Senior Research Associate Biologics/Bioconjugation

Vertex Pharmaceuticals • Boston, MA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Vertex is seeking a Senior Research Associate to join a collaborative research team focused on biologics conjugation and optimization in Boston, Massachusetts. The group develops next-generation biologics and genetic therapies across several therapeutic areas. This lab-based role supports development of targeted lipid nanoparticles (tLNPs) by executing and improving laboratory workflows for LNP conjugation and purification. The ideal candidate is independent, takes initiative, and brings enthusiasm and intellectual curiosity to a fast-paced research environment.

The role involves routine conjugation of ligands, scaffolds, and peptides to LNPs; developing, optimizing, and troubleshooting tLNP conjugation and purification processes at bench and pilot scales; and analyzing tLNP critical quality attributes. The position also contributes to experiment planning, data analysis, documentation, technical discussions, and laboratory operations.

Vertex encourages continuous learning and thoughtful adoption of advances in AI, technology, automation, and industry trends to improve decision-making, innovation, efficiency, and outcomes for patients. The role is on-site five days per week, with ad hoc flexibility, subject to Vertex’s Flex @ Vertex policy. The position is eligible for an annual bonus and annual equity awards; some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay in accordance with applicable requirements. Vertex offers benefits and resources intended to support employees’ career, financial, family, and wellbeing needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences and 4 or more years of relevant employment experience, or a master’s degree (or equivalent degree) and 0–2 years of experience.
• Hands-on experience with various conjugation strategies.
• Ability to interpret routine, uncomplicated data.
• Technical knowledge applied to optimize commonplace experimental procedures.
• Emerging ability to modify experimental designs and protocols to improve experiments or methods.
• Ability to present results in oral and written reports.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in antibody-drug conjugates or antibody-oligonucleotide conjugation.
• Proficiency in LNP characterization techniques such as DLS, RiboGreen assays, and HPLC methods.
• Experience with tangential flow filtration (TFF) and sterile filtration.

Responsibilities

• Execute routine conjugations of ligands, scaffolds, and peptides to LNPs using established and emerging methods.
• Assist with development, optimization, and troubleshooting of tLNP conjugation and purification processes at bench and pilot scales.
• Analyze tLNP critical quality attributes using techniques such as Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), RiboGreen assays, HPLC, and related analytical methods.
• Participate in experiment planning and perform some experiments with limited supervision, demonstrating responsible follow-up.
• Analyze experimental data, maintain detailed records in electronic laboratory notebooks (ELNs), and prepare summaries and presentations for internal team discussions.
• Contribute to technical discussions and documentation related to conjugation platform development and intellectual property.
• Maintain laboratory organization, supplies, and reagent inventories for the Bioconjugation team.

Benefits

• Annual bonus eligibility
• Annual equity awards
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Generous paid time off, including a week-long company shutdown in summer and winter
• Educational assistance programs, including student loan repayment
• Commuting subsidy
• Matching charitable donations
• 401(k)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior