Job Description

General Summary:

The Toxicology Senior Research Fellow acts as the Preclinical Safety Assessment (PSA) lead on Research project teams, cross-site teams and steering committees and is accountable for overall project and often disease area and/or site strategy supporting safety assessment of novel molecules and therapies advancing through the Vertex discovery pipeline into early development. The key scientific individual contributor functions as part of cross-functional project teams and designs appropriate safety in vivo and in vitro safety studies to support advancement of project compounds/therapies to the candidate nomination stage. The incumbent is also accountable for site safety strategy and plays an integrated role in research site scientific leadership.

This is a San Diego based, hybrid position requiring 3 days/week onsite.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develops a broad and deep understanding of the disease area, target biology and chemical space for all Research programs at our San Diego site. Applies insight and knowledge to influence research strategy and target selection.
• Independently develops the strategy for early safety assessment and support for multiple programs from target selection into development and aligns with PSA leadership
• Collaborates with cross-functional and cross-site partners to develop safety strategies tailored to the portfolio at their resident site.
• Acts as a liaison between the project teams and other PSA subfunctions to arrange required studies and profiling assays and communicates results to the project team and site management with appropriate interpretation.
• Works with PSA study monitors to provide scientific oversight of external studies at CROs/partner organizations and communicates significant findings and study events to supervisors and PSA leadership in a timely manner.
• Collaborates closely with the program regulatory toxicologists to ensure a smooth transition from research into development
• Prepares high quality reports and presentations to clearly communicate study plans and results to peers, management and project teams
• Keeps up to date with current literature and emerging industry trends in general pharmaceutical toxicology and therapeutics. Participates in relevant continuing education activities and drives own professional development.
• Acts as an opinion leader and mentor to other toxicologists and cross-disciplinary research scientists.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Subject matter expertise in small molecule toxicology and the design and interpretation of in vivo studies in common preclinical species
• In-depth knowledge of animal husbandry and animal welfare issues
• Excellent data processing and statistical skills
• Excellent written, verbal communications and influencing skills
• Microsoft Office Suite or equivalent office productivity tools
• DABT certification preferred

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctoral degree in life sciences or chemistry
• Typically requires a Bachelors degree and 20 years experience or
• Typically requires a Masters degree and 15 years experience or
• Typically requires a PhD and 11 years experience

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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:

Disclosure Statement:

Flex Designation:

Flex Eligibility Status:

In this Hybrid-Eligible role, you can choose to be designated as: 
1.    Hybrid: work remotely up to two days per week; or select
2.    On-Site: 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. 

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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