Process Chemistry Principal Scientist

Vertex Pharmaceuticals is seeking a highly experienced and motivated Principal Scientist to join the Vertex Manufacturing Center (VMC) Kilo Lab in a dual-capability role that is central to our drug substance development mission. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned pharmaceutical scientist with deep expertise in analytical and preparative chromatographic purification in both an R&D and cGMP environment- including large-scale preparative HPLC, supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC), Ion-pair reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography (IP-), ion exchange chromatography (AEX/CEX), and size exclusion chromatography (SEC).

This individual will play a pivotal role in jump starting Vertex's emerging kilo-scale cGMP purification capabilities and laboratory, contributing also to new therapeutic modalities with significant pipeline impact.

• Lead Preparative Chromatography Method Development Spearhead the development, optimization, and scale-up of preparative HPLC and SFC purification methods across all scales - from semi-preparative to kilogram for both R&D and cGMP- selecting appropriate chromatographic modes (RP, NP, IEX, SEC) based on compound class and impurity profile
• Execute & Troubleshoot Complex Purification Campaigns Lead hands-on execution of mass-directed and preparative purification campaigns for complex small molecule drug substances, troubleshooting challenging separations and developing creative, scientifically sound solutions
• Establish & Maintain Lab Infrastructure:
  Drive equipment procurement, column packing, system qualification, and ongoing maintenance of large-scale chromatography platforms; influence technology selection and lab infrastructure investments to build a world-class separations capability
• Perform Kilo-Lab Scale Synthesis:
  Ability to flex into multi-step synthesis of drug substance intermediates and APIs at gram-to-kilogram scale, including reactions in jacketed vessels and large-scale reactor systems, with full accountability for safety, quality, and yield
• Support Scale-Up & Process Chemistry
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Partner with Process Chemistry , Analytical DevelopmentD and project teams to implement and adapt synthetic routes for kilo-lab operations, performing workups, crystallizations, filtrations, and drying at scale, and interpreting analytical data (NMR, HPLC, MS) to drive process decisions
• Build Peptide and Oligonucleotide Purification Capability:
  Define the strategic roadmap and lead the implementation of kilogram oligonucleotide synthesis (solid-phase phosphoramidite chemistry) and purification platforms (IP-RP HPLC, AEX/CEX, ultrafiltration/diafiltration), including equipment procurement, qualification, and SOP establishment
• Mentor & Develop Scientific Staff:
  Provide hands-on mentorship, technical coaching, and structured training to junior scientists, associates, and technicians - equipping them to independently master preparative chromatography, separations techniques, and kilo-lab operations
• Author & Own GMP Documentation:
  Author, review, and approve SOPs, master batch records, validation protocols, purification reports, and technical documents in full compliance with cGMP standards and Vertex quality systems
• Lead Cross-Functional Technical Initiatives:
  Serve as the organizational SME for preparative purification and drug substance chemistry; lead cross-functional project teams and act as primary technical liaison with Analytical Development, Process Chemistry, Quality, and Manufacturing groups
• Ensure GMP Compliance, Quality & Safety:
  Ensure all lab operations adhere strictly to cGMP regulations, EHS standards, and Vertex quality requirements; maintain meticulous documentation (ELN, batch records, deviations,…