Supervisor, Process Development Engineering

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

Job summary

Vertex is seeking a Media and Buffer Preparation Supervisor to lead daily media, buffer, and stock solution preparation at our Boston site. You will manage scheduling, coaching, and cross-functional partnerships to ensure GMP-ready output and readiness for scale-up and automation initiatives.

The role focuses on building a strong, accountable team, advancing process improvements, and maintaining high-quality, compliant operations in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• BS in Biochemistry, Engineering, Biology or related discipline with 7 years of industry experience or an MS with 6 years of industry experience.
• Practical industry experience in media preparation, stock solution preparation, manufacturing support, or related biopharmaceutical operations.
• Experience leading day-to-day operations in a laboratory, pilot-scale, or manufacturing support setting.
• Hands-on leadership experience with training, scheduling, troubleshooting, and team accountability.

Responsibilities

• Supervise daily media, buffer, and stock solution preparation, including scheduling, prioritization, troubleshooting, and escalation of issues.
• Lead, coach, train, and develop team members to strengthen technical skills, accountability, and operational discipline.
• Ensure consistent, accurate, and high-quality output by following standard work, procedures, and quality requirements.
• Plan staffing and resources to meet customer needs and maintain reliable operations.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to support operational readiness, scalable manufacturing practices, and business priorities.
• Drive continuous improvement, lean initiatives, and automation solutions to improve efficiency, scalability, and data visibility.
• Maintain GMP/GMP-ready compliance, safety, documentation, investigations, CAPAs, and a collaborative team environment.

Skills

Media preparation

Buffer preparation

Leadership

GMP/compliance

Process improvement

Aseptic processing

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

BS in Biochemistry/Engineering/Biology or related

MS with 6+ years experience

Tools

Automation systems

Job description

Job Description General Summary

Vertex is seeking a Media and Buffer Preparation Supervisor to support media development and cell therapy manufacturing activities in Boston, MA. This role leads daily media, buffer, and stock solution preparation operations; ensures reliable, high-quality, and GMP-ready execution; and develops a strong, accountable team. The Supervisor will partner with cross-functional teams to improve processes, support scale-up and manufacturing readiness, and advance automation and continuous-improvement initiatives.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervise daily media, buffer, and stock solution preparation, including scheduling, prioritization, troubleshooting, and escalation of issues.
• Lead, coach, train, and develop team members to strengthen technical skills, accountability, and operational discipline.
• Ensure consistent, accurate, and high-quality output by following standard work, procedures, and quality requirements.
• Plan staffing and resources to meet customer needs and maintain reliable operations.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to support operational readiness, scalable manufacturing practices, and business priorities.
• Drive continuous improvement, lean initiatives, and automation solutions to improve efficiency, scalability, and data visibility.
• Maintain GMP/GMP-ready compliance, safety, documentation, investigations, CAPAs, and a collaborative team environment.

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of media, buffer, and stock solution preparation in laboratory, pilot-scale, or biopharmaceutical manufacturing settings.
• Understanding of GMP/GMP-ready operations, including documentation, data integrity, deviations, change controls, and CAPAs.
• Working knowledge of aseptic processing, cell culture support, scale-up, and laboratory safety practices.
• Ability to lead daily operations, including work prioritization, scheduling, troubleshooting, and escalation management.
• Demonstrated people-leadership skills, including coaching, training, development, and accountability.
• Strong problem-solving and continuous-improvement skills, including lean principles, waste reduction, and process optimization.
• Strong organizational, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Preferred: Experience with cell or gene therapy manufacturing, technology transfer, automation, digital manufacturing systems, and Industry 4.0 tools.

Education and experience

• BS in Biochemistry, Engineering, Biology or related discipline with 7 years of industry experience or an MS with 6 years of industry experience.
• Practical industry experience in media preparation, stock solution preparation, manufacturing support, or related biopharmaceutical operations.
• Experience leading day-to-day operations in a laboratory, pilot-scale, or manufacturing support setting.
• Hands-on leadership experience with training, scheduling, troubleshooting, and team accountability.

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

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

Disclosure Statement

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

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.

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.

Vertex is consistently recognized as one of the industry's top places to work, including 16 consecutive years on Science magazine's Top Employers list and one of Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For.

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.