Analytical and Purification Senior Research Scientist

Job Description

General Summary:

We are seeking an Analytical and Purification Chemistry Senior Research Scientist to support discovery programs through the development and execution of analytical and purification strategies. This role requires deep expertise in separation science, with a particular focus on chiral purification using analytical and preparative supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC).

The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering high-quality purified compounds and analytical data to cross-functional teams, enabling rapid progression of discovery programs. This position is intended for a scientist who can operate with a high degree of technical independence and serve as a subject matter expert in chiral purification and SFC-based separation science.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead purification support for drug discovery programs using analytical/preparative HPLC and SFC
• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot chiral and achiral purification methods, with strong emphasis on enantioseparation using SFC
• Design and execute screening strategies, including column selection and mobile phase optimization, to identify robust separation conditions
• Evaluate crude reaction mixtures and determine fit-for-purpose purification strategies for complex compounds and stereoisomeric mixtures
• Deliver purified compounds and analytical data to project teams in support of medicinal chemistry timelines and decision-making
• Interpret analytical data related to compound identity, chemical purity, and chiral purity
• Partner closely with medicinal chemists and cross-functional teams to address project needs
• Serve as a technical expert in chiral chromatography and SFC-based purification workflows
• Maintain, operate, and troubleshoot analytical and preparative purification instrumentation
• Document experimental work, methods, and results clearly and accurately in appropriate laboratory systems
• Contribute to continuous improvement of purification workflows, analytical methods, and laboratory operations
• Mentor junior scientists and share technical expertise across the team

Qualifications:

• Experience supporting medicinal chemistry or small-molecule drug discovery programs
• Familiarity with a broad range of chiral stationary phases, mobile phase modifiers, and SFC screening strategies
• Experience resolving complex stereochemical separations, including diastereomers and atropisomers
• Experience with the analysis and purification of new modalities, including peptides, oligonulceotides, and lipids
• Experience mentoring junior scientists or leading technical initiatives

Education and Experience:

• PhD in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline with 3–6 years of relevant industry experience; or
• MS in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline with 8–10 years of relevant industry experience; or
• BS in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline with 10–12 years of relevant industry experience

Pay Range:

$124,000 - $186,000

Disclosure Statement:

Flex Designation:

On-Site Designated

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 at ApplicationAssistance@vrtx.com