Associate Director, Engineering and Materials Science

Vertex Inc.•Boston, MA

5d•$169,600 - $254,400•Onsite

About The Position

Vertex is seeking a talented individual to join the Engineering and Materials Science (EMS) department in Boston, MA. The successful candidate will be productive, results-oriented, and able to lead a diverse team of engineers and scientists to contribute to the successful development and scale-up of drug substance processes. Excellent interpersonal and organization skills as well as a high level of technical aptitude and creativity are required for success in this position.

Requirements

Experience coaching/mentoring junior-level scientists
Knowledge of standard unit operations encountered in small molecule and/or Oligonucleotide drug substance process development inclusive of particle engineering, reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and transport fundamentals
Ability to identify and solve complex process development and/or scale up problems
Application of modeling to complex, physicochemical systems, data analysis, and statistical design of experiments
Experience with process development and problem solving in a matrix environment
Strong communication skills and the ability to influence both stakeholders and team members
BS Degree with 11+ MS Degree with 9+ or PhD with 6+ years experience in Chemical Engineering or a closely related field with relevant pharmaceutical experience

Responsibilities

Responsible for leading and developing a cross-functional team of engineers and scientists in defining, developing, and demonstrating viable, multi-step syntheses for the robust manufacture of small-molecule or oligonucleotide active pharmaceutical ingredients, spanning all phases of clinical development through to commercialization and launch
Lead drug substance process development efforts and apply sound scientific judgement to drive multiple assets in a fast-paced environment via laboratory development, modeling, drug supply preparation, and technology transfer to third party manufacturing facilities
Collaborate with materials development, process chemistry, analytical development, and formulation groups to improve the overall development paradigm for definition and optimization of drug substance properties and performance across the clinical development spectrum.
Key member of the cross-functional modeling Community of Excellence to promote the adoption of process modeling within the department and more broadly across Pharmaceutical Sciences (PS).
Potentially act as the EMS lead for a project
Maintain a strong external presence and promote innovation.
Be vested in developing team members and technically mentoring junior-level scientists.
As a member of the EMS leadership team, influence the delivery of technical excellence and the department strategy. Potentially lead an EMS or PS strategic initiative
Use excellent communication and interpersonal skills to influence stakeholders and interact, lead, and collaborate within an interdisciplinary team comprised of chemical engineers, organic, physical, and analytical chemists, materials and solid-state scientists, and formulation development personnel