Research Scientist, Proteomics & Mass Spectrometry (Contract)

Atrium Works•Boston, MA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Vertex Pharmaceuticals is seeking a contract Research Scientist to join its Chemical Biology group. This on-site laboratory role supports mass spectrometry–based proteomics research and targeted quantification of small molecules and lipids. The position contributes to target discovery, screening validation, biomarker research, and mechanism-of-action investigations within Chemical Biology and across functions in Boston Research. The role executes established sample-preparation and LC-MS workflows, operates and supports LC-MS systems, processes data using established methods, and helps maintain laboratory supplies and work areas. The scientist coordinates experiment priorities and schedules with a matrix team and communicates results and technical updates through ELNs, presentations, and team discussions.

Requirements

PhD with hands-on relevant experience in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, chemical biology, or a related field; a bachelor's or master's degree with equivalent years of relevant education, technical training, and directly applicable laboratory experience will be considered.
At least 5 years of hands-on experience in three or more of the following: protein or peptide sample preparation, proteomics, chemoproteomics, analytical chemistry, LC-MS lipid analysis, or small-molecule mass spectrometry.
Experience following laboratory procedures for biological sample processing, including at least three of cell culture, cloning, proximity labeling, immunoprecipitation, automation, fractionation, and digestion.
At least 5 years of experience operating LC-MS instrumentation or directly supporting LC-MS experimental workflows, including instrument maintenance, calibration, performance monitoring, and troubleshooting.
Experience with one or more mass-spectrometry data-analysis platforms, such as Spectronaut, Skyline, Proteome Discoverer, MsFragger, or comparable software.

Responsibilities

Execute established sample-preparation and LC-MS workflows for proteomic, chemoproteomic, lipid, and small-molecule experiments.
Prepare samples for mass spectrometry, including cell lysis, protein extraction, analyte enrichment or depletion, labeling, immunoprecipitation, enzymatic digestion, cleanup, and extraction, including use of liquid-handling instrumentation.
Generate and operate LC-MS assays, including DIA, DDA, PRM, and related workflows.
Operate, maintain, calibrate, and perform first-line troubleshooting of LC-MS systems, including Thermo and Bruker platforms.
Monitor defined instrument-performance and assay-quality metrics, and identify and escalate performance trends or technical issues according to laboratory procedures.
Process mass spectrometry data using established analysis workflows and software; perform routine data-quality review, visualization, reporting, and data upload or storage.
Maintain laboratory supplies, reagents, consumables, and work areas needed to support scheduled experiments and instrument operation.
Coordinate experiment priorities and schedules, shared lab work, status, and technical issues within a matrix team.
Communicate experimental results and technical updates through ELNs, presentations, and team discussions.