T1D, Research Fellow
About The Position
Vertex is seeking an innovative physician-scientist to help lead translational research and product strategy within its Type 1 Diabetes Research Group. The role serves as a cross-functional research leader for SC-islet therapies, with additional responsibilities across the broader T1D research portfolio. The primary focus is advancing next-generation SC-islet therapies from discovery through translational development by integrating disease biology, stem cell biology, bioengineering, manufacturing, and clinical considerations. The Research Fellow will bridge clinical expertise with translational science, help direct preclinical and translational research, and guide the path toward future clinical development. The successful candidate will bring deep expertise in diabetes and translational medicine, a product-development mindset, and the ability to contribute across portfolio priorities where disease biology, product strategy, translational science, and development strategy intersect.
Requirements
- MD and/or MD/PhD in a relevant discipline.
- 10+ years in academic medicine, translational research, biotechnology, pharmaceutical R&D, or related settings.
- Expertise in drug development, translational science, and disease biology.
- Experience in cell therapy, stem cell biology, regenerative medicine, endocrinology, immunology, or related fields.
- Strong track record in diabetes, cell therapy, translational therapeutics, stem cell biology, or related disciplines.
Nice To Haves
- Direct experience in Type 1 Diabetes, pancreatic islet biology, stem cell biology, regenerative medicine, or cell therapy.
- Experience with translational biomarkers, predictive assays, and development candidate selection.
- Experience supporting IND-enabling strategies and translation toward first-in-human studies.
- Knowledge of transplantation biology and transplantation immunology.
- Familiarity with FDA/EMA regulatory pathways and GCP.
- Ability to lead through expertise in a matrixed environment, communicate across disciplines, and mentor others.
Responsibilities
- Provide disease and mechanistic insight to support product strategy, hypothesis generation, and candidate optimization.
- Serve as a physician-scientist leader for translational strategy in partnership with research, development, manufacturing, and clinical teams.
- Design and guide in vitro and in vivo studies aiming for clinical outcomes.
- Lead cross-functional projects, setting goals, priorities, timelines, budgets, and decision points.
- Integrate biological, translational, engineering, manufacturing, and clinical considerations to drive portfolio decisions and product advancement.
- Define and guide development of predictive assays, biomarkers, and translational strategies supporting product advancement.
- Interpret complex datasets and convert findings into clear program recommendations.
- Build and maintain a strong, collaborative, high-performing research culture.
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
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
