Senior Research Associate Biologics/Bioconjugation

Vertex Inc. • Boston, MA

1d • $74,800 - $112,200 • 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 works to deliver next-generation biologics and genetic therapies across several therapeutic areas. This lab-based position supports the development of targeted lipid nanoparticles (tLNPs), including executing and improving workflows for LNP conjugation and purification. The successful candidate will work independently, take initiative, and bring enthusiasm and intellectual curiosity to Vertex’s fast-paced research environment.

The role involves routine conjugation of ligands, scaffolds, and peptides to LNPs; supporting development and optimization of conjugation and purification processes at bench and pilot scales; and analyzing tLNP quality attributes with methods such as DLS, RiboGreen assays, and HPLC. The associate will also plan and conduct experiments, interpret data, maintain detailed electronic lab notebook records, prepare summaries and presentations, contribute to technical discussions and documentation, and help maintain the team’s laboratory organization and inventory.

The position is designated on-site, with work expected on-site five days per week 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. The stated base salary range is $74,800–$112,200.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences and at least 4 years of relevant employment experience, or a master’s degree (or equivalent) and 0–2 years of experience.
• Hands-on experience with various conjugation strategies.
• Ability to interpret routine, uncomplicated data.
• Ability to apply technical knowledge to optimize commonplace experimental procedures.
• Emerging ability to modify experimental designs and protocols to improve experimental or methodological outcomes.
• 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, 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 the 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: Mid Level