Process Development Engineering Senior Scientific Associate

Job Description

General Summary:

Vertex is looking for a lab-based Process Development Engineering Senior Scientific Associate to support process-development studies and the continued expansion of high-throughput laboratory capabilities. This position provides reliable operational support for bench-scale and high-throughput bioreactor studies, including the ambr250 platform and perfusion systems, and will execute critical laboratory activities such as equipment setup, media preparation and exchange, sampling, harvest operations, sample handling, and cell-culture support.

The successful candidate will bring experience with mammalian and stem cell culture, bench-scale bioreactor operation, perfusion systems, and associated process-development workflows. The candidate will work closely with process development, engineering, and analytical partners to support current laboratory operations and help incorporate new tools and capabilities as they are introduced, including manual, automated, and semi-automated approaches for liquid handling, sample processing, and cell counting.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Supports the planning, execution, and documentation of process-development studies using bench-scale and high-throughput bioreactor platforms, including ambr250 systems and perfusion systems
• Performs mammalian and stem cell culture activities in support of process-development studies, applying strong aseptic technique and established laboratory practices
• Executes critical study activities, including equipment setup, media preparation and exchange, perfusion-system operation, sampling, harvest operations, sample handling, and cell counting
• Operates, maintains, cleans, and troubleshoots laboratory equipment, including bioreactors, perfusion systems, liquid-handling equipment, cell counters, and associated workflow systems
• Supports manual, automated, and semi-automated workflows for liquid handling, sample processing, cell counting, and data collection
• Establishes, follows, documents, and improves standard laboratory procedures and workflows to support consistent, reproducible study execution
• Supports equipment readiness through routine maintenance, calibration, consumable management, and pre-study setup activities
• Works closely with process development, engineering, and analytical teams to coordinate study activities, implement new tools and workflows, and ensure timely sample processing
• Identifies and addresses routine equipment, workflow, and study-execution issues through standard troubleshooting and escalation, as appropriate
• Prepares and maintains accurate study documentation, data records, and data summaries while ensuring data integrity
• Contributes to technical reports, protocols, and other supporting study documentation
• Participates in team discussions related to experimental design, study planning, workflow improvement, and issue resolution
• May participate in weekend work rotations, as required to support cell-culture and bioreactor operations

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture, including stem cell culture, and demonstrated excellence in aseptic technique
• Working knowledge of bench-scale bioreactor operation, perfusion systems, and high-throughput bioreactor workflows; experience with ambr250 or comparable systems preferred
• Experience with manual, automated, and semi-automated laboratory workflows, including liquid handling, sample processing, and cell counting
• Ability to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment and associated workflow systems
• Strong attention to detail and ability to execute complex laboratory procedures accurately and consistently
• Strong organizational, technical documentation, and data-recording skills
• Ability to identify workflow inefficiencies, recognize sources of operational variability, and contribute practical improvement ideas
• Effective communication of technical and scientific information within and across multidisciplinary teams
• Ability to work collaboratively with process development, engineering, and analytical partners in a fast-paced laboratory environment
• Ability to prioritize time-sensitive activities while maintaining high standards for quality, safety, and data integrity

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biotechnology, or a related scientific or engineering discipline is required
• Bachelor's degree and 2+ years of experience or a Master's degree and 0-2 years of experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience
• Relevant experience should include mammalian cell culture and aseptic laboratory practices
• Experience with bench-scale bioreactors, perfusion systems, high-throughput bioreactors, laboratory automation, and process-development workflows is preferred

At Vertex, we embrace continuous learning and encourage employees to stay informed on advances in AI, technology, automation, and industry trends. We seek talent who bring an external perspective, demonstrate curiosity and sound judgment, and thoughtfully adopt new capabilities that improve decision-making, drive innovation, increase efficiency, and help deliver better outcomes for patients.

Pay Range:

$73,900 - $110,900

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