Analytical Development Principal Scientist

Vertex Pharmaceuticals

Boston (MA)

On-site

USD 141,000 - 211,000

Full time

4 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision benefits

Paid time off

Educational assistance

Commuting subsidy

Matching charitable donations

401(k)

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals is seeking an experienced scientist to help develop cutting-edge small molecules and the analytical control of their syntheses. As a member of the Drug Substance Control Strategy team in Analytical Development, this role will support synthetic drug development programs across clinical and commercial-enabling phases, focusing on process and control strategy development.

The successful candidate will oversee experiments, collaborate with CMC functions, and liaise with

Qualifications

PhD with 4+ years in analytical development for small molecules.
MS with 7+ years of experience in analytical development; BS with 10+ years considered.
Understanding of drug substance development, process chemistry, and regulatory guidelines (ICH/FDA).

Responsibilities

Design and oversee drug substance analytical activities across development phases.
Set and justify drug substance specifications with regulatory alignment.
Identify IPC issues and develop IPC methods.
Collaborate with contract manufacturing and testing labs.
Develop analytical methods for progression stages.
Document factors impacting quality and method performance.
Prepare source documents for regulatory submissions.
Present analytical findings to cross-functional teams.

Skills

Analytical development

QbD process development

cGMP/ICH/FDA knowledge

Chromatography

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Education

PhD with analytical development focus

MS with analytical development focus

BS with chemistry background

Job description

Vertex is seeking an experienced scientist eager to help develop cutting-edge small molecules and the science underpinning the analytical control of their syntheses. As a member of the Drug Substance Control Strategy team in Analytical Development, this role will support synthetic drug development programs at Vertex with a focus on small molecule drug substance process and control strategy development across clinical and commercial-enabling phases. Specifically, the individual will oversee and execute experiments to develop the overall control strategy for novel drug substances, collaborate closely with associated CMC functions, and act as a subject matter expert liaison with our global network of external drug substance manufacturing and development vendors. The ability to develop novel and creative solutions to overcome project obstacles and make significant conceptual contributions to project teams are criteria for success.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Collaboratively design and oversee drug substance process development analytical activities across all phases of development, including late phase development following Quality by Design (QbD) principles
Serves as subject matter expert for setting and justifying drug substance, intermediates, and starting materials specifications with the understanding of clinical study design, supporting toxicology studies, and CMC processes and applicable regulatory guidelines
Identify critical in-process-control issues and develop appropriate IPC methods
Serve as the subject matter expert for drug substance analytical development with contract manufacturing and testing labs
Develop analytical methods, suitable for progressive stages of pharmaceutical development
Justify and set retest period, storage, and shipping conditions for starting materials and intermediates
Understand chemical development and solid-state development to identify and document critical factors that impact quality, method performance, or associated analytical development activities
Develop and review source documents for regulatory submissions
Present to cross functional teams and effectively communicate critical analytical issues and solutions

Knowledge and Skills:

Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential
Experience and/or working knowledge of control strategy development, spike / purge studies, drug substance QbD process development
Good understanding of cGMP, ICH, FDA, and USP guidelines, including ICH guidelines on the control of impurities (organic, residual solvents, and elemental, DNA reactive (including ICH M7 option 4 / in silico control), and nitrosamines)
Skilled in modern analyses for small molecule pharmaceuticals, particularly chromatography.
The ability to work successfully in both a team/matrix environment as well as independently
The ability to work in a fast-paced environment, manage priorities, communicate outcomes and maintain timelines for multiple projects

Education and Experience:

Ph.D. with 4+ years of relevant analytical development experience, particularly focused on development of novel small molecule drug substances . Exceptional candidates with MS degree and 7+ years or BS degree and 10+ years of high-level experience will also be considered
Background in, or good understanding of modern synthetic organic chemistry, as well as of the drug substance development process, process chemistry, and pharmaceutical manufacturing, and their interrelationship with analytical development

Pay Range:

$140,800 - $211,200

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.

medical, dental and vision benefits
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)

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.