Senior Research Scientist, Molecular & Cell Biology, 14-month contract

Senior Research Scientist, Molecular & Cell Biology

Vertex Pharmaceuticals

Type of Role: Contract position, Inside IR35

Contract length: 14 months (maternity cover)

Location: On-site, 5 days a week (Milton Park R&D, Abingdon Oxon)

Department: Molecular and Cell Biology

Looking for opportunities with purpose, impact and possibilities? Our client, Vertex, is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation. As they grow their pipeline at pace, they are strengthening their reputation for creating transformative medicines for people with serious diseases.

General Summary

Our Human Disease Modelling group is seeking an innovative and dynamic Senior Research Scientist to play a pivotal role in stem cell team at the Oxford Research site.

Successful candidates would help us utilize a range of technologies to build such models utilizing human iPSCs, that can be leveraged to test therapeutic hypotheses, discover novel target biology, characterize potential drug candidates and develop translational biomarkers.

This position will involve working in close collaboration with other researchers and across drug discovery disciplines to ensure that we deliver medicines that treat the underlying cause of serious diseases and provide transformative benefit for our patients.

Key responsibilities:

• Independently design and (where appropriate) execute and elaborate technically challenging experiments using disease-relevant cell-based models to test therapeutic hypotheses.
• Champion and leverage cutting edge molecular cell biology techniques and technologies for in vitro disease modelling.
• Effectively distil complex, multi-dimensional data and results into concise concepts and clearly propose strategic and experimental actions.
• Proactively communicate and work highly effectively within and between teams.
• Collaborate extensively and work on shared projects with other scientific colleagues and cross-functional teams, including others in the Biology Dept and beyond.

Experience & Skills Required:

• PhD in a relevant Biological Science (e.g. Molecular or Cellular Biology).
• Strong cell biology background, with experience culturing hiPSCs and/or a broad range of cell systems such as human primary cell systems or organoids.
• Experience of meso-scale detection assays, flow cytometry, HiBit and other assay formats to characterize disease mechanisms at the cellular level.
• Versatile molecular biology experience including qPCR, cloning, Western Blot, ELISA, IHC, IF and other molecular techniques.
• Proven track record for solving complex scientific problems and delivering high-quality results, as demonstrated through an excellent publication history, supported by evidence of major individual contributions.
• Very strong verbal and written communication and team working skills.
• Motivated and curious; excellent team player, happy to work across a broad range of biological subjects and projects in order to identify the molecular drivers of disease.

Vertex is partnering with Talent Works to manage their international temporary job openings. If you are successful in your application, you will be employed by Talent Works to work on a temporary assignment at Vertex.