Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join Vertex as a Kilo Lab Chemist, designing and developing synthetic chemistry for transformative medicines.
- Company: Vertex Pharmaceuticals is a leading biotech firm focused on innovative treatments for serious diseases.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 12-month contract with opportunities for training and professional growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a team making a real impact in healthcare while honing your scientific skills.
- Qualifications: PhD in Synthetic Organic Chemistry or MSc/MChem with relevant industrial experience required.
- Other info: Training provided; must have a passion for chemistry and problem-solving.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 £ per year.
Company Name: Vertex Pharmaceuticals
Type of Role: Contract position, Inside IR35
Contract length: 12 months
Location: Oxford, Milton Park
Department: Process Chemistry
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.
The Process Chemistry Scientist is a highly motivated, scientifically driven and enthusiastic individual who will design and develop chemistry on a synthetic project while conducting kilo laboratory experiments to enable the delivery of compounds to support toxicology studies, human studies, and technical transfer information internally and to contract research organisations externally. This individual may develop new chemistry, improve existing chemistry and demonstrate such chemistries by delivering compounds at expected purity and batch size for the appropriate phase of development.
KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Creative and skilled experimentalist
- Must be able to demonstrate a track record of solving problems and creating new synthetic routes
- Work as part of a team creating and improving synthetic approaches to pharmaceuticals
- Plan and execute synthesis from gram to kilogram scale
- Work with the Kilo Lab Manager and Process Safety specialist to ensure the safe operation of chemistry
- Drives scientific excellence of self and maintains an in-depth knowledge of practical and theoretical understanding of process chemistry
- Training in the kilo lab will be provided, and the successful candidate must display a personal interest in the equipment, equipment ownership, techniques and strategies required to conduct chemistry on scale
- Makes conceptual contributions to development activities and scientific strategies; introduces some new methodologies and solutions to overcome synthetic challenges and manufacturing obstacles
- Maintain high quality records such as electronic lab books using ALCOA+ principles, compare diverse dataset to reach well-reasoned conclusions
SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
- PhD in Synthetic Organic Chemistry or MSc/MChem in Chemistry plus equivalent industrial experience in a synthetic laboratory
- Strong interest in Process Development and scale up chemistry
- Thorough academic grounding in the core elements of synthetic Organic Chemistry, with a track record of solving complex synthetic problems
- Ability to work to deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Display a flexible approach with the ability and experience working at a variety of reaction scales and addressing shifting priorities
- Basic understanding of analytical techniques (HPLC, GC, metal analysis, water determination, solid state analysis, 1H, 13C NMR and MS)
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills to explain complex technical/scientific information to the wider team
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.
Kilo Lab Chemist employer: Talent Works
Contact Detail:
Talent Works Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Kilo Lab Chemist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Vertex Pharmaceuticals and their recent projects. Understanding their pipeline and the specific challenges they face in process chemistry can help you tailor your discussions during interviews, showcasing your knowledge and enthusiasm for their work.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors, especially those who have experience in kilo lab environments. Engaging with them on platforms like LinkedIn can provide insights into the role and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your problem-solving skills in synthetic organic chemistry. Think of instances where you've successfully developed new methodologies or improved existing processes, as these will resonate well with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your passion for safety and quality in the lab. Be ready to discuss how you ensure safe operations and maintain high-quality records, as this aligns closely with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
We think you need these skills to ace Kilo Lab Chemist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in synthetic organic chemistry and any specific projects that demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Emphasise your academic qualifications, especially if you have a PhD or MSc/MChem.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention your interest in process development and how your background aligns with Vertex's mission to create transformative medicines.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your experience with kilo laboratory experiments and any analytical techniques you are familiar with, such as HPLC or NMR. This will show that you have the practical skills needed for the role.
Showcase Teamwork and Flexibility: Vertex values collaboration and adaptability. Include examples in your application that demonstrate your ability to work effectively in a team and manage shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Talent Works
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've solved complex synthetic problems. Vertex is looking for a candidate who can demonstrate creativity and innovation in their approach to chemistry.
✨Understand the Role of Process Chemistry
Familiarise yourself with the key duties and responsibilities of a Process Chemistry Scientist. Highlight your experience in planning and executing synthesis, especially from gram to kilogram scale, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Communicate Clearly and Effectively
Since excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential, practice explaining complex scientific concepts in simple terms. This will help you convey your ideas clearly during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Chemistry
Express your enthusiasm for working in a kilo lab and your interest in the equipment and techniques involved. Showing genuine passion can set you apart from other candidates and align you with Vertex's innovative culture.
