Process Dev Engineering Scientist

Vertex is seeking a talented individual to join our Process Development team as a Scientist in Boston, MA. This full-time role focuses on leading and managing development studies for a cell-based drug candidate designed to treat diabetes, within a fast-paced and high-energy environment.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments to develop robust manufacturing processes for cell therapy products and implement to support programs in clinical development.
• Mentor a team of bioprocess scientific associates within a highly matrixed, cross-functional team to deliver program goals.
• Communicate effectively between departmental teams to develop plans for ongoing studies, including understanding experimental goals, developing schedules, and delegating work.
• Develop expertise in pluripotent stem cell culture and differentiation to support process development, optimization, and characterization.
• Use engineering principles to develop solutions for technical issues with a high degree of complexity.
• Document experimental procedures and results according to established guidelines in an electronic lab notebook.
• Perform statistics and advanced analytics on experimental data.
• Communicate progress against plan, identifying and escalating business-critical issues affecting supply and timelines, and providing recommendations, mitigations, and potential solutions.
• Collaborate effectively within departmental teams, engage in team discussions to resolve issues, and lead projects with a fully integrated team.
• Coordinate long-range priorities and resources for your team, contributing to the overall goals of the department.
• Generate and review protocols and technical reports.

Requirements

• Expertise in cell culture process development for biologics and/or cell therapy products, including independent design, execution, analysis, interpretation, and documentation of studies.
• Expertise in bioreactor process control, SCADA systems, bioreactor design, and scale-up principles.
• Proficiency in the application of online and inline analytical tools, bioreactor feeding technologies, and unit operations such as continuous centrifugation, buffer exchange, and filtration systems.
• Experience with a range of cell processing devices and bioreactor platforms/scales such as spinner flasks, fixed bed reactors, stirred tank reactors, and AMBR systems.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively on cross-functional projects, manage multiple priorities, and adapt to changing timelines and business needs.
• Proficiency in design of experiments (DOE) and statistical analysis using tools such as JMP.
• Proficiency in aseptic technique.
• Working knowledge of GMP requirements and their application to process development activities.
• Experience with pluripotent stem cell culture in both adherent and suspension formats (preferred).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biology, or a related discipline.
• Requires a Bachelor’s degree and 6+ years of experience, or a Master’s degree and 3+ years of experience, or a PhD and 0-3 years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Pay

$104,000 - $156,000 per year. 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.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Generous paid time off, including a week-long company shutdown in the Summer and Winter.
• Educational assistance programs, including student loan repayment.
• Generous commuting subsidy.
• Matching charitable donations.
• 401(k) retirement plan.

Schedule

This is an on-site role requiring five days per week at our Boston, MA facilities, with occasional weekend work. Ad hoc flexibility is available.