Principal Research Scientist, Lipid Chemistry

Job Description

General Summary:

The Principal Research Scientist, Lipid Chemist for Non-Viral Delivery, is self-reliant with a strong record of accomplishments, independently identifying and solving tough problems, repeatedly, across a number of critical and diverse projects. The Principal Research Scientist innovates proficiently and generates insights that influence research strategies. Responsibilities will include the design and synthesis of lipids within a project. Demonstrates resourcefulness in running multiple activities concurrently, all related to achievement of goals/objectives. Adapts to new projects rapidly and to multiple projects effectively ensuring alignment with corporate goals. The Principal Research Scientist is regarded as an emerging expert in a field of research, providing reliable, valuable advice to other research project teams and exhibits an ability to make significant conceptual contributions.

Key Duties And Responsibilities

• Design, synthesize and characterize novel lipids and lipid libraries with therapeutically relevant properties for LNP-mediated gene delivery.
• Designs and performs sophisticated, technically challenging chemistry experiments, efficiently and independently.
• Distills complicated, multidimensional data to clear hypotheses and sets new experimental directions.
• Work closely with CRO collaborations to enhance and accelerate lipid library construction, synthesis, analysis, and/or manufacturing.
• Identifies broad implications to findings, which transcend the immediate experiment.
• Design, synthesize and characterize unique conjugation handles for targeted gene delivery.
• Makes substantive conceptual contributions to project activities and scientific strategies.
• Maintain clear and complete ELN-based experimental records.
• Present and share results with the broader team of scientists and cross-functional meetings.
• Coordinates patent and publication preparation.

Knowledge And Skills

• Demonstrates advanced judgement balancing technical feasibility and scientific opportunity/impact.
• A strong track record of developing medicinal chemistry-based approaches to design and synthesize novel lipid libraries.
• Demonstrated exemplary skills in all aspects of modern organic and medicinal chemistry, including data analysis, parallel library design and synthesis, structure-based design, and analytical and purification methods.
• Well oriented with lipid, LNP and non-viral gene delivery related literature and progress.
• Discerns new, productive paths in experiments with greater regularity.
• Well versed with different bioconjugation strategies and optimizations thereof for proteins/peptides, antibodies, lipids, LNPs, oligonucleotides and other biomolecules.
• Extensive experience implementing routine and advanced analytical methods to characterize structures and purities of synthetic compounds, including but not limited to HPLC-CAD, LC/MS, NMR.
• In-depth experience in various purification techniques including various liquid chromatography methods (e.g., RP, IEX, SEC, HIC, affinity, FPLC) and membrane filtrations.
• A superior communicator, demonstrating the ability to write advanced technical documents and demonstrating confidence and versatility in presenting verbally to diverse audiences.

Education And Experience

• PhD (or equivalent degree) in chemistry or related science and 4-7 years of relevant post-doctoral employment experience, or
• Master’s degree (or equivalent degree) in chemistry or related science and 7+ years of relevant employment experience, or
• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent degree) in chemistry or related science and 10+ yr relevant employment experience.

Pay Range

$120,000 - $180,000

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

On-Site Designated

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.

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 [email protected]