About the Opportunity
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 program’s 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 NA Commercial – US Market Access fellowship, based in Boston, MA.
About Vertex
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 industry's top places to work, including 15 consecutive years on Science magazine's Top Employers list and one of Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For. For company updates and to learn more about Vertex's history of innovation, visit www.vrtx.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and X.
Responsibilities
US Market Access (USMA)
The US Market Access position offers a unique opportunity to gain exposure to multiple disease areas and products across Vertex’s commercial and pipeline portfolio. The fellow, primarily embedded within the US Market Access Strategy team, will help prepare for launches and post-approval pull-through by partnering closely with the broader multi-functional USMA team including trade and distribution, pricing and contracting and 3 field teams, as well as critical cross-functional partners including US Public Affairs, HEOR, Commercial Manufacturing and Supply chain and Brand Marketing teams.
Learn the responsibilities of the US Market Access team, including how it interacts with both internal and external stakeholders
Lead and support strategic/tactical projects to support the rapid scaling of the team and launch readiness across potential disease areas such as Type 1 Diabetes, Neuropathic Pain, IgA Nephropathy, APOL-1 Mediated Kidney Disease, and Cystic Fibrosis
Support and contribute to the design and execution of go-to market access and distribution strategies, including payer positioning, distribution channel planning, and stakeholder engagement across payers, specialty pharmacies, distributors and wholesalers across the US and Canada
Identify and explore innovative partnerships, market disruptors, and policy changes that may enhance compliant patient access and inform distribution models
Build foundational knowledge of the regulatory and compliance environment, including CMS policies, state-specific regulations, and legal considerations surrounding access communications and contracting
Qualifications
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
Demonstrated interest in US payer policy, market access strategy, or health economics
Strong understanding of the US healthcare system, including formulary decision-making processes and the evolving payer landscape
Proven ability to manage multiple projects with strategic focus and attention to detail
Self-starter with a learning mindset, business acumen and agility to thrive in a fast-paced, launch-oriented environment
Additional Information
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 [email protected] by November 21, 2025. LOR writers must include the candidate’s 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 https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ 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:
108S
Expected Hiring Range:
$59,425.00 - $83,935.00
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.
Business & Strategy (1)