Vertex Pharmaceuticals

Job Description

Vertex has established a site in Boston Seaport where research, development, and clinical manufacturing for cell and genetic therapies are primarily based. 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, Duchenne muscular dystrophy and type 1 diabetes. Further investment in the site specifically designed to advance these programs will be key to Vertex’s continued and sustained leadership in these exciting approaches. At Vertex Cell and Genetic Therapies (VCGT) our teams will 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. 

VCGT is seeking a Senior Scientist to lead the media development effort in our Process Development Engineering team. The focus of this position is to lead cell culture medium development and optimization for cell and gene therapy applications, with a high performing team. The position will be based in Boston, MA.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the design and execution of experiments, together with the team, to evaluate new medium components and supplements, confirm the cell culture performance.
• Align with leadership to develop strategic roadmap on continuous medium optimization and phase-appropriate medium development and implementation.
• Manage the medium development team to ensure timely delivery of cell culture medium development and optimization projects.
• Lead the establishment and utilization of high throughput small scale screening platforms. Apply Design of Experiment (DOE) principles for medium development and optimization.
• Bring innovation to the team, contributing novel ideas and solutions to address challenges and improve processes.
• Lead by example, work closely with the team in the lab and conduct hands on experiments.
• 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 documentations, including experiment recording in electronic notebook system, develop protocols, and author reports to support future technology transfer and regulatory filings.
• Ensure compliance on lab safety procedures.
• Empower and support junior team members to independently plan and design experiments. Continuously grow and encourage team members on scientific and critical thinking.

Minimum Requirements

• Degree in Stem Cell Biology, Chemical/Biochemical/Biomedical Engineering, Life Sciences, or related discipline.
• PhD with a minimum of 2-5 years of relevant industry work experience, or a BS with 8+ years of industry experience, or an MS with 6+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Strong fundamental knowledge and previous experience of medium development and mammalian cell culture (stem cell culture knowledge and experience is preferred) as well as knowledge of recent advances and challenges in the field.
• Experience on high throughput automation platforms for medium and process optimization, as well as DoE principled experimental design and execution.
• Strong fundamental knowledge and experience on bioreactors across scales.
• 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.

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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.