Analytical Chemistry Principal Research Associate
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, San Diego, CA, Onsite
Research DevelopmentBachelor RequiredSenior
About the role
Job Description
Vertex is seeking an on-site Principal Research Associate, Analytical Chemistry to support medicinal chemistry programs through small molecule purification, analytical characterization, property assays and workflow optimization. This role will focus on HPLC and SFC purification, with a strong emphasis on SFC expertise, to help deliver high-quality compounds and data that enable rapid discovery efforts.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
- Purify small molecules using HPLC and SFC in support of medicinal chemistry programs.
- Develop and optimize SFC purification methods, including chiral and achiral separations.
- Perform analytical testing to confirm purity, identity, and quality of compounds.
- Run small molecule property assays such as solubility, lipophilicity, and stability assessments.
- Partner closely with medicinal chemists to support project timelines and compound delivery needs.
- Troubleshoot purification and assay issues and help improve lab workflows.
- Maintain accurate records and clearly communicate results to project teams.
- Support routine operation and maintenance of chromatography instruments.
Knowledge and Skills:
- Small molecule purification and characterization
- Laboratory data systems and electronic lab notebooks
- Familiarity with discovery informatics or compound tracking systems
- Experience with software development, scripting, or coding
- Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage priorities, and drive technical work with limited oversight
Education and Experience:
- Requires a Master's and 2+ years, or a Bachelor's and 5+ years of experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience
- Experience supporting small molecule discovery or medicinal chemistry programs
- Strong hands-on experience with HPLC and/or SFC purification
- Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills
About Vertex Pharmaceuticals
Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people with serious diseases and has made significant advancements in cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia, and acute pain — and continues to progress clinical and research programs in these diseases. We also have a robust clinical pipeline of investigational therapies across a range of modalities in other serious diseases where we have deep insight into causal human biology, including acute and neuropathic pain, APOL1-mediated kidney disease, IgA nephropathy, autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, type 1 diabetes and myotonic dystrophy type 1. Our global headquarters is in Boston, and we have research and development (R&D) sites and commercial offices worldwide. Vertex is consistently recognized as one of the industry’s top places to work by Science Magazine, The Boston Globe, Boston Business Journal and the San Diego Business Journal. We have also earned a spot on TIME Most Influential Companies, TIME Best Inventions, and Fast Company Most Innovative Companies lists. Our research and medicines have received esteemed recognitions, including the Robert J. Beall Therapeutics Development Award, the Prix Galien, the Scrip Award and the Breakthrough Prize awards. Read our community guidelines: https://www.vrtx.com/vertexs-community-guidelines/