities. Working at the interface of Research and Analytical Development, the role translates product mechanisms of action into scientifically sound, phase-appropriate cell line and assay strategies. The position is based in Boston, Massachusetts, and is designated on-site five days per week, with ad hoc flexibility.

The role includes leading the design, characterization, and lifecycle management of stable mammalian analytical cell lines; managing CROs developing cell lines; and developing and supporting cell-based bioassays. It contributes to early-stage potency assay development and supports technical continuity with late-stage potency, validation, transfer, and QC implementation strategies. The Scientist designs and executes complex experimental plans, interprets data, addresses technical risks, produces technical and regulatory-supporting documentation, and collaborates with cross-functional program teams. The role also provides technical mentorship and identifies improvements to workflows, assay robustness, and development timelines.

Candidates should have a Ph.D. in a biology-related discipline with 0–3 years of relevant industry experience, a Master’s degree with 3 years of biopharmaceutical industry experience, or a Bachelor’s degree with 6 years of such experience. Relevant expertise includes analytical cell line development, cell-based potency or functional assays, biologics development, receptor biology, cellular signaling, reporter systems, and mechanism of action. The salary range is $102,800–$154,200. The role is eligible for an annual bonus and annual equity awards. Vertex also offers benefits that include medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, educational assistance, student loan repayment, commuting subsidy, matching charitable donations, and a 401(k).

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, or a biology-related discipline, with 0–3 years of relevant industry experience in biologics analytical development, bioassay development, cell line engineering, or functional characterization; or a Master’s degree in a biology-related scientific discipline and 3 years of biopharmaceutical industry experience; or a Bachelor’s degree in a biology-related scientific discipline and 6 years of biopharmaceutical industry experience.
• Experience developing analytical cell lines and cell-based potency or functional assays to support biologics development.
• Strong understanding of receptor biology, cellular signaling, reporter systems, mechanisms of action, and their application to potency assay design.
• Proficiency in plate-based assays, including ELISA, reporter gene assays, cytotoxicity, ADCC, CDC, and other bioassay readouts.
• Knowledge of USP, FDA, and ICH guidelines governing bioassay development and validation.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and multiple projects within required timelines.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex data to diverse audiences.
• Ability to collaborate effectively and deliver objectives within preset timelines.
• Openness to using digital, automation, and AI-enabled tools to improve data analysis, documentation, knowledge management, and scientific workflows.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with flow cytometry, qPCR, or ddPCR.
• Familiarity with statistical tools and data analysis software such as JMP, GraphPad Prism, SoftMax Pro, and other bioassay data analysis software.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, characterization, and lifecycle management of stable mammalian analytical cell lines expressing targets, receptor systems, or reporter constructs for potency and functional bioassays.
• Manage CROs developing cell lines for bioassays; serve as primary technical contact, provide guidance, and ensure alignment with project goals and timelines.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges related to cell line development and maintenance.
• Translate product mechanisms of action into cell line designs and cell-based assay concepts aligned with potency and analytical control strategy.
• Develop and support cell-based bioassays, including reporter gene, signaling pathway, proliferation, cytotoxicity, and other mechanism-based functional assays.
• Contribute to early-stage potency assay development and maintain technical continuity with late-stage potency, validation, transfer, and QC implementation strategies.
• Evaluate assay and cell line performance, including sensitivity, specificity, robustness, stability, reproducibility, and fitness for intended use.
• Lead or contribute to technical transfers to internal laboratories, external partners, vendors, or quality control functions, providing technical rationale and knowledge for transfer.
• Independently design and execute complex experimental plans, interpret data, identify technical risks, and recommend scientifically justified solutions.
• Author and review technical reports, protocols, method documents, cell line characterization packages, technology transfer documents, and CMC source documentation for regulatory submissions.
• Ensure cell line generation, assay development, documentation, and data packages meet applicable quality and compliance expectations, good documentation practices, and data integrity principles.
• Represent Analytical Development on cross-functional program teams and provide technical input on potency strategy, functional characterization, cell line suitability, and control strategy.
• Mentor associates through technical guidance, experimental design review, data interpretation, and development of scientific judgment.
• Identify workflow improvements that increase assay robustness and reduce development timelines.

Benefits

• Annual bonus eligibility.
• Annual equity awards eligibility.
• Medical benefits.
• Dental benefits.
• Vision benefits.
• Generous paid time off, including a week-long company shutdown in the summer and winter.
• Educational assistance programs, including student loan repayment.
• Commuting subsidy.
• Matching charitable donations.
• 401(k).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level