Research Associate - 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 a 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 molecular biology and cellular assays both manually and automated 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.
• Provide analytical testing support for Mol Bio-based assays such as RT-qPCR, ELISA, MSD, and Alphalisa assay both manually and using automation tools like liquid handlers
• Assist analytical development teams with setting up, monitoring, and successfully completing daily testing both manually and automated.
• 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 activities to ensure timely completion of deliverables.  
• Support Wednesday to Sunday 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 with Mol Bio assays in biologics or cell and gene therapy space.

Knowledge and skills (general and technical)

Required:

• Possesses excellent pipetting skills. 
• Has experience with molecular assays such as PCR, RT-qPCR, and ELISA
• Hands-on experience and technical proficiency with mammalian cell culture, aseptic technique.
• Ability to follow SOPs and instructions. 
• 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. 
• Strong attention to details.

 Preferred:

• Industry experience in cell and gene therapy space.
• Experience with Sangar sequencing.
• Experience culturing multiple different cell types.
• 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.

$35/hr. - $38/hr.

Support Wednesday to Sunday 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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