Toxicology Research Scientist

Responsibilities

• Design and develop fit-for-purpose assays to investigate toxicological mechanisms using advanced 3D organoid models, organ-on-a-chip technologies, and co-culture systems.
• Lead the development of innovative platforms for studying toxicology in multicellular systems, including immune cell interactions and primary cell-based models.
• Optimize assays to evaluate toxicological mechanisms with a focus on precision, reproducibility, and scalability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate advanced in vitro models into drug discovery workflows.
• Apply automation and high-throughput plate formats to enhance assay performance and throughput.
• Partner with Systems Toxicology to generate and analyze complex biological datasets to establish in vitro-in vivo correlations.
• Communicate scientific findings and project progress to stakeholders to drive strategic decision-making.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in toxicology, cellular biology, immunology, biochemistry, biophysics, or a related discipline (with 0-3 years of postdoctoral experience), or an equivalent degree with relevant industry experience.
• Strong expertise in developing and working with 3D organoid models, organ-on-a-chip technologies, or co-culture systems.
• Proven experience designing and optimizing cell-based assays for disease modeling or evaluating mechanisms of toxicity.
• Expertise in immune cell biology and co-culture models for studying immune-mediated toxicities.
• Familiarity with omics datasets (transcriptomics, proteomics, secretomics, etc.).
• Scripting skills in Python and/or R/Bioconductor.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with primary epithelial cells and immune cell co-culture models.
• Experience working with high-throughput plate formats and automation.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex biological and technical challenges in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary and eligibility for annual bonus and equity awards.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Generous paid time off, including a week-long company shutdown in the Summer and Winter.
• Educational assistance programs and student loan repayment support.
• 401(k) with company matching.
• Commuting subsidies.

About the Company

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people with serious diseases. The company is dedicated to advancing clinical and research programs for life-shortening genetic diseases and other serious conditions where they have deep insight into causal human biology.