Discovery Process Chemistry Scale-Up Research Scientist
Vertex Pharmaceuticals
June 27, 2026
On-site
San Diego, CA
Other
The Discovery Process Chemistry Research Scientist (On-Site, San Diego) will synthesize compounds for biological evaluation on multigram to hundreds-of-grams scales, performing troubleshooting and synthetic route development.
Responsibilities:
- Design and execute experimental synthetic work for 10s–100s grams scale delivery to internal customers.
- Independently develop and optimize processes; deliver material personally.
- Collaborate within the Scale-up group to solve problems, share knowledge, and enable rapid delivery.
- Collate/interpret complex data and provide conclusions/recommendations to guide projects.
- Prioritize studies based on feasibility and project impact.
- Perform advanced/complex experimental troubleshooting.
- Review scientific literature and incorporate new insights.
- Identify and introduce relevant emerging technologies.
- Validate novel experimental approaches/technologies to achieve project goals.
- Contribute to patent and/or publication preparation.
- Prepare and present study materials and experimental conclusions.
Knowledge/Skills:
- Large-scale synthetic lab experience delivering complex organic compounds.
- Flexible with comfort working across scales; experience using ≥ 5L glassware.
- Strong interpersonal skills/team player.
- Some process safety/hazard assessment experience.
- Very strong synthetic chemistry knowledge and mechanistic understanding.
Education/Experience:
- PhD/post-doc (0–3 years) or equivalent industrial experience.
- BS with 6+ years; MS with 3 years.
Pay Range: $104,000–$156,000. Eligible for annual bonus and annual equity awards.
Responsibilities:
- Design and execute experimental synthetic work for 10s–100s grams scale delivery to internal customers.
- Independently develop and optimize processes; deliver material personally.
- Collaborate within the Scale-up group to solve problems, share knowledge, and enable rapid delivery.
- Collate/interpret complex data and provide conclusions/recommendations to guide projects.
- Prioritize studies based on feasibility and project impact.
- Perform advanced/complex experimental troubleshooting.
- Review scientific literature and incorporate new insights.
- Identify and introduce relevant emerging technologies.
- Validate novel experimental approaches/technologies to achieve project goals.
- Contribute to patent and/or publication preparation.
- Prepare and present study materials and experimental conclusions.
Knowledge/Skills:
- Large-scale synthetic lab experience delivering complex organic compounds.
- Flexible with comfort working across scales; experience using ≥ 5L glassware.
- Strong interpersonal skills/team player.
- Some process safety/hazard assessment experience.
- Very strong synthetic chemistry knowledge and mechanistic understanding.
Education/Experience:
- PhD/post-doc (0–3 years) or equivalent industrial experience.
- BS with 6+ years; MS with 3 years.
Pay Range: $104,000–$156,000. Eligible for annual bonus and annual equity awards.