Process Development Engineering Senior Scientific Associate

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision benefits

Generous paid time off

Educational assistance programs

Commuting subsidy

Matching charitable donations

401(k)

Job summary

Vertex is seeking a lab-based Process Development Engineering Senior Scientific Associate to support process-development studies and high-throughput lab capabilities, including ambr250 systems and perfusion systems. The role involves bench-scale bioreactor operation, cell-culture support, and data handling.

You will work with process development, engineering, and analytical teams to implement new tools and workflows, ensuring data integrity and timely sample processing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology or related field is required.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and aseptic practices.
• Experience with bench-scale bioreactors and perfusion systems preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and document process-development studies on bench-scale/high-throughput bioreactors.
• Perform mammalian cell culture and aseptic operations.
• Set up equipment, perform media exchanges, sampling, and harvest operations.
• Maintain equipment, troubleshoot, and manage workflow systems.
• Document data accurately and contribute to technical reports.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Stem cell culture

Aseptic technique

Bioreactor operation

Perfusion systems

High-throughput workflows

Lab automation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biology or related field

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

Ambr250 system

Perfusion equipment

Liquid-handling equipment

Cell counters

Laboratory automation platforms

Job description

Job Description General Summary

Vertex is looking for a lab-based Process Development Engineering Senior Scientific Associate to support process-development studies and the continued expansion of high-throughput laboratory capabilities. This position provides reliable operational support for bench-scale and high-throughput bioreactor studies, including the ambr250 platform and perfusion systems, and will execute critical laboratory activities such as equipment setup, media preparation and exchange, sampling, harvest operations, sample handling, and cell-culture support. The successful candidate will bring experience with mammalian and stem cell culture, bench-scale bioreactor operation, perfusion systems, and associated process-development workflows. The candidate will work closely with process development, engineering, and analytical partners to support current laboratory operations and help incorporate new tools and capabilities as they are introduced, including manual, automated, and semi-automated approaches for liquid handling, sample processing, and cell counting.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Supports the planning, execution, and documentation of process-development studies using bench-scale and high-throughput bioreactor platforms, including ambr250 systems and perfusion systems


• Performs mammalian and stem cell culture activities in support of process-development studies, applying strong aseptic technique and established laboratory practices


• Executes critical study activities, including equipment setup, media preparation and exchange, perfusion-system operation, sampling, harvest operations, sample handling, and cell counting


• Operates, maintains, cleans, and troubleshoots laboratory equipment, including bioreactors, perfusion systems, liquid-handling equipment, cell counters, and associated workflow systems


• Supports manual, automated, and semi-automated workflows for liquid handling, sample processing, cell counting, and data collection


• Establishes, follows, documents, and improves standard laboratory procedures and workflows to support consistent, reproducible study execution


• Supports equipment readiness through routine maintenance, calibration, consumable management, and pre-study setup activities


• Works closely with process development, engineering, and analytical teams to coordinate study activities, implement new tools and workflows, and ensure timely sample processing


• Identifies and addresses routine equipment, workflow, and study‑execution issues through standard troubleshooting and escalation, as appropriate


• Prepares and maintains accurate study documentation, data records, and data summaries while ensuring data integrity


• Contributes to technical reports, protocols, and other supporting study documentation


• Participates in team discussions related to experimental design, study planning, workflow improvement, and issue resolution


• May participate in weekend work rotations, as required to support cell-culture and bioreactor operations

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong hands‑on experience with mammalian cell culture, including stem cell culture, and demonstrated excellence in aseptic technique


• Working knowledge of bench‑scale bioreactor operation, perfusion systems, and high-throughput bioreactor workflows; experience with ambr250 or comparable systems preferred


• Experience with manual, automated, and semi‑automated laboratory workflows, including liquid handling, sample processing, and cell counting


• Ability to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment and associated workflow systems


• Strong attention to detail and ability to execute complex laboratory procedures accurately and consistently


• Strong organizational, technical documentation, and data‑recording skills


• Ability to identify workflow inefficiencies, recognize sources of operational variability, and contribute practical improvement ideas


• Effective communication of technical and scientific information within and across multidisciplinary teams


• Ability to work collaboratively with process development, engineering, and analytical partners in a fast‑paced laboratory environment


• Ability to prioritize time‑sensitive activities while maintaining high standards for quality, safety, and data integrity

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biotechnology, or a related scientific or engineering discipline is required


• Bachelor’s degree and 2+ years of experience or a Master’s degree and 0‑2 years of experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience


• Relevant experience should include mammalian cell culture and aseptic laboratory practices


• Experience with bench‑scale bioreactors, perfusion systems, high‑throughput bioreactors, laboratory automation, and process‑development workflows is preferred

Pay Range

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.

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision benefits


• 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

#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]

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.

Company Culture

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.