Principal Research Associate - Analytical Chemistry

3d3 days ago

Vertex

San Diego, US · Full-time · $90,000 – $130,000

About this role

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.

Day-to-day, you will purify small molecules using HPLC and SFC, develop and optimize SFC purification methods including chiral and achiral separations, and perform analytical testing to confirm purity, identity, and quality of compounds. You will also run small molecule property assays such as solubility, lipophilicity, and stability assessments.

You will partner closely with medicinal chemists to support project timelines and compound delivery needs, troubleshoot purification and assay issues, and help improve lab workflows. The role requires maintaining accurate records and clearly communicating results to project teams while supporting routine operation and maintenance of chromatography instruments.

This position offers the opportunity to drive technical work with limited oversight, manage priorities independently, and contribute to cross-functional discovery teams. Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation, and this role is central to enabling rapid discovery efforts.

Requirements

Small molecule purification and characterization experience
Strong hands-on experience with HPLC and/or SFC purification
Experience supporting small molecule discovery or medicinal chemistry programs
Familiarity with discovery informatics or compound tracking systems
Experience with software development, scripting, or coding
Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams
Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage priorities, and drive technical work with limited oversight

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

Benefits

Annual bonus and annual equity awards
Medical, dental, and vision benefits
Generous paid time off including a week-long company shutdown in the Summer and the Winter
Educational assistance programs including student loan repayment
Generous commuting subsidy
Matching charitable donations and 401(k)