Process Development Engineering Senior Scientific Associate - Media Prep

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

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals LLC is seeking a lab-based Senior Scientific Associate, Media Development to support media development, large-scale media preparation, process documentation, and technology transfer within Process Development. You will provide hands-on support for in-house media formulations, ensure robust, scalable processes, and collaborate across global teams.

You will help standardize workflows, troubleshoot challenges, and train others on media preparation practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology or related scientific or engineering discipline.
• 2+ years of relevant experience with a Master's degree or 0-2 years with a Master's (or equivalent combination).
• Experience in laboratory-based bioprocess development, cell culture, media or solution preparation, or related activities.

Responsibilities

• Execute small- and large-scale media preparation including dispensing, formulation, mixing, filtration, storage and distribution.
• Manage inventory of in-house media formulations, raw materials and consumables.
• Support media development through evaluation, formulation studies, troubleshooting and process improvement.
• Establish standardized workflows to improve consistency and efficiency.
• Maintain procedures, batch records and documentation for traceability and data integrity.
• Support technology transfer by translating development practices into scalable processes.
• Collaborate with Process Development, Manufacturing and other functions to coordinate activities and knowledge transfer.
• Provide technical training and guidance on media preparation, equipment and workflows.
• Troubleshoot routine media preparation and equipment issues; escalate complex problems as needed.
• Drive continuous improvement to strengthen process robustness and business continuity.

Skills

Media development

Large-scale media preparation

Process documentation

Technology transfer

Aseptic processing

Laboratory troubleshooting

Data integrity

Cross-functional collaboration

Technical training

Quality systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology or related field

Master's degree in related field (optional)

Job description

Process Development Engineering Senior Scientific Associate - Media Prep

Vertex is looking for a lab-based Senior Scientific Associate, Media Development to support media development, large-scale media preparation, process documentation, and technology transfer within the Process Development organization. This role provides hands‑on technical support for the preparation, filtration, storage, and implementation of in-house custom media formulations.

The successful candidate will bring strong knowledge of media preparation processes and critical raw materials and help ensure reliable, consistent, and scalable execution. The role will partner with Process Development, Manufacturing, and cross‑functional teams to standardize workflows, troubleshoot technical challenges, strengthen process knowledge, and translate laboratory practices into robust processes for technology transfer.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Executes small- and large-scale media preparation, including raw material dispensing, formulation, mixing, filtration, storage, and distribution
• Manages preparation and inventory of in‑house media formulations, critical raw materials, and consumables
• Supports media development through raw material evaluation, formulation and mixing studies, troubleshooting, and process improvement
• Establishes and improves standardized workflows to enhance consistency, reproducibility, and efficiency
• Authors and maintains procedures, protocols, batch records, and controlled documentation to ensure traceability, data integrity, and retention of process knowledge
• Supports technology transfer by translating development practices into robust, scalable, and transferable processes
• Partners across Process Development, Manufacturing, and other functions to coordinate activities, solve technical challenges, and transfer process knowledge
• Provides technical training and hands‑on guidance on media preparation processes, equipment, and workflows
• Independently troubleshoots routine media preparation, filtration, equipment, and raw material issues, escalating complex issues as needed
• Drives continuous improvement to strengthen process robustness, efficiency, scalability, and business continuity

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong hands‑on experience with media or solution preparation in a laboratory or bioprocess‑development environment
• Working knowledge of media formulation, raw material handling, dissolution, mixing, filtration, and storage
• Understanding of aseptic processing and laboratory practices relevant to cell culture media preparation
• Ability to execute and troubleshoot complex preparation processes across multiple scales
• Experience operating and troubleshooting media preparation, mixing, filtration, and related laboratory equipment
• Strong technical documentation, organization, and record‑keeping skills
• Ability to independently identify sources of process variability, troubleshoot root causes, and implement practical improvements
• Working knowledge of process scale‑up, standardization, and technology transfer
• Strong technical communication skills and ability to train others on established processes and best practices
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively across Process Development, Manufacturing, and multidisciplinary technical teams
• Ability to independently 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, Biochemistry, or a related scientific or engineering discipline
• Bachelor's degree and 2+ years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree and 0-2 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Relevant experience in laboratory-based bioprocess development, cell culture, media or solution preparation, or related process‑development activities
• Experience with large‑scale media or solution preparation, filtration, process scale‑up, technical documentation, or technology transfer 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

Job Description

General Summary

Vertex is looking for a lab-based Senior Scientific Associate, Media Development to support media development, large-scale media preparation, process documentation, and technology transfer within the Process Development organization. This role provides hands‑on technical support for the preparation, filtration, storage, and implementation of in‑house custom media formulations.

The successful candidate will bring strong knowledge of media preparation processes and critical raw materials and help ensure reliable, consistent, and scalable execution. The role will partner with Process Development, Manufacturing, and cross‑functional teams to standardize workflows, troubleshoot technical challenges, strengthen process knowledge, and translate laboratory practices into robust processes for technology transfer.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Executes small- and large-scale media preparation, including raw material dispensing, formulation, mixing, filtration, storage, and distribution
• Manages preparation and inventory of in‑house media formulations, critical raw materials, and consumables
• Supports media development through raw material evaluation, formulation and mixing studies, troubleshooting, and process improvement
• Establishes and improves standardized workflows to enhance consistency, reproducibility, and efficiency
• Authors and maintains procedures, protocols, batch records, and controlled documentation to ensure traceability, data integrity, and retention of process knowledge
• Supports technology transfer by translating development practices into robust, scalable, and transferable processes
• Partners across Process Development, Manufacturing, and other functions to coordinate activities, solve technical challenges, and transfer process knowledge
• Provides technical training and hands‑on guidance on media preparation processes, equipment, and workflows
• Independently troubleshoots routine media preparation, filtration, equipment, and raw material issues, escalating complex issues as needed
• Drives continuous improvement to strengthen process robustness, efficiency, scalability, and business continuity

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong hands‑on experience with media or solution preparation in a laboratory or bioprocess‑development environment
• Working knowledge of media formulation, raw material handling, dissolution, mixing, filtration, and storage
• Understanding of aseptic processing and laboratory practices relevant to cell culture media preparation
• Ability to execute and troubleshoot complex preparation processes across multiple scales
• Experience operating and troubleshooting media preparation, mixing, filtration, and related laboratory equipment
• Strong technical documentation, organization, and record‑keeping skills
• Ability to independently identify sources of process variability, troubleshoot root causes, and implement practical improvements
• Working knowledge of process scale‑up, standardization, and technology transfer
• Strong technical communication skills and ability to train others on established processes and best practices
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively across Process Development, Manufacturing, and multidisciplinary technical teams
• Ability to independently 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, Biochemistry, or a related scientific or engineering discipline
• Bachelor's degree and 2+ years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree and 0-2 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Relevant experience in laboratory-based bioprocess development, cell culture, media or solution preparation, or related process‑development activities
• Experience with large‑scale media or solution preparation, filtration, process scale‑up, technical documentation, or technology transfer 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.

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]