Material Science Senior Scientist

Job Description

General Summary:

This role will support Vertex's drug development programs by applying a deeper understanding of various relationships between materials properties, pharmaceutical processing conditions, and final product performance and quality attributes. The role will have a proven track record of applying in-depth conceptual knowledge of materials science and engineering principles to materials and improved process understanding, along with in-depth knowledge of one or more relevant areas of solid state or engineering expertise, with a strong understanding of structure-property relationships.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design, validate, and implement advanced characterization techniques and predictive models which connect material properties, pharmaceutical processing conditions, and final product performance in the interest of scaling down process development and streamlining formulation design.
• Design experiments to discover and characterize all aspects of solid form discovery and development (stable form ID, polymorphism, salts, co-crystals, amorphous, etc) for drug substances, starting materials, and intermediates.
• Develop a broader understanding of physiochemical and biopharmaceutical properties of drug substances and design and conduct in vitro and/or in vivo studies that assist in drug discovery and formulation development.
• Develop a broader understanding of solid form risk analysis, as it pertains to drug development.
• Explores the application of novel scientific and engineering approaches to problem solving
• Contributions to project activities and scientific strategies
• Provides technical recommendations within own projects and assisting other projects
• Collates and interprets data systematically, and compiles results into clear conclusions or recommendations to guide project decisions.
• Extends impact cross-functionally and may participate in cross-functional teams
• Searches for opportunities to broaden impact within Engineering and Materials Sciences (EMS) and the Pharmaceutical Sciences Department
• Contribute to the Intellectual Property surrounding physical form discovery

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong experimental design, data reporting and analysis
• Demonstrates advanced understanding of solid-state analytical techniques (XRPD, ssNMR, TGA, DSC, DVS, IR, Raman, etc.)
• Proven productivity and experimental creativity
• Ability to identify materials and engineering issues independently
• Strong experience in materials/solids state science and principles
• Strong track record combining structural analysis with predicted properties and/or risk.
• Ability to function effectively within a dynamic cross-functional environment
• Track record of successful implementations of innovation solutions
• Ability to plan and manage external CROs
• A superior communicator, demonstrating the ability to write advanced technical documents and demonstrating confidence and versatility in presenting verbally to diverse audiences
• Any combination of experience with crystal structure analysis, solution, or small molecule X-ray Crystallography.

Education and Experience:

• PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related Materials Science/Chemistry discipline with 2-5 years of experience (or Master's with 5+ years or Bachelor's with 7+ years)

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Flex Designation:

Flex Eligibility Status:

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 at ApplicationAssistance@vrtx.com