Principal Scientist: Microbiology & Viral Safety Analytics

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (US); Leiden; On-site; EUR 122,000 - 184,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Paid time off

Educational assistance

Commuting subsidy

401(k) matching

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (US) is seeking a Principal Scientist to lead analytical development for microbiology and viral safety across cell and gene therapy programs. You will oversee assay development, validation, and lifecycle management while partnering with cross‑functional teams to support regulatory submissions and manufacturing readiness.

The role requires deep expertise in adventitious agent safety, GMP environments, and rapid-method innovation, with a track record of collaboration

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Microbiology, Virology, Biological Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related field; PhD preferred.
• PhD with 4+ years, MS with 7+ years, or Bachelor's with 10+ years of experience.
• Significant industry experience in assay development, qualification, validation, transfer, and lifecycle management.

Responsibilities

• Serve as SME for microbiology and viral safety assays across programs.
• Lead development, qualification, validation, transfer, and lifecycle management of assays.
• Provide guidance on risk assessment, assay selection, and testing strategies.
• Author and review technical dossiers, validation plans, and regulatory papers.
• Drive innovation in rapid microbiological methods and external collaborations.

Skills

Microbiology

Virology

Adventitious agent safety

Regulatory submissions

Cross-functional collaboration

Scientific communication

ATMPs familiarity

GMP knowledge

Education

PhD in Microbiology/Virology

MS/BS with significant experience

Tools

Mycoplasma testing

Sterility testing

Endotoxin testing

Viral safety assays

Rapid microbiological methods

Job description

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (US) is seeking a Principal Scientist to lead analytical development for microbiology and viral safety across cell and gene therapy programs. You will oversee assay development, validation, and lifecycle management while partnering with cross‑functional teams to support regulatory submissions and manufacturing readiness.

The role requires deep expertise in adventitious agent safety, GMP environments, and rapid-method innovation, with a track record of collaboration