Research Associate Job at Vertex, USA | Biological Sciences | Earn Upto $45.00 Per Hour | Apply Now
If you are a compassionate, skilled laboratory animal professional looking to advance cutting-edge medicine, this on-site position at Vertex Pharmaceuticals is an outstanding opportunity. Located in Boston, Massachusetts, this role sits within the Comparative Medicine team and is designed for individuals with refined hands-on experience handling laboratory animals. For early-career scientists searching for a high-impact Research Associate Job, this role offers a state-of-the-art framework to support small molecule, cell, and gene therapy programs. It serves as an excellent launchpad for a long-term Vertex career and stands out as a premier Biological Science Job in the heart of a major biotech hub. Here is a complete, scannable breakdown of the role, your daily responsibilities, and the qualifications required, formatted without tables for easy reading.
- Job Position: Comparative Medicine Research Associate
- Location: Boston, MA
- Job requisition ID: REQ-29154
About The Company
Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests heavily in scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people with serious diseases. Celebrated for a results-oriented and collaborative culture, Vertex provides a world-class environment for professionals advancing a Vertex career. The Comparative Medicine team operates within a massive, 27,000 sq. ft. AAALAC-accredited vivarium. Working here means joining an energetic team focused on the highest standards of animal welfare, operational excellence, and inclusive total rewards that support employees throughout their professional and personal journeys.
Key Responsibilities
As a Comparative Medicine Research Associate, you will be responsible for independently performing complex in vivo studies to advance key drug discovery timelines while safeguarding rodent health and wellbeing.
Your day-to-day experimental and operational duties will include:
- In Vivo Procedures: Independently performing dosing via standard routes of administration in laboratory rodents (including IV, IP, PO, SC, and IM) and executing blood sampling via standard collection routes to advance this Research Associate Job.
- Surgical & Post-Op Care: Performing precise surgical preparation and providing dedicated post-operative monitoring and care for laboratory rodents under minimal direction.
- Study Support & Harvesting: Executing anesthesia, euthanasia, tissue harvest, and specialized sample processing under the direct guidance of a veterinarian or senior staff.
- Data & Protocol Compliance: Conducting independent data acquisition and entry while using good documentation practices and strictly adhering to facility guidelines, policies, and SOPs.
- Vivarium Oversight: Monitoring the daily health and behavior of rodents, administering veterinary treatments, and maintaining procedure room spaces to ensure constant inspection readiness.
- Operational Flexibility: Working collaboratively with multidisciplinary research scientists and supporting a rotating schedule that includes weekend, holiday, and overtime coverage to meet study timelines for this Biological Science Job.
Qualifications & Skills Required For Research Associate Job
This position is tailored for highly organized, technically proficient animal care professionals who demonstrate exceptional attention to detail.
- Educational Foundation: A Bachelor’s degree (B.A./B.S.) or equivalent in a biological science or a closely related discipline is required to qualify for this Biological Science Job.
- Professional Experience: 1 to 4 years of hands-on experience in a laboratory animal research setting. High proficiency with basic laboratory rodent techniques, animal anatomy, and rodent behavior is essential.
- Preferred Certifications: An AALAS technical certification (ALAT, LAT, or LATG) is highly preferred and valued for this Research Associate Job.
- Technical & Software Skills: Familiarity with various types of data acquisition and protocol management software, alongside standard Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel).
- Core Competencies: Strong oral and written communication skills, a creative and results-oriented mindset, and a proven track record of collaborative work practices in a deadline-driven ecosystem.
Logistics, Compensation & Total Rewards
- Location: Boston, Massachusetts, USA (Vertex Headquarters).
- Work Model: On-Site Designated (Working 5 days per week on-site within the vivarium, with ad hoc flexibility).
- Pay Range: Competitive base pay of $30.00 – $45.00 per hour (Final pay is determined by individual skills, competencies, and experience).
- Bonus & Equity: This role is eligible for an annual performance bonus, annual equity awards, and potential overtime pay in accordance with state guidelines.
- Vertex Perks: Inclusive market-leading benefits including comprehensive medical/dental/vision coverage, a generous commuting subsidy, student loan repayment assistance, and two week-long company shutdowns (one in Summer and one in Winter).
In summary, the Comparative Medicine Research Associate position at Vertex is an exceptional gateway into the translational medicine and biotechnology sectors. By securing this role, you will apply your in vivo technical skills to ensure the safety and efficacy of novel cell and gene therapies within a world-class, accredited facility. If you hold a biological science degree, possess AALAS certification interest, and are dedicated to the highest standards of animal welfare, apply today to secure this premier Research Associate Job and advance your Vertex career.


