About the Opportunity
Northeastern University Pharmaceutical Industry Fellowships Program is a two-year experiential program designed to advance lifelong learning and the education and training of Pharm.D. graduates. A key element of the programs success is preparing Fellows to meet evolving workforce needs across various sectors of the pharmaceutical industry.
Fellows have the opportunity to work closely with our innovative biopharmaceutical industry partners while engaging with Northeastern University faculty in professional and career development teaching service and scholarly activities.
In partnership with Northeastern University Vertex Pharmaceuticals is offering a two-year Medical Affairs fellowship based in Boston MA.
Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people with serious diseases and conditions. The company has approved therapies for cystic fibrosis sickle cell disease transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia and acute pain and it continues to advance clinical and research programs in these areas. Vertex also has a robust clinical pipeline of investigational therapies across a range of modalities in other serious diseases where it has deep insight into causal human biology including neuropathic pain APOL1-mediated kidney disease IgA nephropathy primary membranous nephropathy autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease type 1 diabetes and myotonic dystrophy type 1.
Vertex was founded in 1989 and has its global headquarters in Boston with international headquarters in London. Additionally the company has research and development sites and commercial offices in North America Europe Australia Latin America and the Middle East. Vertex is consistently recognized as one of the industrys top places to work including 15 consecutive years on Science magazines Top Employers list and one of Fortunes 100 Best Companies to Work For. For company updates and to learn more about Vertexs history of innovation visit or follow us on LinkedIn Facebook Instagram YouTube and X.
Medical Affairs Fellowship Description:
In Medical Affairs our team works to ensure that clinical decision-makers have a deep understanding of the benefits and risks of our medicines through scientific communication and disease state education. We gather insights from stakeholders identify data and knowledge gaps and respond to medical inquiries in a clear and scientifically accurate manner to guide healthcare provider and payer decision making. During the program fellows will work collaboratively and cross-functionally within Vertexs Medical Affairs group across Global Medical Affairs Global Medical Information and Medical Operations. The fellows will also have the opportunity to rotate to an elective of their choice with options including Field Medical US Medical and others.
Medical Affairs Fellowship Objectives:
Deepen scientific expertise in disease pathophysiology epidemiology and treatment landscape to support scientific exchange within the medical community
Develop scientific communication materials for internal education and field medical
Support the development and execution of key Medical Affairs deliverables including the medical plan strategic publication plan and disease state communication framework
Collaborate with US and Global cross-functional stakeholders to prepare materials for key scientific conferences and support on-site medical activities
Utilize clinical expertise to develop timely accurate and scientifically balanced responses to unsolicited medical information inquiries
Network across the Medical Affairs organization to gain a thorough understanding of industry opportunities and expand upon experiences through additional projects of interest
Doctor of Pharmacy degree from an ACPE-accredited institution
Eligible for pharmacist licensure in the State of Massachusetts
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Strong time management and leadership abilities
Ability to work independently and take initiative on a variety of projects at both the industry site and Northeastern
Applicants should submit the following application materials by the priority deadline of October 31 2025:
1. Curriculum vitae (CV) uploaded
2. Unofficial PharmD transcripts uploaded
3. Cover letter uploaded
Three formal letters of recommendation (LORs) should be sent directly from the letter writer to by November 21 2025. LOR writers must include the candidates name and the fellowship program(s) in the subject line (e.g. Smith John Alnylam GSK).
Address cover letter and letters of recommendation to:
J. Andrew Orr-Skirvin PharmD BCOP
Clinical Professor Department of Pharmacy & Health Systems Sciences
Pharmaceutical Industry Fellowship Program Director
360 Huntington Ave 140 The Fenway R218
Boston MA 02115
Position Type
Additional Information
Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience education and skills when extending an offer.
Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical vision dental paid time off tuition assistance wellness & life retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit for more information.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race religion color national origin age sex sexual orientation disability status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Compensation Grade/Pay Type:
108SExpected Hiring Range:
$59425.00 - $83935.00With the pay range(s) shown above the starting salary will depend on several factors which may include your education experience location knowledge and expertise and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.
Founded in 1898, Northeastern is a global, experiential, research university built on a tradition of engagement with the world.