MSAT Principal Scientist, Biologics

Job Description

General Summary:

The Principal Scientist/Engineer, Manufacturing Science and Technology (MSAT) - Biologics & Cell Therapy is a key technical role within the Commercial Manufacturing and Technology Operations (CMTO) organization. This position supports latestage clinical and commercial programs across the Vertex Biopharmaceutical Sciences and Manufacturing Operations (BSMO) network, with a focus on manufacturing process support, lifecycle management, and technical execution for biologics.

Based at the Boston Seaport site, this role partners closely with cross‑functional internal teams and external manufacturing partners to ensure robust, compliant, and scalable manufacturing processes that enable reliable clinical and commercial supply to patients.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide MSAT support across biologics manufacturing processes , spanning development, technology transfer, validation, and commercial lifecycle management.
• Plan, prioritize, and execute MSAT deliverables by developing and managing timelines aligned with program milestones and supply requirements.
• Contribute as a technical team member on cross‑functional project teams, ensuring manufacturing readiness and alignment across development, manufacturing, quality, regulatory, and supply chain functions.
• Apply strong process understanding and datadriven decisionmaking to support manufacturing performance, troubleshoot process issues, and assess risks to supply.
• Author and review technical reports and process data summaries to support deviations, investigations, change controls, CAPAs, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support technology transfer activities between development, internal manufacturing sites, and external partners, ensuring effective knowledge transfer and process understanding.
• Serve as a technical interface with contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs) and external partners, supporting execution, issue resolution, and alignment to program objectives.
• Provide manufacturing process expertise to support regulatory submissions and respond to technical questions from global health authorities.
• Contribute to process validation, continued process verification (CPV), and ongoing process monitoring activities in support of commercial operations.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement , supporting initiatives to enhance process robustness, efficiency, and compliance.
• Work on site a minimum of 3 days per week; approximately 10% travel is expected.

Required Experience and Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Bachelor's degree in science or engineering (e.g., chemical engineering, biochemical engineering, biology, biotechnology) or equivalent; advanced degree preferred.
• Experience supporting latestage and/or commercial biologics products in a cGMP manufacturing environment.
• Broad understanding of manufacturing process development, scaleup, and lifecycle support for complex biological products.
• Working knowledge of cGMP regulations and guidance across major global health authorities (e.g., FDA, EMA).
• Experience with technology transfer, process validation, and process performance monitoring .
• Direct experience working with contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs) and/or external technical service providers.
• Experience supporting manufacturing quality systems , including deviations, investigations, change controls, and CAPAs.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to cross‑functional stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and exercise sound scientific and technical judgment.

Pay Range

$138,700 - $208,100

Disclosure Statement

The range provided is based on what we believe is a reasonable estimate for the base salary pay range for this job at the time of posting. This role is eligible for an annual bonus and annual equity awards. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. Actual base salary pay will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, and other job‑related factors permitted by law.

At Vertex, our Total Rewards offerings also include inclusive market‑leading benefits to meet our employees wherever they are in their career, financial, family and wellbeing journey while providing flexibility and resources to support their growth and aspirations. From medical, dental and vision benefits to generous paid time off (including a week‑long company shutdown in the Summer and the Winter), educational assistance programs including student loan repayment, a generous commuting subsidy, matching charitable donations, 401(k) and so much more.

Flex Designation

Hybrid-Eligible Or On-Site Eligible

Flex Eligibility Status

• Hybrid : work remotely up to two days per week; or select
• On-Site : 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-Hybrid

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 View email address on click.appcast.io.