Associate Director, Engineering and Materials Science

Job Description

General Summary:

Vertex is seeking a talented individual to join the Engineering and Materials Science (EMS) department in Boston, MA.  The successful candidate will be productive, results-oriented, and able to lead a diverse team of engineers and scientists to contribute to the successful development and scale-up of drug substance processes.  Excellent interpersonal and organization skills as well as a high level of technical aptitude and creativity are required for success in this position.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for leading and developing a cross-functional team of engineers and scientists in defining, developing, and demonstrating viable, multi-step syntheses for the robust manufacture of small-molecule or oligonucleotide active pharmaceutical ingredients, spanning all phases of clinical development through to commercialization and launch
• Lead drug substance process development efforts and apply sound scientific judgement to drive multiple assets in a fast-paced environment via laboratory development, modeling, drug supply preparation, and technology transfer to third party manufacturing facilities
• Collaborate with materials development, process chemistry, analytical development, and formulation groups to improve the overall development paradigm for definition and optimization of drug substance properties and performance across the clinical development spectrum.
• Key member of the cross-functional modeling Community of Excellence to promote the adoption of process modeling within the department and more broadly across Pharmaceutical Sciences (PS).    
• Potentially act as the EMS lead for a project
• Maintain a strong external presence and promote innovation. 
• Be vested in developing team members and technically mentoring junior-level scientists.
• As a member of the EMS leadership team, influence the delivery of technical excellence and the department strategy.  Potentially lead an EMS or PS strategic initiative
• Use excellent communication and interpersonal skills to influence stakeholders and interact, lead, and collaborate within an interdisciplinary team comprised of chemical engineers, organic, physical, and analytical chemists, materials and solid-state scientists, and formulation development personnel

Knowledge and Skills:

• Experience coaching/mentoring junior-level scientists
• Knowledge of standard unit operations encountered in small molecule and/or Oligonucleotide drug substance process development inclusive of particle engineering, reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and transport fundamentals
• Ability to identify and solve complex process development and/or scale up problems
• Application of modeling to complex, physicochemical systems, data analysis, and statistical design of experiments
• Experience with process development and problem solving in a matrix environment
• Strong communication skills and the ability to influence both stakeholders and team members

Education and Experience:

• BS Degree with 11+ MS Degree with 9+ or PhD with 6+ years experience in Chemical Engineering or a closely related field with relevant pharmaceutical experience

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:

Disclosure Statement:

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 at ApplicationAssistance@vrtx.com