Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a cutting-edge team to design and execute complex experiments in drug discovery.
- Company: Vertex Pharmaceuticals, a global leader in biotechnology focused on transformative medicines.
- Benefits: Competitive contract terms, hands-on experience with state-of-the-art technology, and collaborative work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the discovery of treatments for serious diseases while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Ph.D. or equivalent in biology/biochemistry with strong drug discovery experience.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to work in a fast-paced, innovative environment at a prestigious R&D site.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Company Name: Vertex Pharmaceuticals (Europe) Ltd
Type of Role: Contract position, Inside IR35
Location: On-site, 5 days a week (Milton Park R&D, Abingdon Oxon)
Department: Molecular and Cell Biology
Two Contract Roles:
- Senior Research Scientist, 14-month contract
- Senior Research Scientist, 6-month contract
Looking for opportunities with purpose, impact and possibilities? Our client, Vertex, is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation. As they grow their pipeline at pace, they are strengthening their reputation for creating transformative medicines for people with serious diseases.
General Summary
We are seeking two experienced bench scientists with a strong drug discovery background who are talented, self-motivated and collaborative, to join Vertex's exceptional high-throughput biology team at their state-of-the-art Oxford site. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in biochemistry and will work independently to design, execute and interpret complex data from a range of biochemical and cellular assays. This role is an excellent opportunity for an innovative scientist to use best-in-class technology and automation to contribute towards the discovery of treatments for serious diseases.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Responsible for executing medicinal chemistry screens, collecting and interpreting data, ensuring assays are robust and meet QC guidelines, and communicating data to key stakeholders.
- Apply innovative approaches to assay development.
- Design and conduct complex experiments to provide key decision-making data for project stakeholders, troubleshooting and defining next steps.
- Collaborate with cross-functional partners (e.g., medicinal chemistry, structural biology) to support integrated drug discovery programs.
- Prepare and present data in team meetings, contributing scientific insight and recommendations to guide strategy.
- Maintain exceptional standards of scientific rigour, accurate documentation, data integrity and compliance with regulatory guidelines.
Knowledge and Skills
- Strong expertise in biochemistry/enzymology.
- Extensive experience of small molecule drug discovery research, particularly of reversible, irreversible and heterobifunctional small molecules.
- Hands-on experience of designing and executing biochemical and cell-based assays.
- Experience of automation and miniaturisation of assays preferred.
- Knowledge of data software and scheduling packages e.g., Genedata and Cellario desirable.
- Ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
- Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced innovative environment.
Education and Experience
Ph.D., Masters or Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent degree) in biology, biochemistry or related science and relevant level of post-doctoral employment experience.
Vertex is partnering with Talent Works to manage their international temporary job openings. If you are successful in your application, you will be employed by Talent Works to work on a temporary assignment at Vertex.
Senior Research Scientist in England employer: Vertex Pharmaceuticals
Contact Detail:
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Scientist in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the biotech field, especially those who might know someone at Vertex. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into Vertex’s recent projects and breakthroughs. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their mission and how you can contribute to it.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got all the latest openings, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and serious about joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Scientist in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Research Scientist role. Highlight your biochemistry expertise and any relevant drug discovery experience. We want to see how your skills align with what Vertex is looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about drug discovery and how you can contribute to Vertex's mission. Keep it concise but impactful, and don’t forget to mention your collaborative spirit.
Showcase Your Experience: In your application, be sure to showcase your hands-on experience with biochemical and cell-based assays. We love seeing specific examples of how you've applied innovative approaches in your previous roles!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you throughout the process, so feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Vertex Pharmaceuticals
✨Know Your Science
Brush up on your biochemistry and enzymology knowledge. Be ready to discuss your previous research experiences, especially those related to small molecule drug discovery. Prepare to explain how your expertise aligns with the innovative approaches Vertex is looking for.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Vertex values teamwork, so think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams. Be prepared to share specific instances where your contributions made a difference in a project, particularly in drug discovery.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about assay development and data interpretation. Familiarise yourself with the types of biochemical and cell-based assays you’ve worked on, and be ready to discuss any automation or miniaturisation techniques you've used.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice presenting your data and insights succinctly. Vertex will want to see how you can communicate complex scientific information effectively, so consider rehearsing a brief presentation of your past work that highlights your key findings and their implications.
