T1D, Research Fellow

Vertex Pharmaceuticals•Boston, MA

5d•Onsite

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 subcutaneous islet (SC-islet) therapies, with additional responsibilities across the broader T1D research portfolio. Its 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 to broader portfolio priorities where disease biology, product strategy, translational science, and development strategy intersect. This is an on-site designated role, with work on-site five days per week and ad hoc flexibility. The position is eligible for an annual bonus and annual equity awards. Vertex describes its total rewards as including medical, dental, and vision benefits; generous paid time off, including a week-long summer and winter company shutdown; educational assistance programs, including student loan repayment; a commuting subsidy; matching charitable donations; and a 401(k).

Requirements

MD and/or MD/PhD in a relevant discipline.
10 or more years of experience 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.
A 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.
Curiosity and sound judgment, an external perspective, and thoughtful adoption of advances in AI, technology, automation, and industry trends to improve decision-making, innovation, efficiency, and patient outcomes.

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 aimed at clinical outcomes.
Lead cross-functional projects by 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 that support 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).