Material Science Principal Scientific Associate (Contract)

Vertex Pharmaceuticals; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 120,347,000 - 131,809,000; Full time

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals in Boston, MA, is seeking a Materials Science Principal to advance drug candidates from early development through commercial lines using Quality by Design (QbD) principles. The role blends lab-based and computational tools to connect material properties with pharmaceutical processing.

You will design experiments, perform characterization, analyze data with statistics, and maintain rigorous notebooks.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in chemical or materials engineering or related field.
• Bachelor's degree in a related physical science with 5+ years of experience.

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced characterization and develop predictive models linking material properties to processing conditions.
• Design and execute laboratory experiments for drug characterization and solid dosage development.
• Interpret data with basic statistical analysis and document results clearly.
• Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks, protocols, results, and observations.

Skills

Statistical analysis

Team collaboration

Quality by Design

Materials science

Education

Master's degree in chemical or materials engineering

Bachelor's degree in physical science

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Computational tools

Job description

Job Description

General/Position Summary

The Material Science Principal Scientific Association will support Vertex's drug development through proficiency in a range of related technical processes and procedures. The role will perform a range of materials science and engineering activities to advance drug candidates from early clinical development through commercial line extension in a Quality by Design (QbD) environment using lab based and computational tools.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Demonstrate proficiency with advanced characterization techniques and develop predictive models which connect material properties to pharmaceutical processing conditions
• Help design, plan, and execute laboratory experiments that assist in drug characterization and formulation development of solid dosage forms with minimal supervision and within project timelines
• Interpret data to form sound conclusions by performing basic statistical analysis of experimental data
• Maintain accurate and complete laboratory notebook capturing protocols, results and observations

• Document integrated experimental outcomes in presentations and research reports in a timely manner
• Comply with all relevant Safety and GMP procedures
• Participate in department/group discussions

Required Education Level

• Master's degree in chemical or materials engineering or related materials science/chemistry/physical science
• Bachelors Degree (or equivalent degree) in a related physical science sciences and 5+ years of relevant employment experience

Required Experience

• Typically requires 0 - 3 years experience with a Master's degree in chemical or materials

engineering or related materials science or the equivalent combination of education and

experience with other degree levels

Required Knowledge/Skills

• Sound knowledge of pharmaceutical and engineering principles required for solid dosage form development including impact of material properties resulting from blending, granulation, and compression and Quality by Design (QbD) approach

• Hands on experience with formulation techniques, processing equipment, and unit operations at both the laboratory and clinical manufacturing scales.
• Strong math skills applying statistical analysis and general engineering principles
• Effective communicator (written and verbal) with ability to present findings in a team setting including ability to explain why procedures or approaches are being used
• Strong interpersonal skills with a clear ability to work with a team/matrix environment
• The ability to work in a fast-paced environment, manage priorities, and maintain timelines for multiple projects

• Detail-oriented

Pay Range

$42-$46/HR

No C2C or Third-Party Vendors