Vertex Pharmaceuticals · 3 days ago
Molecular and Cell Biology Principal Research Scientist, Targeted Drug Delivery
San Diego, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$136K/yr - $204K/yr
4+ years expVertex Pharmaceuticals is a global biotechnology company focused on creating transformative medicines for serious diseases. The Principal Research Scientist will lead efforts in targeted drug delivery, collaborating with cross-functional teams to advance drug discovery and development.
BiotechnologyHealth CareMedicalPharmaceutical
Responsibilities
Develop and implement strategic plans for receptor & ligand identification, characterization, optimization, and application in drug discovery
Responsible for executing research plans, collecting and interpreting data, trouble shooting, and defining next steps
Collaborate with cross-functional partners (medicinal chemistry, computational genomics, molecular and cellular biology, pharmacology, protein sciences) to support integrated drug discovery programs from target validation through lead optimization
Apply innovative approaches and stay current with advances in receptor biology, ligand discovery, and nucleic acid therapeutics to strengthen pipeline opportunities
Prepare and present data in project team meetings, contributing scientific insight and recommendations to guide program strategy
Maintain high standards of scientific rigor, accurate documentation, data integrity, and compliance with regulatory guidelines
Qualification
Required
Strong expertise in receptor biology, ligand–receptor interactions and signaling mechanisms
Hands-on experience with biochemical, biophysical, and/or cell-based assays to study receptor function and behavior
Demonstrated track record of scientific achievement (e.g., publications, presentations, or contributions to therapeutic programs) in receptor biology and targeted drug delivery
Ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary project teams
Excellent personal and communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders and drive decision-making across functions
Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary, and innovative environment
Ph.D. (or equivalent degree) in biology, biochemistry or related science and 4-7 years of relevant post-doctoral employment experience, or
Master's degree (or equivalent degree) in biology, biochemistry or related science and 7+ years of relevant employment experience, or
Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent degree) in biology, biochemistry or related science and 10+ years of relevant employment experience
Preferred
Experience with ligand-mediated delivery into specific tissues or cell types is highly desirable
Benefits
Annual bonus
Annual equity awards
Overtime pay
Medical, dental and vision benefits
Generous paid time off
Educational assistance programs including student loan repayment
Generous commuting subsidy
Matching charitable donations
401(k)
Company
Vertex Pharmaceuticals
Vertex Pharmaceuticals is focused on the discovery and development of small molecule drugs for the treatment of serious diseases.
5001-10000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Vertex Pharmaceuticals has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (188)
2024 (150)
2023 (111)
2022 (164)
2021 (112)
2020 (80)
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$657.31MKey Investors
Janssen Belgium
2024-07-10Post Ipo Secondary· $1.11M
2022-05-17Post Ipo Equity· $50M
2009-12-03Post Ipo Equity· $443M
Leadership Team
Reshma Kewalramani
CEO and President
Nina Devlin
Senior Vice President, Chief Communications Officer
Recent News
2026-01-05
2026-01-05
Company data provided by crunchbase