Molecular & Cell Biology Principal Research Scientist (Histology)

Job Description

General Summary:

Vertex is seeking an outstanding scientist to join the Molecular and Cell Biology (MCB) group and lead the histology function in San Diego. You will lead the continued development of our histology function into a state-of-the art lab with novel technologies and automated platforms organized into efficient and effective workflows for exploratory research and drug discovery.

As Principal Research Scientist, you will lead, manage, and work alongside the histology team to evaluate/validate novel targets, characterize human tissues to uncover causal disease biology and drive the development of human disease-relevant models of serious genetic diseases. You will design, execute, and coordinate histology projects across multiple disease areas.

As histology function lead, you will work extensively across functions, project teams, sites and external partners serving as histology subject matter expert to provide authoritative technical recommendations and generate insights that inform and influence research strategies.

Bring your passion for applying and innovating histological techniques to advance drug discovery and join our research team focused on making meaningful contributions to treating diseases with significant unmet needs.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Project execution: characterize human tissues, drive disease model development, validate disease targets, and uncover causal disease biology.
• Project facilitation: Identify and implement optimal histological technologies to answer critical research questions, supporting project teams with technical guidance. Create and standardize SOPs for novel techniques, enabling broader adoption across research teams and ensuring consistent, reproducible results.
• Collaboration: Work extensively and collaboratively across functions, project teams, sites, and external partners to develop function and achieve goals.
• Communication: represent the histology function in cross-functional project team meetings and effectively communicate ideas, plans, results, issues, and solutions at all levels of the organization.
• Laboratory management: Manage daily laboratory activities and instruments, distributing and prioritizing workload, whilst acting as the primary interface for lab-related questions.
• Team building: Lead, train, and mentor junior scientists, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration and scientific excellence.
• Histology expertise: Serve as histology subject matter expert, stay updated and at the forefront of innovations, proactively incorporating emerging technologies to enhance team capabilities and ensuring cutting edge expertise is cultivated and maintained.
• Develop novel capabilities: Develop AI/machine learning generative models and image analysis to innovate novel methods to quantify biology and disease.
• Advance strategic initiatives: develop, contribute, support, and implement new methods and workflows that improve productivity, efficiency, effectiveness, and quality.

Knowledge and Skills:

• In-depth experience and knowledge of histology, pathology and imaging including theory, practice, advanced complex troubleshooting, and method development.
• Expertise with multiple imaging modalities including brightfield/fluorescence slide scanning, SEM, and TEM.
• Ability to work in fast-paced environment, managing priorities and maintaining timelines.
• Superior communicator with confidence and versatility to effectively present results and productively disseminate ideas across disciplines and project boundaries.
• Exceptional organization skills and can effectively coordinate research activities.
• Skilled in creative problem solving and implementing innovative ideas efficiently to overcome project goal challenges.

Education and Experience:

• Ph.D. (or equivalent degree) in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or related disciplines and 4-7 years of relevant post-doctoral employment experience, or
• Masters Degree (or equivalent degree) in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or related disciplines and 7+ years of relevant employment experience, or
• Bachelors Degree (or equivalent degree) in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or related disciplines and 10+ years of relevant employment experience

Pay Range:

Disclosure Statement:

Flex Designation:

Flex Eligibility Status:

In this Remote-Eligible role, you can choose to be designated as:
1. Remote: work remotely five days per week and come into the office on occasion - you're always welcome on-site; or select
2. Hybrid: work remotely up to two days per week; or select
3. On-Site: work five days per week on-site with ad hoc flexibility.

Note: The Flex status for this position is subject to Vertex's Policy on Flex @ Vertex Program and may be changed at any time.

Company Information

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation.

Vertex is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Vertex is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. Vertex will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.

Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should make a request to the recruiter or hiring manager, or contact Talent Acquisition at ApplicationAssistance@vrtx.com