Immunology Senior Research Scientist - Flow Cytometry

Job Description

Job Description

At Vertex, we invest in scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people with serious diseases. Our growing Molecular Profiling team is seeking a Senior Scientist, Flow Cytometry to provide deep technical expertise in flow cytometry and cellular profiling to support discovery, translational, and development programs. This role will lead and drive the generation of high-dimensional insights into cell phenotype, function, and biology that help inform mechanism of action, biomarker strategies, patient stratification, and program decision-making.

The successful candidate will independently own cytometry workstreams across multiple programs and contribute to the scientific direction of molecular profiling efforts.

The ideal candidate is a highly motivated scientist with strong experience in multiparameter and high-dimensional flow cytometry (spectral flow), cell sorting, and immunophenotyping and a proven ability to thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced research environment.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Design, develop, optimize, and execute flow cytometry-based assays to support research and translational objectives across discovery and development programs

Lead multicolor immunophenotyping panel design, including marker selection, fluorochrome strategy, controls, and advanced gating and data analysis approaches

Apply flow cytometry in conjunction with molecular profiling data to enable deeper characterization of cell states, pathway activity, target engagement, and disease-relevant biology

Partner with cross-functional teams to integrate cellular and molecular datasets, including transcriptomic, proteomic, and biomarker data, to support hypothesis generation and program strategy

Analyze and interpret complex flow cytometry data to support actionable biological insights, mechanism of action studies, and translational hypotheses

Establish and apply best practices for sample preparation, staining, acquisition, compensation, quality control, and data analysis

Troubleshoot technical issues and drive continuous improvement in assay robustness, reproducibility, and efficiency

Contribute to experimental design, study planning, and strategic program discussions and decision-making

Prepare technical documentation, protocols, study summaries, and presentations

Evaluate and implement emerging cytometry and profiling technologies, reagents, and workflows where appropriate

Mentor junior team members and serve as a scientific resource within the broader organization

Independently lead cytometry workstreams across multiple programs, ensuring alignment with program goals and timelines

Influence program decisions through data-driven insights and clear communication of complex biological findings

Knowledge and Skills

Deep expertise in flow cytometry principles, instrumentation, and assay development

Strong understanding of immune profiling, cellular phenotyping, and molecular profiling strategies

Experience connecting cell-based phenotypic data with broader molecular signatures and translational biomarkers

Experience designing and optimizing high-parameter or multicolor flow cytometry panels, including intracellular and phospho-flow analysis

Proficiency in flow cytometry analysis software such as FlowJo, Dotmatics or equivalent

Working knowledge of data analysis approaches and familiarity with R or Python-based workflows (preferred)

Strong scientific reasoning, data interpretation, and problem-solving skills

Ability to communicate complex technical findings clearly to technical and cross-functional stakeholders

Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a matrixed environment

Demonstrated ability to operate with a high degree of independence while contributing to team-based goals

Education and Experience

PhD in Immunology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or related discipline with 2+ years of relevant experience; or

Master’s degree with 6+ years of relevant experience; or

Bachelor’s degree with 8+ years of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with primary human samples, including blood- or tissue-derived specimens

Familiarity with spectral flow cytometry and cell sorting (BD, Cytek, Sony platforms)

Experience working in environments where molecular profiling and cell-based assays are jointly used to answer translational questions

Experience in immunology and inflammation disease areas

Experience supporting translational research, biomarker strategies, or clinical development

Experience integrating cytometry data with single-cell genomics, spatial transcriptomics, or proteomics datasets

Pay Range:

$124,200 - $186,400

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.

#LI-Onsite

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