The posting
Job Description
General Summary
Vertex is looking for a lab-based Senior Scientific Associate, Media Development to expand high-throughput media development capabilities and accelerate optimization of stem cell-based cell therapy processes. The role executes high-throughput and Design of Experiments (DoE) media screening studies using 96-well plate, ambr15, ambr250, and other scalable platforms to evaluate how media components and culture conditions influence cell growth, pluripotency, differentiation, and process performance.
Working with scientists and cross-functional analytical partners, the successful candidate will combine high-throughput experimentation, data analytics, automation, and process analytical technologies (PAT) to identify key drivers of performance, understand interactions between media and process variables, and accelerate development of robust media formulations.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Executes high-throughput and DoE-based media screening studies using 96-well plate, ambr15, ambr250, and other scalable cell culture platforms
- Partners with scientists to execute multifactorial screens that evaluate main effects and interactions among media components, concentrations, and culture conditions
- Establishes and improves screening workflows to increase experimental throughput, consistency, and speed
- Applies statistical and data analytics approaches to large experimental datasets to identify key drivers, compare conditions, visualize trends, and support media optimization decisions
- Integrates cell culture, process, PAT, and analytical data with cross-functional partners to build process understanding and translate findings across experimental scales
- Implements automated and semi-automated workflows for liquid handling, sampling, cell counting, and sample processing to increase capacity and reduce manual intervention
- Operates and troubleshoots cell culture, bioreactor, automation, and analytical platforms to ensure reliable experimental execution
- Maintains high-quality experimental documentation and contributes to protocols, technical reports, data summaries, and standardized workflows
- Drives continuous improvement of experimental platforms and workflows to expand screening capability and accelerate media development timelines
Knowledge and Skills
- Strong hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture; experience with stem cell culture, pluripotency, or differentiation is preferred
- Experience with high-throughput or small-scale cell culture platforms; familiarity with 96-well plates, ambr15, ambr250, or comparable systems is preferred
- Working knowledge of DoE and multifactorial screening approaches, including interpretation of factor effects, interactions, and experimental variability
- Strong quantitative data analysis and visualization skills, with the ability to analyze large datasets and translate results into clear experimental conclusions
- Ability to integrate cell culture, process, PAT, and analytical data to identify relationships between media composition and cell performance
- Experience with laboratory automation and high-throughput workflows, including liquid handling, sampling, cell counting, or sample processing
- Familiarity with PAT and data-rich approaches for monitoring and understanding cell culture processes
- Ability to independently execute and troubleshoot complex experimental workflows across multiple scales
- Ability to identify workflow limitations and implement improvements that increase throughput, reproducibility, and efficiency
- Strong technical documentation, organization, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or a related scientific or engineering discipline
- Bachelor’s degree and 2+ years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree and 0–2 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Relevant experience in cell culture, bioprocess development, media development, high-throughput experimentation, or quantitative analysis of biological data
- Experience with DoE, stem cell culture, small-scale bioreactors, laboratory automation, PAT, or high-throughput screening is preferred
At Vertex, we embrace continuous learning and encourage employees to stay informed on advances in AI, technology, automation, and industry trends. We seek talent who bring an external perspective, demonstrate curiosity and sound judgment, and thoughtfully adopt new capabilities that improve decision-making, drive innovation, increase efficiency, and help deliver better outcomes for patients.
Pay Range:
$73,900 - $110,900
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.
#LI-Onsite
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]
