Cell Models & Delivery Biology Principal Research Associate
About The Position
Vertex is seeking a highly experienced and motivated Principal Research Associate to develop and execute assays supporting research on non-viral delivery of nucleic acid therapeutics. The role requires hands-on expertise in molecular biology, cell biology, gene-expression analysis, and protein-based assays. The successful candidate will work with cross-functional partners to generate high-quality data that informs discovery-stage decisions and candidate progression. This laboratory-based position designs, executes, optimizes, and interprets molecular and cellular assays to characterize functional delivery, intracellular activity, gene expression, and immunological and pharmacological responses. The role also supports gene-editing and gene-replacement approaches, communicates findings through reports and presentations, and maintains organized electronic laboratory records and structured documentation. The position is designated on-site, with work five days per week on-site and ad hoc flexibility. The role is eligible for an annual bonus and annual equity awards; some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay in accordance with applicable requirements.
Requirements
- Master’s degree or equivalent in biological sciences or a related field and 8+ years of relevant employment experience; alternatively, a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in biological sciences or a related field and 10+ years of relevant employment experience.
- Significant hands-on laboratory experience in molecular biology, nucleic acid therapeutics, protein-based assays, and tissue culture.
- Experience with RNA/DNA extractions, qPCR, construct design, gene-expression analysis, reporter assays, Western blot/Jess, MSD, immunoprecipitation, and ELISA.
- Demonstrated ability to identify technical gaps, improve assay performance, and refine experimental workflows.
- Strong collaboration skills and ability to work in a highly cross-functional, fast-paced research environment.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to summarize complex experimental findings clearly.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with one or more of RNA/DNA therapeutics, lipid nanoparticle (LNP) dosing, receptor biology and intracellular trafficking, gene expression, cell transfection/transduction experiments, or confocal imaging.
- Experience with one or more of IND-enabling studies, data visualization, report writing, electronic lab notebook keeping (e.g. Benchling), or structured data documentation.
Responsibilities
- Design, execute, and optimize in vitro assays supporting non-viral delivery biology and gene-replacement strategies.
- Develop and apply cellular and molecular biology workflows to evaluate uptake, dose response, intracellular trafficking, functional delivery, gene expression, and pharmacological activity.
- Perform nucleic acid extraction and downstream gene-expression analyses, including qPCR, RT-qPCR, TaqMan assays, and related molecular characterization methods.
- Execute protein and cellular assays, including ELISA, MSD, Western blotting/Jess, immunoprecipitation, reporter gene assays, and cell-signaling assays, to assess cellular responses and delivery outcomes.
- Support evaluation of gene-editing and gene-replacement approaches using relevant molecular and cellular readouts.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams and external partners to design studies, communicate findings, and advance program priorities.
- Prepare experimental and technical summaries, data reports, and presentations, and proactively communicate findings.
- Maintain accurate, timely, and well-organized electronic laboratory notebook records and structured documentation/SOPs.
- Identify technical gaps, improve assay performance, and refine experimental workflows.
Benefits
- Annual bonus eligibility
- Annual equity awards
- 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)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Principal
