Process Development Engineering, Scientist, Media Development

Job Description

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people living with serious diseases, with a focus on specialty markets. We invest in diseases where there is a significant unmet need and we can have a transformative impact for patients, not just an incremental benefit. We invest the majority of our resources in research and development (R&D) to discover new medicines, because we believe the true value in our industry is unleashed through scientific innovation. 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 and type 1 diabetes. Our Cell and Genetic Therapies (CGT) teams 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.

Vertex is seeking a talented individual to join our Process Development team. The focus of this position is to contribute to the innovative stem cell culture medium development and optimization for cell and gene therapy applications. This position will collaborate with cross functional teams to advance media optimizations, with impactful deliverables on enabling large scale process and cost of goods reduction for cell therapy at clinical and commercial scale manufacturing, as well as process robustness improvement through fundamental process understanding. The ideal candidate has experience and understanding in media development and optimization, raw material sourcing and process variation, fundamental cell culture processing, working knowledge of "omics", PAT tools, perfusion technology, as well as high throughput automatic cell culture platforms. The position will be based in Boston, MA.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the design, execution, and analysis of experiments to evaluate new medium components and supplements, assessing their impact on cell culture performance.

• Contribute to the development of robust and cost-effective cell culture media for commercial scale manufacturing

• Troubleshoot complex raw material sourcing and develop robust control challenges.

• Characterize and continuously optimize stem cell culture process and medium using advanced analytical tools including spent media analysis and omics.

• Identify new technology initiatives to further optimize stem cell culture processes and media.

• Author and review technical reports, regulatory filings, source documents, patents and external publications.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, aligning project goals, sharing results, and fostering a collaborative working environment.

• Ensure data integrity through timely completion of phase-appropriate documentation, including electronic notebook systems, development protocols, and technical reports to support technology transfers and regulatory filings.

• Ensure compliance with lab safety procedures.

• Mentor junior team members and lead by example, working closely with the team to conduct hands-on experiments in the lab.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong fundamental knowledge in cell culture metabolism and biological pathways.

• Strong knowledge and experience of raw material control and sourcing considerations.

• Knowledge and experience with statistical principles and design of experiments (DOE).

• Working knowledge of cGMP is preferred.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to handle multiple tasks while meeting timelines and adapt to changing priorities.

• Excellent organizational skills and high attention to detail.

Education and Experience:

• Degree in relevant engineering or scientific discipline (e.g., chemical or biochemical engineering, natural or life sciences): PhD with 0-3 years of relevant industry work experience, MS with 4+ years of relevant industry experience or a BS with 6+ years of industry experience.

• Working experience in cell culture medium development (stem cell culture experience is preferred).

• Working knowledge and hands-on experience of cell culture process development, perfusion process development, and bioreactors across scales. Experience with high throughput and automated cell culture platforms is highly preferred.

• Available to participate in weekend work rotation with the broader team.

• Authorized to legally work in the US.

Pay Range:

Disclosure Statement:

The range provided is based on what we believe is a reasonable estimate for the base salary pay range for this job at the time of posting. 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. Actual base salary pay will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, and other job-related factors permitted by law.

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.

Flex Designation:

Flex Eligibility Status:

In this On-Site designated role, you will work five days per week on-site with ad hoc flexibility.  

Note: The Flex status for this position is subject to Vertex's Policy on Flex @ Vertex Program and may be changed at any time.

#LI-Onsite

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