Process Dev Engineering Scientist

Vertex Pharmaceuticals; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 104,000 - 156,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Equity awards

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Vertex is seeking a Scientist to join the Process Development team in Boston, MA. The role focuses on leading development studies for a cell-based drug candidate targeting diabetes, with occasional weekend work required.

The successful candidate will be a subject matter expert in bioprocess engineering and will work within a fast-paced, cross-functional environment. Key duties include designing experiments, mentoring associates, developing pluripotent stem cell culture methods, and communicating

Qualifications

• Experience designing and leading cell culture process development studies.
• Bioreactor design/scale-up experience and control.
• DOE and statistical analysis using JMP and related tools.
• Working knowledge of GMP in process development activities.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments to develop robust manufacturing processes for cell therapy products and implement to support programs in clinical development.
• Mentor team of bioprocess scientific associates who will work closely together within a highly matrixed, cross-functional team to deliver program goals.
• Communicate effectively between departmental teams to develop plans for ongoing studies, including understanding experimental goals, developing schedules, and delegating work to the team.
• Develop expertise in pluripotent stem cell culture and differentiation to support process development, optimization, and characterization.
• Use engineering principles to develop solutions for technical issues with high degree of complexity.
• Document experimental procedures and results according to established guidelines in electronic lab notebook. Perform statistics and advanced analytics on experimental data.
• Communicate progress against plan, identifying and escalating business-critical issues affecting supply and timelines as necessary, providing recommendations, mitigations, and potential solutions.
• Collaborate effectively within departmental teams, engage in team discussions to resolve issues, and lead projects with a fully integrated team to facilitate successful outcomes.
• Coordinate long-range priorities and resources for own team, contributing to the overall goals of the department.
• Generate and review protocols and technical reports.

Skills

Cell culture process development

Bioreactor process control

DOE & statistics

GMP knowledge

Cross-functional collaboration

Aseptic technique

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biology or related discipline

Tools

JMP

Job description

General Summary:

Vertex is seeking a talented individual to join our Process Development team as a Scientist. The primary focus of this role is to lead and manage the execution of development studies for a cell-based drug candidate designed to treat diabetes. This is a full-time position based in our Boston, MA facilities, with occasional weekend work required.

The Process Development group offers a fast-paced and high energy environment. The right candidate will be a subject matter expert in bioprocess engineering and have a solid technical operations background.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design and execute experiments to develop robust manufacturing processes for cell therapy products and implement to support programs in clinical development.
• Mentor team of bioprocess scientific associates who will work closely together within a highly matrixed, cross-functional team to deliver program goals.
• Communicate effectively between departmental teams to develop plans for ongoing studies, including understanding experimental goals, developing schedules, and delegating work to the team.
• Develop expertise in pluripotent stem cell culture and differentiation to support process development, optimization, and characterization.
• Use engineering principles to develop solutions for technical issues with high degree of complexity.
• Document experimental procedures and results according to established guidelines in electronic lab notebook. Perform statistics and advanced analytics on experimental data.
• Communicate progress against plan, identifying and escalating business-critical issues affecting supply and timelines as necessary, providing recommendations, mitigations, and potential solutions.
• Collaborate effectively within departmental teams, engage in team discussions to resolve issues, and lead projects with a fully integrated team to facilitate successful outcomes.
• Coordinate long-range priorities and resources for own team, contributing to the overall goals of the department.
• Generate and review protocols and technical reports.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Expertise in cell culture process development for biologics and/or cell therapy products, including the independent design, execution, analysis, interpretation, and documentation of studies.
• Expertise in bioreactor process control, SCADA systems, bioreactor design and scale up principles.
• Proficiency in the application of online and inline analytical tools, bioreactor feeding technologies, and unit operations such as continuous centrifugation, buffer exchange, and filtration systems.
• Experience with a range of cell processing devices and bioreactor platforms/scales such as spinner flasks, fixed bed reactors, stirred tank reactors, and AMBR systems.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively on cross-functional projects, manage multiple priorities, and adapt to changing timelines and business needs.
• Proficiency in design of experiments (DOE) and statistical analysis using statistical tools such as JMP.
• Proficiency in aseptic technique.
• Working knowledge of GMP requirements and their application to process development activities.
• Experience with pluripotent stem cell culture in both adherent and suspension formats preferred.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biology or related discipline.
• Requires a Bachelor's degree and 6+ years of experience or a Master's degree and 3+ years of experience or a PhD and 0-3 years of experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

Pay Range: $104,000 - $156,000

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 @ Ver