Analytical Development Principal Scientist, Microbiology & Viral Safety

Location: Boston, MA; on-site five days per week

Salary: $140,800–$211,200 per year, plus annual bonus and equity awards

Company

Vertex is a global biotechnology company focused on scientific innovation and the development of products for patients.

What you will do

• Provide strategic and technical leadership for microbiology and viral safety assays across cell and gene therapy and biologics programs.
• Lead the development, qualification, validation, transfer, implementation, and lifecycle management of microbiological and viral safety methods.
• Guide cross-functional teams on microbiological and virological risk assessment, assay selection, testing strategies, investigations, and process changes.
• Author and review technical dossiers, validation plans, protocols, reports, and scientific justifications for regulatory submissions and inspections.
• Drive rapid and alternative microbiological method development with internal stakeholders and external testing laboratories.
• Lead hands-on wet-lab development activities and represent the organization in scientific forums, consortia, and collaborative initiatives.

Requirements

• Advanced degree in Microbiology, Virology, Biological Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field; PhD preferred, with significant-experience MS candidates considered.
• PhD with 4+ years, Master's with 7+ years, or Bachelor's with 10+ years of relevant experience.
• Significant industry experience in assay development, qualification, validation, transfer, and lifecycle management.
• Strong expertise in microbiology, virology, adventitious agent safety, regulatory expectations, and GMP manufacturing support.
• Experience supporting regulatory submissions, inspections, health authority interactions, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Ability to work on-site in Boston, MA five days per week.

Nice to have

• Experience in cell and gene therapy, biologics, or advanced therapy medicinal products.
• Familiarity with rapid and alternative microbiological methods and implementation strategies.
• Participation in industry working groups, scientific forums, or consortia.

Culture & Benefits

• Continuous learning and support for adopting advances in AI, technology, automation, and industry practices.
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits with paid time off and company shutdowns in summer and winter.
• Educational assistance programs, including student loan repayment.
• Commuting subsidy, charitable donation matching, and 401(k).
• On-site work with ad hoc flexibility under the Flex @ Vertex program.