Analytical Development Senior Scientist

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (US); Boston (MA); On-site; USD 122,400 - 183,600; Full time

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. in Boston, MA, is seeking a Senior Research Scientist to join Analytical Development. The role leads chromatographic method development, qualification, and validation across clinical development, focusing on small molecules and peptides.

You will partner with cross-functional teams to design and review analytical methods and reports, while mentoring team members. The position requires a Ph.D.

Qualifications

• Deep experience in analytical method development and validation.
• Strong expertise in chromatography and related analytical techniques.
• Ability to troubleshoot, review, and interpret data.
• Solid understanding of GMP and pharmaceutical regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead chromatographic method development, qualification, and validation activities.
• Partner with cross-functional project teams to design and review analytical methods and reports.
• Serve as a technical expert in chromatographic instrumentation, including detectors and robustness studies.
• Drive continuous improvement in analytical development and validation practices.
• Ensure compliant method development across the organization.
• Mentor staff and contribute to project strategy and scientific progress.

Skills

Analytical method development

Chromatography expertise

LC/GC/LC-MS techniques

Data review & interpretation

Regulatory GMP knowledge

Cross-functional collaboration

Mentorship & training

Education

Ph.D. with 2+ years or Master’s with 5+ years

B.S. with 8+ years in industry (exceptional)

Tools

GC

LC

GC-MS

LC-MS

Karl Fischer

Spectroscopy

Job description

Job Description General Summary Vertex is seeking a Senior Research Scientist to join Analytical Development in Boston, MA. This role supports the advancement of transformative medicines by leading analytical chemistry activities across all stages of clinical development. The position is part of the Chromatography Subject Matter Expert (SME) team, focused on small molecules and synthetic peptides/oligonucleotides, with particular emphasis on drug substance, drug product intermediates, and drug product.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead chromatographic method development, qualification, and validation activities.
• Partner with cross-functional project teams to design, oversee, and review analytical methods, validation protocols, and reports.
• Serve as a technical expert in chromatographic instrumentation and method development, including specialized detectors, column screening, forced degradation, and robustness studies.
• Drive continuous improvement in phase-appropriate analytical development and validation practices.
• Ensure consistent, compliant method development and validation practices across the organization.
• Design and execute complex, technically challenging experiments that support departmental and project goals.
• Interpret data, draw evidence-based conclusions, and assess broader implications of findings.
• Develop innovative solutions to technical challenges and provide scientific guidance to team members when needed.
• Contribute meaningfully to project strategy and critical scientific activities within the discipline.
• Help build organizational capability through staff training, mentorship, and knowledge sharing.
• Apply concepts or approaches from other fields to advance scientific progress.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Skills

• Deep experience in analytical method development and validation.
• Strong technical expertise in chromatography and related analytical techniques, including GC, LC, GC-MS, LC-MS, Karl Fischer, and spectroscopy.
• Proven ability in troubleshooting, data review, and interpretation.
• Strong understanding of pharmaceutical industry regulations, guidelines, and GMP practices.
• Excellent organizational, project management, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to explain technical concepts clearly and influence diverse stakeholders.
• Effective in both team-based/matrix environments and independent work.
• Able to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment while maintaining timelines and quality.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor others, advance projects through scientific insight, and identify productive new experimental approaches.

Education and Experience

Ph.D. with 2+ years or Master’s degree with 5+ years of relevant analytical development experience. Exceptional candidates with a B.S. degree with 8+ years of advanced industry experience will also be considered.

Pay Range: $122,400 - $183,600

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. The company has approved medicines that treat the underlying causes of multiple chronic, life-shortening genetic diseases — cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia — and continues to advance clinical and research programs in these diseases. 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 APOL1-mediated kidney disease, acute and neuropathic pain, type 1 diabetes, myotonic dystrophy type 1 and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency . Founded in 1989 in Cambridge, Mass., Vertex's global headquarters is now located in Boston's Innovation District and its international headquarters is 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 14 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 Facebook, Twitter/X , LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram. The diversity and authenticity of our people is part of what makes Vertex unique, and we recognize that each employee brings diverse perspectives and strengths. By embracing those strengths and celebrating differences, we are fostering an inclusive culture where each of us can bring our authentic selves to work, inspire innovation together, and change people’s lives. Our vision is clear: to be the place where an authentic, diverse mix of talent want to come, to stay, and do their best work.