Senior Research Scientist - Pathology Image Analysis

Job Description

Vertex Pharmaceuticals is seeking a highly motivated and collaborative Senior Research Scientist, Computational Pathology & Image Analysis to join the Histopathology team within Preclinical Safety Assessment (PSA) in Boston. This is a lab-based role focused on developing, applying, and troubleshooting image analysis workflows that support tissue-based assays across preclinical research programs. 

PSA is responsible for the design and conduct of comprehensive nonclinical safety programs across all stages of discovery and development. In this role, you will support biomarker evaluation, and efficacy studies by generating high-quality image-derived data through the application of digital pathology and, quantitative image analysis, while helping the group evaluate emerging and AI-enabled tissue analytics approaches over time. 

The successful candidate will be a technically excellent individual contributor who enjoys hands-on problem solving, workflow development, and high-quality delivery in a collaborative, service-oriented environment. You will develop and apply image analysis workflows for whole-slide brightfield and fluorescence imaging, including H&E, IHC, multiplex IF, RNAscope, and special stain assays, working. You will work closely with pathologists, histotechnologists, and cross-functional scientists to generate high-quality image-derived data that support preclinical and translational research programs. 

Because Histopathology supports multiple discovery and development teams, this individual must be able to work independently, manage competing priorities, partner effectively with stakeholders, and deliver quality analyses on accelerated timelines. While this is not a dedicated AI or computational scientist role, the ideal candidate will bring curiosity and practical experience with computational pathology, AI/ML-enabled image analysis, computer vision, or other emerging digital pathology tools to help shape the future of the function. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Develop, execute, and troubleshoot image analysis workflows for tissue-based assays in a lab-based histopathology environment 

• Analyze whole-slide brightfield and fluorescence images, including H&E, IHC, multiplex IF, RNAscope, and special stain assays 

• Perform image review, annotation, segmentation, cell phenotyping, biomarker quantification, morphometric analysis, and quality control 

• Partner with pathologists, histotechnologists, and cross-functional scientists to interpret results and deliver fit-for-purpose analyses that support preclinical programs 

• Independently manage image analysis requests, prioritize work across multiple stakeholders, and deliver high-quality results in a timely manner 

• Contribute to dataset curation, annotation strategies, and evaluation of emerging AI/ML, computer vision, and automated image analysis approaches where appropriate 

• Introduce new techniques, tools, and best practices that strengthen digital pathology and image analysis capabilities within the Histopathology function 

• Summarize and communicate image analysis results to multidisciplinary teams through reports, technical presentations, SOPs, and workflow documentation 

• Develop and execute computational pathology and image analysis workflows for tissue-based assays 

• Perform image review, annotation, segmentation, cell phenotyping, biomarker quantification, and morphometric analysis 

• Support analysis of whole-slide brightfield and fluorescence images across preclinical studies 

• Partner with pathologists on image interpretation, QC, and pathology data review 

• Contribute to dataset curation and annotation strategies for machine learning and computer vision applications 

• Summarize and communicate image analysis results to multidisciplinary teams 

• Document workflows, results, and best practices through SOPs, reports, and technical presentations 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences, Pathology, Biomedical Engineering, Bioinformatics, Computer Vision, or a related field (or equivalent degree) and 6 years of relevant employment experience, or 

• Master's degree in Biological Sciences, Pathology, Biomedical Engineering, Bioinformatics, Computer Vision, or a related field (or equivalent degree) and 6 years of relevant employment experience, or 

• PhD in Biological Sciences, Pathology, Biomedical Engineering, Bioinformatics, Computer Vision, or a related field (or equivalent degree) and 6 years of relevant employment experience, or 

• Typically requires 6 years of experience working in a research- or industry-based histology, pathology, digital pathology, or image analysis laboratory, or the equivalent combination of education and experience. 

• Demonstrated experience developing and applying image analysis workflows for whole-slide brightfield and/or fluorescence imaging 

• Knowledge of tissue-based assays, including H&E, IHC, IF, multiplex imaging, RNAscope, special stains, or related pathology methods 

• Experience with image review, annotation, segmentation, quantitative pathology workflows, biomarker quantification, or morphometric analysis 

• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and deliver high-quality technical work in a service-oriented, cross-functional environment 

• Demonstrated ability to learn new technologies, adapt to changing scientific priorities, and apply sound judgment in developing fit-for-purpose analytical workflows 

• Excellent communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and documentation skills 

• Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences, Pathology, Biomedical Engineering, Bioinformatics, Computer Vision, or a related field (or equivalent degree) and 6 years of relevant employment experience, or 

• Master's degree in Biological Sciences, Pathology, Biomedical Engineering, Bioinformatics, Computer Vision, or a related field (or equivalent degree) and 6 years of relevant employment experience, or 

• PhD in Biological Sciences, Pathology, Biomedical Engineering, Bioinformatics, Computer Vision, or a related field (or equivalent degree) and 6 years of relevant employment experience, or 

• Typically requires 6 years of experience working in a research- or industry-based histology laboratory or the equivalent combination of education and experience. 

• MS or PhD in Biological Sciences, Pathology, Biomedical Engineering, Bioinformatics, Computer Vision, or a related field 

• Significant relevant experience in digital pathology, image analysis, computational biology, or related research 

• Experience analyzing whole-slide tissue images from brightfield and/or fluorescence platforms 

• Knowledge of H&E, IHC, IF, multiplex imaging, RNAscope, and related pathology assays 

• Familiarity with image analysis software, quantitative pathology workflows, and machine learning/computer vision applications 

• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills 

Preferred 

• Industry experience in biotech, pharma, CRO, or translational research 

• Experience in preclinical safety, toxicologic pathology, biomarker-focused tissue analysis, or translational pathology 

• Practical experience applying or evaluating AI/ML-enabled image analysis, computer vision, automated segmentation, or computational pathology tools in a digital pathology setting 

• Interest in bringing emerging digital pathology approaches into a lab-based histopathology group to help advance future capabilities 

• Industry experience in biotech, pharma, CRO, or translational research 

• Experience in preclinical safety, toxicologic pathology, or biomarker-focused tissue analysis 

• Familiarity with AI/ML-supported digital pathology workflows and image dataset generation 

Pay Range:

Disclosure Statement:

Flex Designation:

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