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. Maintaining accurate records and clearly communicating results to project teams is essential, as is supporting routine operation and maintenance of chromatography instruments.
This role offers the opportunity to drive technical work with limited oversight in a cross-functional, discovery-focused environment. You will contribute directly to Vertex's innovative small molecule discovery pipeline while advancing your expertise in state-of-the-art separation technologies.
Requirements
- Strong hands-on experience with HPLC and/or SFC purification
- Experience supporting small molecule discovery or medicinal chemistry programs
- Small molecule purification and characterization expertise
- Familiarity with 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
- 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)
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