MS&T Senior Scientist - Small Molecule Drug Substance

RiseMe; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Equity awards

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Commuting subsidy

401(k)

Job summary

Vertex is seeking a MS&T Senior Scientist to drive experimental productivity across pharmaceutical development and manufacturing. This role will manage cross-functional projects, interpret complex chemistry, and champion new technologies while collaborating with analytical, QA, and regulatory teams.

Responsibilities include transferring technology to CDMOs, mentoring scientists, and supporting regulatory documentation. International travel up to 20% and on-site work are required.

Qualifications

• Minimum bachelor’s degree in chemistry with extensive lab experience
• Experience in research and development, pharmaceutical development, or chemical manufacturing

Responsibilities

• Manage technical transfer and manufacturing collaborations with external CDMOs
• Perform synthetic organic experiments across development stages
• Conduct reaction process monitoring with analytical methods
• Generate hypotheses to guide synthesis and manufacturing goals
• Contribute to cross-functional teams and regulatory/compliance activities
• Travel up to 20% internationally for validation and campaigns

Skills

Synthetic chemistry

Cross-functional teams

Regulatory & GMP knowledge

Technical transfer

Data interpretation & methods

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s in Chemistry

Master’s/PhD in Chemistry (optional)

Tools

Analytical methods

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.
• The ability to travel internationally for up to two weeks at a time to support validation and manufacturing campaigns, up to 20%

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:

$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.

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.

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]