MS&T Senior Scientist - Small Molecule Drug Substance

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (US); Boston (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Paid time off

Education assistance

Commuting subsidy

Charitable donations matching

401(k)

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. is seeking a MS&T Senior Scientist in Boston to lead high-velocity synthetic chemistry projects across clinical to commercial development.

You will manage external collaborations, perform scalable experiments, and drive process understanding while ensuring GMP compliance and cross-functional alignment. The role emphasizes technical leadership, multi-project multitasking, and effective communication with QA, Regulatory, and Analytical Sciences teams.

Qualifications

• Requires strong background in synthetic organic chemistry and lab techniques.

Responsibilities

• Manage technical transfer and manufacturing collaborations with external CDMOs.
• Perform synthetic organic experiments for development stages (clinical to commercial).
• Monitor reaction processes using analytical methods and support method development.
• Generate hypotheses to guide synthesis or manufacturing goals.
• Contribute to cross-functional teams and departmental initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with SOPs and GMPs across activities.
• Provide training and day-to-day guidance to scientists.
• Prepare internal reports and contribute to regulatory documents.

Skills

Excellent synthetic chemistry

Cross-functional teamwork

SOPs and GMPs compliance

Technology transfer to CDMOs

Interpersonal communication

CMC support for INDs

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemistry

Master's degree in chemistry

PhD in chemistry

Job description

Job Description General Summary

The MS&T Senior Scientist exercises a high level of experimental productivity contributing to the advancement of projects in pharmaceutical development or commercial manufacturing and may be running chemistry on multiple projects concurrently. This role requires bench chemistry as well as the management of projects, including roles on cross-functional project teams representing MS&T. This role will interpret complex chemistry, may champion new technologies and involve an increasing knowledge of related scientific disciplines, including regulatory and quality compliance. Cross functional association with Analytical Sciences & Technology (AS&T) Supply Chain management (SCM), Quality (QA) and Regulatory is expected, along with change management activities.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Manages technical transfer and manufacturing collaborations with external CDMOs, including extensive documentation and change control management.
• Performs synthetic organic experiments efficiently, independently and in a fit-for-purpose fashion for the stage of development (clinical through process validation to commercial).
• Performs reaction process monitoring using a variety of analytical methods and work with analysts developing sufficient methods.
• Generates effective hypotheses to pursue synthesis or manufacturing goals and set new experimental direction as necessary.
• Contributes to department/group discussions and departmental initiatives.
• Impacts and participates in cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrates a practical and advanced understanding of related scientific disciplines.
• Communicates and enables the effective dissemination of advanced ideas, internally and externally.
• Multitasks to effectively manage multiple activities/projects.
• Provides technical recommendations regarding process chemistry by assisting other chemists in the department and/or articulating issues to management.
• Makes conceptual contributions to development activities and scientific strategies.
• Provides on the job training and support to other scientists on day-to-day experiments and assists with ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and SOPs.
• Develops internal reports and regular updates at appropriate project intervals and contributes to regulatory documents.

Knowledge and Skills

• Experience in writing and transferring developed technology to outside CDMOs and working with suppliers to solve chemical issues for compound delivery.
• Excellent synthetic chemistry laboratory skills.
• Ability and track record of successfully working in cross-functional teams.
• Deep understanding and knowledge of SOPs and GMPs and ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and SOPs.
• Experience and ability to support CMC sections of INDs is preferred Excellent verbal and written communication skills to exchange complex technical/scientific information with others in complex situations and to prepare presentations and reports as required.
• Ability to interact/communicate with various levels throughout the organization.

Education and Experience

Requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and 8+ years of experience or a master’s degree in chemistry and 5+ years of experience or a PhD and 2-5 years of experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in a related field is required (research and development, pharmaceutical development, chemical manufacturing) along with current laboratory 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

Pay Range: $120,000 - $180,000 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.

Benefits

• 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.

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. 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.