Vertex – Medical Affairs 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 Pharmaceuticals is offering a two-year Medical Affairs fellowship, based in Boston, MA.

About Vertex Pharmaceuticals

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.

Responsibilities

Medical Affairs Fellowship Description: 

In Medical Affairs, our team works to ensure that clinical decision-makers have a deep understanding of the benefits and risks of our medicines through scientific communication and disease state education. We gather insights from stakeholders, identify data and knowledge gaps, and respond to medical inquiries in a clear and scientifically accurate manner to guide healthcare provider and payer decision making. During the program, fellows will work collaboratively and cross-functionally within Vertex's Medical Affairs group across Global Medical Affairs, Global Medical Information, and Medical Operations. The fellows will also have the opportunity to rotate to an elective of their choice, with options including Field Medical, US Medical, and others. 

Medical Affairs Fellowship Objectives: 

·       Deepen scientific expertise in disease pathophysiology, epidemiology, and treatment landscape to support scientific exchange within the medical community     

·       Develop scientific communication materials for internal education and field medical      

·       Support the development and execution of key Medical Affairs deliverables, including the medical plan, strategic publication plan, and disease state communication framework

·       Collaborate with US and Global cross-functional stakeholders to prepare materials for key scientific conferences and support on-site medical activities      

·       Utilize clinical expertise to develop timely, accurate, and scientifically balanced responses to unsolicited medical information inquiries      

·       Network across the Medical Affairs organization to gain a thorough understanding of industry opportunities and expand upon experiences through additional projects of interest 

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

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

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.