Research Scientist - Pathology Image Analysis

About this role

Job Description Vertex Pharmaceuticals is seeking a highly motivated and collaborative Research Scientist, Computational Pathology & Image Analysis to join the Histopathology team within Preclinical Safety Assessment (PSA) in Boston. This is a lab-based role focused on developing, applying, and troubleshooting image analysis workflows that support tissue-based assays across preclinical research programs. 

PSA is responsible for the design and conduct of comprehensive nonclinical safety programs across all stages of discovery and development. In this role, you will support biomarker evaluation, and efficacy studies by generating high-quality image-derived data through the application of digital pathology and, quantitative image analysis, while helping the group evaluate emerging and AI-enabled tissue analytics approaches over time. 

The successful candidate will be a technically excellent individual contributor who enjoys hands-on problem solving, workflow development, and high-quality delivery in a collaborative, service-oriented environment. You will develop and apply image analysis workflows for whole-slide brightfield and fluorescence imaging, including H&E, IHC, multiplex IF, RNAscope, and special stain assays, working. You will work closely with pathologists, histotechnologists, and cross-functional scientists to generate high-quality image-derived data that support preclinical and translational research programs. 

Because Histopathology supports multiple discovery and development teams, this individual must be able to work independently, manage competing priorities, partner effectively with stakeholders, and deliver quality analyses on accelerated timelines. While this is not a dedicated AI or computational scientist role, the ideal candidate will bring curiosity and practical experience with computational pathology, AI/ML-enabled image analysis, computer vision, or other emerging digital pathology tools to help shape the future of the function. 

Key Responsibilities   • Develop, execute, and troubleshoot image analysis workflows for tissue-based assays in a lab-based histopathology environment 

• Analyze whole-slide brightfield and fluorescence images, including H&E, IHC, multiplex IF, RNAscope, and special stain assays 

• Perform image review, annotation, segmentation, cell phenotyping, biomarker quantification, morphometric analysis, and quality control 

• Partner with pathologists, histotechnologists, and cross-functional scientists to interpret results and deliver fit-for-purpose analyses that support preclinical programs 

• Independently manage image analysis requests, prioritize work across multiple stakeholders, and deliver high-quality results in a timely manner 

• Contribute to dataset curation, annotation strategies, and evaluation of emerging AI/ML, computer vision, and automated image analysis approaches where appropriate 

• Introduce new techniques, tools, and best practices that strengthen digital pathology and image analysis capabilities within the Histopathology function 

• Summarize and communicate image analysis results to multidisciplinary teams through reports, technical presentations, SOPs, and workflow documentation 

• Develop and execute computational pathology and image analysis workflows for tissue-based assays 

• Perform image review, annotation, segmentation, cell phenotyping, biomarker quantification, and morphometric analysis 

• Support analysis of whole-slide brightfield and fluorescence images across preclinical studies 

• Partner with pathologists on image interpretation, QC, and pathology data review 

• Contribute to dataset curation and annotation strategies for machine learning and computer vision applications 

• Summarize and communicate image analysis results to multidisciplinary teams 

• Document workflows, results, and best practices through SOPs, reports, and technical presentations 

Qualifications   • Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences, Pathology, Biomedical Engineering, Bioinformatics, Computer Vision, or a related field (or equivalent degree) and 6 years of relevant employment experience, or 

• Master's degree in Biological Sciences, Pathology, Biomedical Engineering, Bioinformatics, Computer Vision, or a related field (or equivalent degree) and 6 years of relevant employment experience, or 

• PhD in Biological Sciences, Pathology, Biomedical Engineering, Bioinformatics, Computer Vision, or a related field (or equivalent degree) and 6 years of relevant employment experience, or 

• Typically requires 6 years of experience working in a research- or industry-based histology, pathology, digital pathology, or image analysis laboratory, or the equivalent combination of education and experience. 

• Demonstrated experience developing and applying image analysis workflows for whole-slide brightfield and/or fluorescence imaging 

• Knowledge of tissue-based assays, including H&E, IHC, IF, multiplex imaging, RNAscope, special stains, or related pathology methods 

• Experience with image review, annotation, segmentation, quantitative pathology workflows, biomarker quantification, or morphometric analysis 

• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and deliver high-quality technical work in a service-oriented, cross-functional environment 

• Demonstrated ability to learn new technologies, adapt to changing scientific priorities, and apply sound judgment in developing fit-for-purpose analytical workflows 

• Excellent communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and documentation skills 

• Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences, Pathology, Biomedical Engineering, Bioinformatics, Computer Vision, or a related field (or equivalent degree) and 6 years of relevant employment experience, or 

• Master's degree in Biological Sciences, Pathology, Biomedical Engineering, Bioinformatics, Computer Vision, or a related field (or equivalent degree) and 6 years of relevant employment experience, or 

• PhD in

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