Type of Role: Contract position, Inside IR35 
Contract length: 12 months 
Location: Oxford, Milton Park 
Department: Formulation 

Looking for opportunities with purpose, impact and possibilities? Our client, Vertex, is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation. As they grow their pipeline at pace, they are strengthening their reputation for creating transformative medicines for people with serious diseases.  
 
Formulation Development seeks a dedicated scientist to join a team whose goal is to discover, develop, and commercialize therapies for patients with serious diseases. The incumbent will work alongside our innovative staff of preclinical formulators, conducting experiments that allow our research teams to select drug candidates for clinical evaluation. 
 
The ideal candidate has mastered the fundamentals of chemistry and physics and has direct experience in a research laboratory (e.g., has completed a cooperative training program, a summer internship, or undergraduate research). The candidate must comfortably take the initiative, be curious, and show resilience in solving complex problems. 

 
Key Responsibilities: 

• Execute laboratory experiments and interpret analytical data to meet established project timelines 

• Perform basic statistical description of experimental data 

• Prepare formulations (by various routes of administration including oral, intravenous, intraperitoneal) of small molecule drug candidates 

• Conduct preliminary form and salt screen as well as evaluating physicochemical properties (e.g., solubility, and stability in bio-relevant media) of those solid forms 

• Maintain accurate and complete laboratory notebook in real time 

• Comply with all relevant ethical, safety, and training procedures 

• A degree in chemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry, biochemistry (or closely related major) with coursework in at least the following branches: physical, analytical, organic, and biochemistry 
• Experience as a CoOp, Intern, or Undergraduate Researcher conducting experiments in the laboratory (beyond course-associated work) 

• Hands-on knowledge with solid-state analytical techniques such as XRPD, DSC, TGA, DVS, and HPLC 

• Hands-on experience with evaluating the physicochemical properties (e.g., solubility, and stability in bio-relevant media, and under various pH conditions) of small molecule compounds 

• Strong technical writing and excellent verbal communication skills 

 
Minimum Qualifications: 
Bachelor’s degree with 3+ years or Master’s degree with 0-2+ years experience in chemistry or a degree in a related physical science field with similar core course requirements 

Preferred Qualifications: 
Bachelor’s degree with 3+ years or Master’s degree with 0-2+ years experience in conducting laboratory experiments in chemistry-related field and direct experience with one or more of the following instrumental platforms: HPLC, XRPD, DSC, TGA 
 
 
Vertex is partnering with Talent Works to manage their international temporary job openings. If you are successful in your application, you will be employed by Talent Works to work on a temporary assignment at Vertex.