Job Description

General Summary:

The Principal Scientist, Stem Cell Research provides scientific leadership and ownership of stem cell differentiation, characterization, and assay strategies supporting Vertex stem cell therapy programs. This is a hands-on, lab-based role with responsibility for defining experimental direction, setting scientific standards, and driving decision-making for complex stem cell-derived cellular platforms.

The Principal Scientist serves as a subject-matter expert and scientific authority, guiding strategy, assessing risk, and integrating biological, technical, and data-driven evidence to advance robust differentiation and characterization approaches toward preclinical and IND-enabling objectives. This role directly influences program strategy and milestones through independent scientific judgment and cross-functional collaboration.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide scientific leadership and ownership of stem cell-derived cellular models, differentiation platforms, and assay systems as a direct line manager and/or matrix manager of a small team.
• Define experimental strategy, technical roadmaps, and decision criteria for complex differentiation and characterization challenges.
• Distill complex, multidimensional datasets into clear conclusions and actionable recommendations that inform program-level decisions.
• Lead development of robust, quantitative experimental platforms by integrating stem cell biology, assay development, imaging, and computational analysis approaches.
• Drive advanced troubleshooting and methods development to overcome biological and technical challenges associated with stem cell differentiation and functional assessment.
• Serve as a scientific point of accountability in cross-functional discussions, providing clear, data-driven guidance to program leadership and stakeholders.
• Contribute as a scientific lead to invention disclosures, patent filings, publications, and internal technical documentation.
• Provide scientific mentorship and technical direction to junior scientists and research associates.
• This is a laboratory-based role with regular on-site presence. Occasional weekend work is required.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Deep expertise in pluripotent stem cell culture and directed differentiation of stem cells.
• Strong proficiency with functional, molecular, and imaging-based assays relevant to stem cell differentiation and cellular characterization.
• Demonstrated ability to integrate experimental biology with quantitative data analysis to support scientific decision-making.
• Experience using Python or similar scripting languages for data analysis, visualization, workflow automation, or management of large, multidimensional experimental datasets strongly preferred.
• Experience with high-throughput or automated cell culture and cell-based assay systems is a plus.
• Familiarity with Benchling or similar structured data and ELN/LIMS systems preferred.
• Excellent scientific communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex findings to technical and non-technical audiences.

Education and Experience:

• Ph.D. (or equivalent degree) in molecular and cell biology, developmental biology, stem cell biology, or related disciplines and 4-7 years of relevant post-doctoral employment experience, or
• Masters Degree (or equivalent degree) in molecular and cell biology, developmental biology, stem cell biology, or related disciplines and 7+ years of relevant employment experience, or
• Bachelors Degree (or equivalent degree) in molecular and cell biology, developmental biology, stem cell biology, or related disciplines and 10+ years of relevant employment experience
• Proven experience advancing stem cell-derived cellular systems, differentiation workflows, or complex assay platforms toward translational, preclinical, or product-enabling objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to independently define scientific strategy, evaluate experimental trade-offs, and make data-driven recommendations that influence program direction.
• Experience providing scientific mentorship, technical leadership, or project coordination across multidisciplinary teams.

Pay Range:
$147,200 - $220,800

Disclosure Statement:

The range provided is based on what we believe is a reasonable estimate for the base salary pay range for this job at the time of posting. This role is eligible for an annual bonus and annual equity awards. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. Actual base salary pay will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, and other job-related factors permitted by law.

At Vertex, our Total Rewards offerings also include inclusive market-leading benefits to meet our employees wherever they are in their career, financial, family and wellbeing journey while providing flexibility and resources to support their growth and aspirations. From medical, dental and vision benefits to generous paid time off (including a week-long company shutdown in the Summer and the Winter), educational assistance programs including student loan repayment, a generous commuting subsidy, matching charitable donations, 401(k) and so much more.

Flex Designation:
On-Site Designated

Flex Eligibility Status:

In this On-Site designated role, you will 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.

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