Senior Research Associate - Cell Analytical Development (Contract)

The cell and gene analytical technologies team within Vertex cell and genetic therapies (VCGT) is seeking an individual

for 6-month contract who can serve as a key contributor in expanding our testing capabilities and supporting routine

analytical activities. The ideal candidate will have strong background in cell culture work and experience in handling

automated platforms with troubleshooting abilities, and a thorough understanding of SOPs and report documentation.

Extensive hands-on experience with cell therapies is preferred. This individual will collaborate and coordinate across

cross-functional teams within Analytical and Process Development, to support the development of Cell and Gene Therapy

processes and products.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Carry out routine cell culture both manually and automated of primary cells, stem cells and other mammalian cell line to support analytical testing for Vertex’s preclinical, clinical and next generation cell therapy programs. 
• Provide analytical testing support for cell-based assays like cell count and viability assay, high throughput fluorescence cell-based assay and flow cytometry assay using automation tools like liquid handlers, flow cytometers and high content microscopes.
• Assist analytical development teams with setting up, monitoring, and successfully completing daily automated runs and integrated systems.
• Continuously monitor the health of automation systems and evaluate their efficiency and effectiveness.
• Perform sample testing for analytical development team by using a variety of techniques; (e.g- Cell Culture, Flow
• Cytometry, ELISA, PCR.
• Report on project progress and reports or present data effectively at internal group or project team meetings as needed.
• Coordinate shipment handling, and reagents from internal and external sources.
• Track inventory for samples and reagents as needed for several projects.
• Participate in data management activity to ensure timely completion of deliverables.  
• Support Tuesday to Saturday with occasional off-schedule days, and second shift/late evening coverage as required for process and analytical development teams on several assays as required and flexible to travel between sites within 2.0 mile distance.
• Be a strong team player contributing to group priorities and deliverables and great attention to detail skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities
• Maintain excellent written documentation of completed experiment (ELN) and maintain knowledge share systems (MS-Teams and share points).
• Ability to follow and understand SOPs and review protocols or reports as needed along with good analytical understanding for data interpretation.
• Assist with lab organization and compliance with lab safety protocols.
• This position is primarily lab-based.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Education level and/or relevant experience(s):

Required: (Graduate in Cell & Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology or related discipline) BS with 2+ years experience or MS with 0-2 years experience.

Preferred: Relevant industry experience in biologics or cell and gene therapy space.

Knowledge and skills (general and technical):

Required:

• Possesses excellent pipetting skills.
• Strong knowledge of aseptic cell culture technique.
• Has experience culturing multiple different cell types including but not limited to stem cells, primary cells and cell lines.
• Hands-on experience and technical proficiency with mammalian cell culture, aseptictechnique.
• Experience with or understanding robotic liquid handers (Hamilton or other) and their operating software (Fluent Gx, VENUS, or other) for automated sample preparation.
• Ability to follow SOPs and carry out cell culture assays.
• Has excellent communication skills and is effectively able to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Strong organizational skills and good attention to detail.
• Possess standard lab safety regulations and work in GLP like laboratory environment  
• Ability to utilize Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel and Word to perform tasks as assigned.
• Able to perform successfully under pressure while prioritizing and handling multiple projects or priorities within required timelines.

Preferred:

• Industry experience in cell and gene therapy space.
• Experience working with ELN/LIMS systems.
• Experience working with pluripotent/hematopoietic stem cells.
• Knowledge of lab automation tools such as Hamilton and Tecan.

Working Environment:

This is an onsite position at our Boston FP site and occasional travel to Boston LC site.

• Able to work upright and stationary and/or stand for typical working hours.  
• Able to use and learn standard office equipment and technology with proficiency.  

Contract Length: 6 months with the chance to extend.

$38/hr.- $45/hr.

Support Tuesday to Saturday with occasional off-schedule days, and second shift/late evening coverage as
required

This job posting is for a temporary role with a third-party agency partner on assignment at Vertex Pharmaceuticals (“Vertex”). The individual selected for this role will be offered the role as an employee of a third- party agency partner; compensation, medical benefits, fringe benefits and other terms and conditions of employment shall be presented by the third-party agency partner upon offer. The pay rate range provided is a reasonable estimate of the anticipated compensation range for this job at the time of posting. The actual pay rate will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, location and/or being pursued and other job-related factors permitted by law. In addition, this role will be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements

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