Analytical Principal Research Scientist

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 140,800 - 211,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site role

Annual bonus eligibility

Equity awards

Inclusive benefits

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals is seeking a Principal Research Scientist to join the Dissolution Team within the Formulation Development Department. This role offers an opportunity to contribute to scientific capabilities while growing into a leadership position on the team.

The successful candidate will lead dissolution studies, design validation protocols, author regulatory submissions, and drive cross-functional collaboration to support late-stage programs and regulatory filings.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Pharmaceutical Chemistry with 4–7 years experience, or Master's with 7+ years, or Bachelor's with 10+ years
• Proven ability to learn and apply new scientific concepts and techniques
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to foster collaboration across teams
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and inspire team members with a desire to grow into a managerial role

Responsibilities

• Lead dissolution studies to support formulation development and regulatory submissions
• Design validation protocols in compliance with ICH and FDA guidelines
• Author dissolution sections for regulatory submissions
• Identify critical factors/parameters essential for developing and validating robust dissolution methods
• Mentor and guide team members to support professional growth and high performance
• Engage in data-driven discussions to drive decision making and outcomes

Skills

Leadership

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Ph.D. in Chemistry/Chemical Engineering/Pharmaceutical Chemistry

Job description

Overview

Vertex Pharmaceuticals is seeking a highly motivated and dynamic Principal Research Scientist to join the Dissolution Team within the Formulation Development Department. This role offers an opportunity to contribute to the advancement of scientific capabilities while growing into a leader within the team. The ideal candidate will possess a strong scientific foundation, a passion for learning, and the ability to lead with urgency and purpose.

As a key member of the Dissolution Team, the individual will support drug development efforts, drive innovation, and foster a collaborative and high-performing team culture. Prior experience in dissolution is beneficial, but strong leadership potential and a commitment to continuous learning are essential in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership and Team Development

  • Lead by example, fostering collaboration, innovation, and excellence within the Dissolution Team

  • Mentor and guide team members, supporting their professional growth

  • Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and high-performing team environment aligned with Vertex\'s core values

• Scientific Contributions

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, execute, and interpret dissolution studies to support formulation development and regulatory submissions

  • Justification of clinically relevant dissolution method parameters and specifications

  • Understand key analytical deliverables for late-stage programs including method development, validation, specification setting, stability, release testing and analytical strategies for fast-paced programs

  • Author dissolution sections for regulatory submissions

  • Design validation protocols in compliance with ICH and FDA guidelines

  • Identify critical factors/parameters essential for developing a robust method and validating it for its intended use

• Problem Solving and Decision Making

  • Approach challenges with a solution-oriented mindset, leveraging critical thinking and scientific expertise

  • Engage in data-driven discussions to drive decision-making and outcomes

• Continuous Learning and Growth

  • Stay current with trends, technologies, and best practices in dissolution science and analytical chemistry

  • Seek opportunities for professional development and apply new knowledge to enhance team capabilities

  • Commit to lifelong learning and leadership development

• Operational Excellence

  • Work with a sense of urgency to meet project timelines and deliver high-quality results

  • Ensure regulatory and company policy compliance in dissolution testing and reporting

  • Contribute to development and implementation of SOPs and best practices

Knowledge and Skills

• Ability to develop creative solutions to complex problems

• Proven teamwork, leadership, and collaboration skills with ability to influence diverse audiences

• Excellent teamwork, verbal and written communication skills

Education and Experience

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Pharmaceutical Chemistry with 4–7 years experience, or Master\'s with 7+ years, or Bachelor\'s with 10+ years

• Demonstrated ability to learn and apply new scientific concepts and techniques

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to foster collaboration across teams

• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and inspire team members with a desire to grow into a managerial role

• A passion for innovation, problem-solving, and driving results in a fast-paced environment

Pay Range

$140,800 - $211,200

Disclosure Statement

The range provided is an estimate for base salary at the time of posting. This role is eligible for an annual bonus and annual equity awards. Some roles may be eligible for overtime pay in accordance with federal and state requirements. Actual base salary will be based on factors including skills, competencies, experience, and other factors permitted by law.

Vertex Total Rewards include inclusive benefits to support employees across career stages and wellbeing, including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, educational assistance, commuting subsidies, charitable matching, 401(k), and more.

Flex Designation

On-Site Designated

Flex Eligibility Status

In this On-Site role, you will work five days per week on-site with ad hoc flexibility.

Note: The Flex status may be changed per Vertex policy.

#LI-Onsite

Company Information

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation. Vertex is an equal employment opportunity employer. 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.