Senior 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 experience with a range of cell-based and plate-based analytical methods, strong troubleshooting skills, 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. 

• →Actively involved in routine testing to support process development and characterization and release assays for identity, potency, genome profiling and impurities for Vertex preclinical, clinical and next generation cell therapy programs.
• →Perform sample testing for analytical development team by using a variety of techniques; (e.g- ELISA, Alphalisa, MSD, PCR, Flow Cytometry both manually and using automation tools like liquid handlers.
• →Assist analytical development teams with setting up, monitoring, and successfully completing daily automated runs and integrated systems. 
• →Report on project progress and reports or present data effectively at internal group or project team meetings as needed.
• →Coordinate shipment handling, including receiving, logging, and distributing samples 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 Monday to Friday with occasional weekend 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

• 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.

• 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 with molecular and plate-based techniques related to cell and gene therapy like ELISA, Alphalisa, MSD, PCR, qPCR, Cell counting methods, aspectic techniques etc.
• 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. 

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