Clinical Scientist Postdoctoral Research Fellow

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

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 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 industry's top places to work, including 16 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.

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 development. In 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.

Responsibilities

• 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, Investigator’s 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

Qualifications

• 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 candidate's 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 visa sponsorship 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 University's sponsorship for a visa. 

Position Type

Research

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:

108S

Expected Hiring Range:

$60,315.00 - $85,192.50

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.