Analytical Principal Research Scientist

Vertex Inc. • Boston, MA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Vertex Pharmaceuticals is seeking a highly motivated and dynamic Principal Research Scientist to join our Dissolution Team within the Formulation Development Department. This role offers a unique opportunity for a driven individual to contribute to the advancement of our scientific capabilities while growing into a leader within the team. The ideal candidate will possess a strong scientific foundation, a passion for learning, and the ability to lead with a sense of urgency and purpose. As a key member of the Dissolution Team, this individual will play a pivotal role in supporting our drug development efforts, driving innovation, and fostering a collaborative and high-performing team culture. While prior experience in dissolution is beneficial, we are seeking a candidate who demonstrates exceptional leadership potential, a commitment to continuous learning, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to develop solutions to complex problems with creativity and innovation
• Proven teamwork, leadership and collaboration skills, with a demonstrated ability to interact with and influence diverse audiences
• Excellent teamwork, verbal and written communication skills
• Ph.D. degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Pharmaceutical Chemistry and 4-7 years experience, or Master’s and 7+ years experience, or Bachelor’s and 10+ years experience
• Demonstrated ability to learn and apply new scientific concepts and techniques
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to foster collaboration and build relationships across teams
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and inspire team members, with a desire to grow into a managerial role
• A passion for innovation, problem-solving, and driving results in a fast-paced environment

Responsibilities

• Lead by example, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence within the Dissolution Team
• Mentor and guide team members, supporting their professional growth and development
• Actively contribute to creating a positive, inclusive, and high-performing team environment that aligns with Vertex’s core values
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, execute, and interpret dissolution studies to support formulation development and regulatory submissions
• Justification of clinically relevant dissolution method parameters and specifications
• Understanding of key analytical deliverables for late-stage programs including method development, validation, specification setting, stability, release testing and analytical strategies to bring these individual items together collectively for a fast-paced program
• Authoring dissolution sections for regulatory submissions
• Designing validation protocols that are in compliance with ICH and FDA guidelines
• Identifying critical factors/parameters that may not be mandated by guidelines but are essential for developing a robust method and validating it for its intended use
• Approach challenges with a solution-oriented mindset, leveraging critical thinking and scientific expertise to address complex problems
• Engage in constructive debates and discussions to drive data-driven decision-making and achieve optimal outcomes
• Stay abreast of emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in dissolution science and analytical chemistry
• Proactively seek opportunities for professional development and apply new knowledge to enhance team capabilities
• Demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning and personal growth, with a focus on developing leadership skills
• Work with a sense of urgency to meet project timelines and deliver high-quality results
• Ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines and company policies in all aspects of dissolution testing and reporting
• Contribute to the development and implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and best practices

Benefits

• 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.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree