Principal Research Associate – Protein Engineering (Contract)

Vertex Pharmaceuticals

2d • $63 - $67 • Onsite

About The Position

At Vertex Pharmaceuticals we are relentless in our pursuit of transformative solutions for patients with serious diseases. Our innovative approach to research and development has positioned us as a leader in the biotechnology industry. We are seeking a talented and motivated Principal Research Associate to join our Protein Engineering team and contribute to the advancement of cutting-edge therapeutics.
Position Summary: The Principal Research Associate will play a pivotal role in supporting the Protein Engineering group by driving the progression of molecules from design to functional proteins for downstream testing. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in molecular cloning, yeast display, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) library preparation. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a collaborative and innovative environment, contributing to the development of transformative therapies.

Requirements

• Expertise in molecular cloning workflows and troubleshooting.
• Hands-on experience with yeast culturing and transformations.
• Experience with next-generation sequencing (NGS) library preparation and quality control.
• Proficiency in flow cytometry.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot experimental challenges.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills to work in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Master’s Degree (or equivalent degree) in cellular biology, biochemistry, or bio/chemical engineering and 3+ years of relevant industry experience, or
• Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent degree) in cellular biology, biochemistry, or bio/chemical engineering and 6 + years of relevant industry experience

Nice To Haves

• Experience with yeast DNA library transformation and screening is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Perform molecular cloning techniques, including PCR, DNA assembly (e.g., Gibson assembly), sequencing, and troubleshooting.
• Support the design, construction, preparation, and validation of DNA constructs for protein engineering projects.
• Conduct yeast culturing and transformations to support yeast display workflows.
• Perform flow cytometry to assess yeast-displayed proteins and analyze data to inform decision-making.
• Prepare and perform quality control for next-generation sequencing (NGS) libraries to support protein engineering workflows.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of protein engineering efforts with downstream assays.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of experimental procedures, results, and data analysis.
• Contribute to the development and optimization of new protocols and methodologies to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Protein Engineering group.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Principal