NMR Structure Elucidation, Principal Scientist

Job Description

General Summary:

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated is searching for a talented Spectroscopist at the Principal Scientist level with experience in all aspects of small molecule structure elucidation, laboratory and equipment management. The successful candidate has demonstrated practice as a spectroscopist in an industrial or academic environment and a track record of scientific and/or professional contributions. This role as an expert within the department will champion all aspects of NMR spectroscopy and structure elucidation and bis considered to be an expert resource to other areas of pharmaceutical sciences. It requires the candidate to be able to independently develop and execute new NMR experiments, develop and communicate new areas for the application of spectroscopic techniques and manage all aspects of the structure elucidation of small molecules. This requires efficient collaboration across functional areas and communication of sensitive results as well as to train, mentor and support staff in conducting NMR experiments.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform all aspects for the proof-of-structure of API, intermediates and reference standards as well as the isolation and structure elucidation of process impurities and degradation products. This includes NMR, HRMS, VCD, optical rotation, UV-VIS, VCD IR and isolation of impurities by prep HPLC
• Lab Management of a variety of equipment including two NMR spectrometers including cryogen fills, train staff as needed in maintenance procedures.
• Mentor and support pharmaceutical sciences staff with the execution of NMR experiments such as qNMR and 1 and 2D identification experiments
• Support ongoing API process development with NMR, general structure identification and process monitoring.
• Support manufacturing investigations with expert spectroscopy knowledge.
• Further develop and improve internal methods, experimental capabilities and spectral data analysis, including: automated NMR assignments and reporting, NMR database and data integration, relative and absolute stereochemistry determination with spectroscopic and computational techniques
• Collaborate and coordinate with the broader Vertex NMR community to identify relevant scientific or technical trends and propose implementation options
• Generate and test hypotheses to pursue scientific goals in a timely manner.
• Document experimental results and procedures in accordance with existing standard operating procedures, develop best practices and technical guidance.
• Authors reports and relevant sections in regulatory documents.

Knowledge and Skills:

• A solid foundation of theory and application of all aspects of small molecule structure elucidation including solution NMR and vibrational spectroscopy, HRMS and preparatory HPLC
• Experience with other NMR spectroscopic techniques such as solid-state NMR, relaxometry or biomolecular NMR is a benefit.
• Expertise with other spectroscopic, analytic techniques or computational approaches such as mass spectrometry, HPLC, vibrational spectroscopy, automated NMR spectral data analysis, automated structure elucidation approaches or ab-initio calculation of spectroscopic properties
• Ability to translate small molecule spectroscopic expertise to related large molecules and new modalities. Alternatively, experience with biophysical and structural characterization of peptide and oligonucletides.
• Familiarity with working in a GxP regulated environment and understanding of USP, ICH, QbD and FDA guidelines
• Ability to solve complex analytical problems.
• Ability to develop strong partnerships/relationships across functional areas.
• Exceptional written and oral communication including the ability to report complex experimental results and to disseminate ideas and proposals across disciplines.
• Demonstrated self-motivator

Education and Experience:

• PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Physical/Analytical Chemistry, Material Science or related field and minimum of 4-7 years' experience in Pharmaceutical or related field in academia
• Equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.

Flex Designation:

Flex Eligibility Status:

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 ApplicationAssistance@vrtx.com