Formulation Senior Research Associate

Vertex Inc. • Boston, MA

1d • $74,000 - $111,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Formulation Senior Research Associate works with other scientists to advance drug candidates from exploratory development through commercial line extension in a Quality by Design (QbD) environment. The role uses laboratory-based and computational tools to develop solid dosage forms for clinical and commercial use, generate data for project progression and regulatory filings, and conduct optimization and scale-up studies.

The position involves planning and performing laboratory experiments with minimal supervision, interpreting data, documenting results, carrying out basic statistical analyses, troubleshooting routine issues, and contributing to technical transfers and regulatory documentation. The role also requires compliance with relevant safety and GMP procedures.

This is an on-site designated position, working five days per week on-site with ad hoc flexibility. The position offers a base salary range of $74,000–$111,000 and is eligible for an annual bonus and annual equity awards. Vertex describes its total rewards offerings as including medical, dental, and vision benefits; paid time off, including a week-long summer and winter company shutdown; educational assistance programs, including student loan repayment; a commuting subsidy; matching charitable donations; and a 401(k).

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, chemical engineering, materials sciences, or a related field and four years of experience in life sciences, engineering, or academia; alternatively, a master’s degree in one of these fields and 0–2 years of such experience.
• Sound technical knowledge of pharmaceutical and engineering principles for solid dosage form development at clinical and commercial scales.
• Hands-on experience with formulation techniques, processing equipment, and unit operations at laboratory and clinical manufacturing scales.
• Strong mathematics skills, particularly for material and energy balances.
• Intermediate applied statistical analysis skills.
• Strong technical writing skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to multitask efficiently and work on several projects concurrently.
• Attention to detail.
• Strong background in oral solid form development and a good understanding of material properties.

Nice To Haves

• Direct experience working with CMOs.
• Understanding of QbD and experience with regulatory filings.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to developing solid dosage forms for clinical and commercial use.
• Generate data for project progression and regulatory filings.
• Conduct activities for formulation optimization and scale-up studies.
• Help execute and interpret laboratory experiments with minimal supervision to meet project timelines.
• Maintain accurate and complete laboratory notebooks documenting protocols, results, and observations.
• Interpret data and form sound conclusions.
• Document integrated experimental outcomes in presentations and research reports in a timely manner.
• Perform basic statistical analyses of experimental data.
• Assist with technical transfer to CMO partners for clinical trial manufacture.
• Initiate troubleshooting of routine experimental problems with minimal supervision.
• Contribute to drafting regulatory filing documentation.
• Comply with relevant safety and GMP procedures.

Benefits

• Annual bonus eligibility.
• Annual equity awards.
• 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.
• Commuting subsidy.
• Matching charitable donations.
• 401(k).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior