Research Associate - Discovery Core (Contract)

Job DescriptionVertex Pharmaceuticals is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Research Associate (Contractor) proficient in laboratory procedures, and cell culture to join our Discovery Core group in San Diego. The successful candidate will work in a team setting and be responsible for large scale production of recombinant, primary human progenitors, stem cells, and 3D organoids. This will include utilization of automated systems to enable production of human cells to support drug discovery projects. A demonstrated strong understanding of best practices to ensure reliability, efficiency, and quality control is required.Key Responsibilities:Culture recombinant, primary human progenitors, stem cells and/or 3D organoidsCompletes experiments in a reliable, consistent mannerDemonstrates high level of attention to detailsPerforms initial analysis of experimental data and interprets immediate experimental outcomesRecords experiments and results in laboratory notebooks (including all electronic systems) in accordance with lab proceduresRecognizes problems and suggests experiments to troubleshoot issuesExecute on new ideas to improve workflows, consistency and efficiency of the cell culture processesClearly and effectively communicates (both written and verbal) resultsMinimum Qualifications:Bachelor''s degree in biology or a related field and 1+ years experience in a research laboratoryExperience with advanced cell culture techniques to culture human cellsAbility and willingness to work rotating weekend shifts according to business needsAdaptive to a time-line driven work environmentMultitasking skills, attention to details and ability to work in a collaborative team environmentGreat interpersonal/teamwork skills and positive attitudeAbility to navigate and be successful in a fast-paced, highly matrixed work environmentCompany InformationVertex 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.Please note that Vertex requires COVID-19 vaccination for all employees working in the U.S. as a condition of employment at Vertex, subject to medical, religious or other accommodations or exemptions required by law. We believe this requirement is vital to keeping everyone at Vertex and in our communities safe. This requirement applies to both existing and new employees who may at any time work on-site at a Vertex facility or visit another location on behalf of Vertex (e.g., conferences, customer visits, etc.), including all remote employees. 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 [Click Here to Email Your Resumé].

Created: 2026-03-07