Scientific Senior Specialist, Cell Therapy

Job Description

Vertex is looking for a talented individual to join our team as a scientific specialist contractor in Cell Therapy Core & process development team. In this key role, you’ll lead the development and production of high-quality media and cell therapy products, to support our Cell and Gene Therapy projects. As a senior contractor, you’ll be crucial in our process development, setting schedules, and maintaining production operations, schedules.

This role will focus on process development, drug substance material generation and supervising operations for media, factors, reagents.

Our Process Development group is dynamic and fast-paced, ideal for those who excel in energetic environments. We’re seeking an expert in Stem cells Upstream processing or related fields, with a strong background in technical operations.

• Perform stem cell therapy process development and drug substance (DS) production activities, including DS/DP characterization, process investigations, and manufacturing support
• Execute stem cell therapy experiments, including routine cell passaging, bioreactor-based cell expansion, and harvest, formulation operations
• Design and execute experiments to optimize media components, supplements, and overall cell culture performance
• Evaluate and implement new technologies to advance cell therapy development capabilities

• Oversee and execute the preparation of cell culture media, growth factors, reagents, and buffers for large-scale operations
• Manage kitting activities and inventory control for critical raw materials
• Develop and optimize standard operating procedures (SOPs) and protocols for media and solution preparations, ensuring high quality and compliance with cGxP standards
• Troubleshoot technical issues in media preparation processes and ensure operational efficiency

• Collaborate with Analytical Development (AD) and Process Development (PD) teams to ensure seamless production operations and technical alignment, maintain request and tracking system (e.g. Smartsheet)
• Support PD, AD activities through process optimization and technical troubleshooting and knowledge sharing

• Strong knowledge and hands-on experience in media development and cell culture (stem cell culture experience preferred).
• Proficiency in analytical tools (e.g., spent media analysis, omics), aseptic techniques bioreactor operations.
• Excellent operational excellence, organizational, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities.
• Availability for weekend work to support stem cell culture activities as needed.

Bachelors/ MS in Chemistry/ Chemical Engineering or related discipline with 4+ years of industry experience; an MS with 2+ years of industry experience

Contract Length: 12 months with the chance to extend.

$45.00 - $55.00/hr

Monday - Friday; weekend availability required