Process Development Engineering Scientist

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (US); Leiden; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 136,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Equity awards

Commuting subsidy

401(k)

Job summary

Vertex is seeking a Scientist to join the CGT Process Development team in Boston, MA. The role leads design and execution of cell-based process development studies for a diabetes candidate, delivering robust cell banking and hESC expansion processes.

You will apply QbD, DOE, and data analysis, collaborate across teams, mentor colleagues, and ensure documentation for technology transfers and regulatory filings. The position offers base salary, annual bonus, equity, and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Experience in process development/engineering in biopharmaceuticals with GMP knowledge.
• Strong study design, execution, data analysis, statistics and DOE.
• Experience with cell culture process development, cell banking, or embryonic stem cell expansion.
• Experience with cell processing equipment and automation (e.g., Ambr).
• Excellent communication, organization, and teamwork in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, analyze, and interpret studies supporting process development and characterization, focusing on cell banking and hESC expansion.
• Apply QbD principles to build process understanding and establish parameters.
• Evaluate and implement novel technologies to advance process strategy.
• Troubleshoot challenges and contribute to manufacturing investigations with data-driven judgment.
• Mentor colleagues, lead projects, and communicate results to teams and stakeholders.

Skills

Process development

DOE

GMP

Data analysis

Cell culture

Stem cell culture

Automation

Mentorship

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Master's degree in a relevant field

PhD in a relevant field

Tools

Stirred tank bioreactors

Centrifuge

ATF

Ambr automation

Job description

Job Description General Summary: Vertex is seeking a talented individual to join our CGT Process Development team as a Scientist. The primary focus of this role is to lead the design and execution of process development studies for a cell-based drug candidate designed to treat diabetes. The Scientist will provide scientific and technical rigor in study design, execution, and data analysis and leveraging innovative technologies to deliver robust cell banking and hESC expansion processes. The ideal candidate has experience and understanding of embryonic stem cell biology and cell culture platforms. This is a full-time position based in our Boston, MA facilities.

Key Duties and Responsibilities: Design, execute, analyze, and interpret studies supporting process development, optimization, robustness, and characterization activities with a focus on cell banking and hESC expansion. Apply scientific, engineering, and Quality by Design (QbD) principles to build process understanding, establish process parameters. Evaluate and implement novel technologies that advance process and project strategy. Troubleshoot process challenges and contribute to manufacturing investigations using sound technical judgment and experimental data. Clearly communicate experimental results, technical conclusions, and recommendations to project teams and stakeholders. Ensure data integrity through timely completion of phase-appropriate documentation, including electronic lab notebooks, as well as authoring development protocols and technical reports to support technology transfers and regulatory filings. Drive cross-functional alignment, including material planning, scheduling, sampling strategies, resource allocation, and execution planning, to ensure study readiness and timely delivery. Lead team projects and provide mentorship, training and technical support to colleagues.

Knowledge and Skills: Demonstrated experience in process development, process engineering, or a related biopharmaceutical development environment with a working knowledge of GMP requirements. Strong scientific foundation in study design, experimental execution, and data analysis, including experience with statistical principles and design of experiments (DOE). Experience supporting cell culture process development, cell banking, and/or embryonic stem cell expansion desired. Experience working with cell processing equipment such as stirred tank bioreactors, media exchange and harvesting technology [e.g., centrifuge, ATF] as well as automation [e.g., Ambr] is strongly preferred. Proven ability to collaborate across technical and operational functions, coordinating study activities, materials, sampling strategies, and execution plans. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including technical documentation, presentation of results, and clear explanation of complex scientific concepts. Highly organized, accountable, and effective in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. Participate in weekend work rotation with the broader team. Authorized to legally work in the US.

Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required Bachelor's degree and 6+ years of experience or a Master's degree and 4+ years of experience or a PhD and 0-3 years of experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

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: $104,000 - $156,000.

Disclosure Statement: The range provided is based on what we believe is a reasonable estimate for the base salary pay range for this job at the time of posting. This role is eligible for an annual bonus and annual equity awards. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. Actual base salary pay will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, and other job-related factors permitted by law. At Vertex, our Total Rewards offerings also include inclusive market-leading benefits to meet our employees wherever they are in their career, financial, family and wellbeing journey while providing flexibility and resources to support their growth and aspirations. From medical, dental and vision benefits to generous paid time off (including a week-long company shutdown in the Summer and the Winter), educational assistance programs including student loan repayment, a generous commuting subsidy, matching charitable donations, 401(k) and so much more.

Flex Designation: On-Site Designated.

Flex Eligibility Status: In this On-Site designated role, you will 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.

#LI-Onsite

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 [e-mail].

Help Us Achieve Our Mission: Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people with serious diseases and conditions. The company has approved therapies for cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia, acute pain and acromegaly, and it continues to advance clinical and research programs in these areas. Vertex also has a robust clinical pipeline of investigational therapies across a range of modalities in other serious diseases where it has deep insight into causal human biology, including IgA nephropathy, neuropathic pain, APOL1-mediated kidney disease, primary membranous nephropathy, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome, autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, type 1 diabetes, generalized myasthenia gravis, and myotonic dystrophy type 1. Vertex was founded in 1989 and has its global headquarters in Boston, with international headquarters in London. Additionally, the company has research and development sites and commercial offices in North America, Europe, Australia, Latin America and the Middle East. Vertex is consistently recognized as one of the industry's top places to work, including 16 consecutive years on Science magazine's Top Employers list and one of Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For. For company updates and to learn more about Vertex's history of innovation, visit www.vrtx.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X.

We believe our culture is one of Vertex’s greatest strengths and a key enabler of our ability to deliver transformative medicines for patients who need them. Rooted in innovation, purpose and collaboration, our culture empowers people to take smart risks, challenge conventional thinking and do their best work. The diversity of our people is central to that culture. By bringing together individuals with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives, we foster an environment where new ideas thrive, better decisions are made and breakthrough innovation is possible. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, included and connected to our shared mission, because we know that our unique culture and the collective strength of our people are what set Vertex apart.