Process Development Engineering Senior Scientific Associate

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.

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