Process Development Engineering Senior Scientific Associate

Vertex Pharmaceuticals LLC; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 74,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals LLC in Boston seeks a lab-based Process Development Engineering Senior Scientific Associate to advance large‑scale bioprocess development in a GLP pilot lab. You will execute mammalian and stem cell culture studies in 3–10 L and 50–200 L single‑use bioreactors, ensuring reproducible operations as studies move to pilot scale.

The role involves hands‑on bioreactor prep, seed‑train support, media preparation, sampling, cell counting, harvest, and traceable recordkeeping.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in a relevant scientific/engineering field.
• Mammalian cell culture and aseptic laboratory practices required.
• Experience in pilot lab or scale‑up with large‑scale single‑use bioreactors preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute pilot-scale process-development studies using multiple bioreactor platforms.
• Prepare bioreactor systems for operation and document equipment readiness.
• Support seed-train activities and mammalian/stem cell culture expansion.
• Operate and monitor culture processes, including feeds, perfusion, sampling and harvest.
• Maintain traceable records and collaborate with analytical/engineering teams.
• Coordinate maintenance, calibration, and turnover of equipment in the pilot lab.
• Record activities and contribute to protocols, reports, and study documentation.
• Participate in study planning and troubleshooting to reduce variability during scale‑up.
• Work weekend rotations as needed to support ongoing operations.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Aseptic technique

Bioreactor operation

Scale‑up processes

Data integrity

Technical documentation

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s degree in a relevant field

Tools

Eppendorf/Sartorius bioreactors

Single-use bioreactor platforms

Benchling

Cell counters

Job description

Job Description

General Summary

Vertex is seeking a lab-based Process Development Engineering Senior Scientific Associate to support large-scale bioprocess development in a GLP pilot laboratory environment. The role focuses on the reliable execution of mammalian and stem cell culture studies in 3–10 L and 50–200 L single-use bioreactors, including perfusion-based processes. The associate will help establish reproducible operations as processes move from smaller-scale studies into pilot-scale systems.

This position is responsible for hands‑on bioreactor preparation and operation, seed-train and culture support, media preparation and exchange, sampling, cell counting, harvest, and equipment turnaround. The associate will work with process development, engineering/facilities, and analytical teams to coordinate studies, maintain equipment readiness, and produce complete, traceable records. Work will be performed in accordance with applicable site procedures, safety requirements, data-integrity expectations, and GLP requirements where applicable to the study.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan and execute pilot-scale process-development studies using Eppendorf, Sartorius, and other applicable single-use bioreactor and perfusion platforms.
• Prepare bioreactor systems for operation, including single-use assembly installation, tubing and connection setup, sensor checks, pre‑run verification, and documentation of equipment readiness.
• Support seed‑train activities and mammalian and stem cell culture expansion from smaller‑scale vessels into 3–10 L and 50–200 L systems, using established aseptic techniques (i.e. operation of sterile tube connectors and welders).
• Operate and monitor culture processes, including feeds, media exchange, perfusion, sampling, and harvest, according to approved protocols and study plans.
• Track process parameters and culture performance, identify unexpected trends, and promptly communicate potential impacts on study execution or sample quality.
• Prepare media and process solutions; manage transfers, sampling, and sample handoff while maintaining appropriate labeling, traceability, and handling conditions.
• Operate, clean, maintain, and perform first‑line troubleshooting on bioreactors, perfusion equipment, single‑use mixers, cell counters, pumps, sensors, and ancillary analyzers.
• Coordinate maintenance, calibration, consumables, and equipment turnover to keep the pilot lab ready for scheduled studies.
• Follow controlled laboratory procedures and contribute to improvements in setup, aseptic operations, study execution, and equipment workflows.
• Record activities, observations, equipment status, and study data accurately and contemporaneously in Benchling and other required records. Support discrepancy investigation and escalation in accordance with applicable procedures.
• Compile data summaries and contribute to protocols, technical reports, and study documentation.
• Collaborate with analytical partners on sampling plans and timely sample processing, and with engineering/facilities partners on equipment and utility needs.
• Participate in study planning, experimental‑design discussions, troubleshooting, and initiatives to reduce operational variability during scale‑up.
• Participate in weekend work rotations as needed to support ongoing cell‑culture and bioreactor operations.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong hands‑on mammalian cell‑culture experience, including stem cell culture, and consistently effective aseptic technique.
• Experience operating bioreactors and supporting scale‑up of cell‑culture processes; familiarity with 50–200 L single‑use systems and perfusion workflows is strongly preferred.
• Understanding of seed‑train planning, media and feed preparation, process monitoring, sampling, and harvest operations.
• Ability to recognize process deviations, equipment issues, and potential sources of variability, and to troubleshoot or eliminate them appropriately.
• Experience with manual, automated, or semi‑automated workflows, including liquid handling, sample processing, and cell counting; experience with SUBs/SUMs or comparable system is preferred.
• Strong technical documentation habits, attention to detail, and understanding of data integrity and traceability in a controlled laboratory environment.
• Ability to coordinate time‑sensitive activities across process development, analytical, and engineering/facilities teams while maintaining safety and quality standards.
• Clear communication skills and a practical approach to improving reproducibility and laboratory efficiency.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in a relevant scientific/engineering field is required
• Bachelor's degree and 2-4 years of experience or a Master's degree and 0-2 years of experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Relevant experience must include mammalian cell culture and aseptic laboratory practices.
• Experience in a pilot lab or other controlled laboratory environment, particularly with large‑scale single‑use bioreactors, perfusion, or process‑development scale‑up is preferred.

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

$73,900 - $110,900

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.

#LI-Onsite

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]