Process Dev Engineering Scientist

Job Description

General Summary:

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people living with serious diseases, with a focus on specialty markets. We invest in diseases where there is a significant unmet need and we can have a transformative impact for patients, not just an incremental benefit. We invest the majority of our resources in research and development (R&D) to discover new medicines, because we believe the true value in our industry is unleashed through scientific innovation. Cell and genetic therapies represent two rapidly emerging therapeutic modalities with the potential to treat-and even cure-several of the diseases Vertex is focused on, including sickle cell disease and type 1 diabetes. Our Cell and Genetic Therapies (CGT) teams bring together the best biology, technologies, and enhanced manufacturing capabilities to ensure we bring these cutting-edge transformative therapies to patients as quickly as possible.

CGT is seeking a Scientist to join our Process Development team to support our media development effort. The focus of this positionis to contribute to the innovative stem cell culture medium development and optimization for cell and gene therapy applications, collaborating with high performing teams. This position will provide opportunities to independently lead scientific innovation projects to advance media optimizations, with impactful deliverables on CoG reduction for cell therapy commercial scale manufacturing, as well as process robustness improvement through more advanced process fundamental understandings. The position will be based in Boston, MA.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the design and execution of experiments to evaluate new medium components and supplements, through assessment of cell culture performance.
• Apply basic and advanced analytical tools including spent media analysis and omics for in-depth fundamental understanding of the process, as well as continuous optimization of stem cell culture medium.
• Contribute to the establishment and utilization of high throughput small scale screening platforms.
• Apply Design of Experiment (DOE) principles for medium development and optimization.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, aligning on project goals, sharing results, and fostering a collaborative working environment.
• Ensure data integrity by timely completion of phase-appropriate documentation, including electronic notebook system, development protocols, and technical reports to support future technology transfers and regulatory filings.
• Ensure compliance with lab safety procedures.
• Lead by example, work closely with the team in the lab and conduct hands on experiments.
• Mentor and support junior team members to independently plan and design experiments.

Minimum Requirements

• Degree in Stem Cell Biology, Chemical/Biochemical/Biomedical Engineering, Life Sciences, or related discipline.
• PhD with a minimum of 0-3 years of relevant industry work experience, or a BS with 6+years of industry experience, or a MS with 4+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Strong fundamental knowledge and previous experience of medium development and mammalian cell culture (stem cell culture knowledge and experience are preferred) as well as knowledge of recent advances and challenges in the field.
• Solid knowledge and experience on DoE principled experimental design and execution.
• Strong fundamental knowledge and experience on bioreactors across scales (experience with high throughput and automatic cell culture platforms is highly preferred).
• Must have a working knowledge of cGxP.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks while meeting timelines and adapting to changing priorities.
• Excellent organizational skills and high attention to detail.
• Participate in weekend work rotation with the broader team.
• Authorized to legally work in the US.

Pay Range:

Disclosure Statement:

Flex Designation:

Flex Eligibility Status:

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 ApplicationAssistance@vrtx.com