Vertex – Clinical Scientist Postdoctoral Research Fellow

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 Pharmaceutical is offering a two-year Clinical Science fellowship based in Boston Massachusetts.

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 IgA nephropathy neuropathic pain APOL1-mediated kidney disease 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 16 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.

Clinical Scientist Position Description:

The Clinical Scientist fellow will act as a key clinical interface with the Medical Lead to provide scientific clinical and operational input contributing to the clinical development programs at Vertex working on cross-functional study teams for the design execution and monitoring of clinical trials as well as assisting with data interpretation and communication. This role will also serve as a point of contact for external collaborations with clinical investigators and thought leaders. The Clinical Scientist fellow will learn various aspects of the drug development process while focusing on specified deliverables for a specific program. Activities will include program team involvements and presentation skills addition the fellow will have the opportunity to interact with and learn from other groups at Vertex with an aim of providing a broader understanding of Clinical Research.

Work with cross-functional teams as the clinical representative and liaison to the therapeutic area to conduct clinical studies including study start-up safety and medical monitoring and study close-out activities

Support Medical Lead with medical monitoring reports safety reviews site interactions and reviewing tables figures and listings (TFLs). Responsible for analytical support of clinical trial data (safety and efficacy) including gathering analyzing reviewing interpreting and providing preliminary assessments and recommendations to the Medical Lead. Analyze and synthesize information to assess issues relating to protocol conduct and/or individual subject safety. Assist in communicating a clear overview of trial results

Provide support for Data Monitoring Committees including operationalizing the charter preparing updates and blinded data reviews execution of meetings and adjudications and communication of synthesized data reports

Contribute to protocols clinical study reports Investigators Brochures (IBs) informed consent forms (ICFs) manuals training documents and other clinical documents under the direction of the Medical Lead

Lead interactions with internal and external stakeholders (study sites vendors committees etc.) in support of clinical trial objectives

Contribute to the organization preparation and execution of investigator and advisory board meetings in collaboration with the project team and external vendors

Present and support preparation of scientific material for conference presentations or publications

Learn about other functions within Global Medicines Development & Affairs (GMDA) through ongoing interactions and optional rotational experiences

Doctor of Pharmacy degree from an ACPE-accredited institution

Eligible for pharmacist licensure in the State of Massachusetts

Strong interest in pursuing a career at Vertex

Strong verbal written communication interpersonal listening and organizational skills

Strong time management and leadership abilities

Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively in a matrix organization

Unquestionable ethics and professional integrity

Ability to work independently and take initiative on a variety of projects at both the industry site and Northeastern

Sense of urgency and perseverance to achieve results

Additional Information

Applicants should submit the following application materials by the priority deadline of October 31 2026:

1. Curriculum vitae (CV) uploaded
2. Unofficial PharmD transcripts uploaded
3. Cover letter uploaded

Letters of Recommendation

Three formal Letters of Recommendation (LORs) must be submitted directly by the letter writers no later than November 23 2026.

Each letter writer must include:

The candidates full name

The fellowship program(s) to which the candidate is applying (e.g. Smith John Alnylam GSK)

Please ask your letter writers to complete and submit the Letter of Recommendation Form along with their recommendation. Click here to access the form and share it with your letter writers.

Recommendations must be submitted directly by the recommender and cannot be submitted by the applicant.

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

Northeastern University will not provide H-1B TN O-1 E-3 or any other type of employment visasponsorship for the successful applicant to this position now or in the future. STEM OPT is not compatible for this position. The successful applicant must be able to maintain valid work authorization in the United States throughout the entire appointment without Northeastern Universityssponsorship for a visa.

Position Type

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience education and skills when extending an offer.

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:

Expected Hiring Range:

With 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.