T1D, Research Fellow

Job Description

We are seeking an innovative physician-scientist to help lead translational research and product strategy within the Type 1 Diabetes Research Group. This role serves as a cross-functional research leader for SC-islet therapies, with additional responsibilities across the broader T1D research portfolio.

The primary focus is to advance next-generation SC-islet therapies from discovery through translational development by integrating disease biology, stem cell biology, bioengineering, manufacturing, and clinical considerations. This leader will bridge clinical expertise with translational science, help direct preclinical and translational research, and guide the path toward future clinical development.

The successful candidate will bring deep expertise in diabetes and translational medicine, a strong product-development mindset, and the ability to contribute across broader portfolio priorities where disease biology, product strategy, translational science, and development strategy intersect.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide disease and mechanistic insight to support product strategy, hypothesis generation, and candidate optimization.
• Serve as a physician-scientist leader for translational strategy in partnership with research, development, manufacturing, and clinical teams.
• Design and guide in vitro and in vivo studies aiming for clinical outcomes.
• Lead cross-functional projects, setting goals, priorities, timelines, budgets, and decision points.
• Integrate biological, translational, engineering, manufacturing, and clinical considerations to drive portfolio decisions and product advancement.
• Define and guide development of predictive assays, biomarkers, and translational strategies supporting product advancement.
• Interpret complex datasets and convert findings into clear program recommendations.
• Build and maintain a strong, collaborative, high-performing research culture.

Required Qualifications

• MD and/or MD/PhD in a relevant discipline with 10+ years in academic medicine, translational research, biotechnology, pharmaceutical R&D, or related settings.
• Expertise in drug development, translational science, and disease biology.
• Experience in cell therapy, stem cell biology, regenerative medicine, endocrinology, immunology, or related fields.
• Strong track record in diabetes, cell therapy, translational therapeutics, stem cell biology, or related disciplines.

Preferred Experience

• Direct experience in Type 1 Diabetes, pancreatic islet biology, stem cell biology, regenerative medicine, or cell therapy.
• Experience with translational biomarkers, predictive assays, and development candidate selection.
• Experience supporting IND-enabling strategies and translation toward first-in-human studies.
• Knowledge of transplantation biology and transplantion immunologyu
• Familiarity with FDA/EMA regulatory pathways and GCP.
• Ability to lead through expertise in a matrixed environment, communicate across disciplines, and mentor others.

At Vertex, we embrace continuous learning and encourage employees to stay informed on advances in AI, technology, automation, and industry trends. We seek talent who bring an external perspective, demonstrate curiosity and sound judgment, and thoughtfully adopt new capabilities that improve decision-making, drive innovation, increase efficiency, and help deliver better outcomes for patients.

Pay Range:

$197,400 - $296,200

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