Formulation Senior Research Associate

Vertex Pharmaceuticals • Boston, MA

1d • 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, using laboratory-based and computational tools. The role contributes to developing solid dosage forms for clinical and commercial use, generating data for project progression and regulatory filings, and conducting optimization and scale-up studies.

The position includes executing and interpreting laboratory experiments with minimal supervision, documenting protocols, results, observations, and integrated outcomes, and interpreting data to form conclusions. It also supports technical transfer to contract manufacturing organization (CMO) partners, regulatory documentation, and compliance with relevant safety and GMP procedures.

The role is designated on-site, with work expected on-site five days per week and ad hoc flexibility. The position is eligible for an annual bonus and annual equity awards; some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay. The stated base salary range is $74,000–$111,000.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, chemical engineering, materials sciences, or a related field, with four years of experience in life sciences, engineering, or academia; or a master’s degree in one of these fields with 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 math skills, particularly in material and energy balances.
• Intermediate applied statistical analysis skills.
• Strong technical writing skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to multitask efficiently across a few projects concurrently.
• Detail-oriented approach.
• 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 development of solid dosage forms for clinical and commercial use.
• Generate data for project progression and regulatory filings.
• Conduct optimization and scale-up studies.
• 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 analysis of experimental data.
• Assist with technical transfer to CMO partners for clinical trial manufacturing.
• 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 and 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).
• Overtime pay may be available for some roles, in accordance with federal and state requirements.

What This Job Offers

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