Senior Director, Exploratory Biology

The Vertex Biology team in San Diego seeks a strategic and innovative scientific and people leader to help advance therapies for serious diseases. Based on-site at our cutting-edge San Diego research facility, this high-impact role will develop and implement strategies to identify novel therapeutic approaches for areas of significant unmet medical need, guiding projects from concept through proof of concept, while collaborating closely with global research teams.  

Vertex has a track record of serial innovation. We work only on diseases where we have a deep understanding of the underlying cause in humans. By focusing on validated targets, creating predictive lab assays, and identifying clinical biomarkers, we pursue therapeutic approaches that we believe are most likely to succeed. Our R&D strategy is unique and differentiates us in the industry. When we decide to work on a disease, we investigate it from multiple angles and invent, acquire or partner on the tool or technology necessary. We are agnostic to therapeutic modality and see modality as a means to transform, if not potentially cure, a disease.

Key Responsibilities 

• Establish internal capabilities to discover novel therapeutics for severe diseases in alignment with Vertex research strategy (validated targets to address causal human biology, creating predictive lab assays and identifying clinical biomarkers).
• Lead the team to identify disease indications and innovative approaches. 
• Design and oversee proof-of-concept experiments to validate proposed treatment options.
• Build strong cross-functional collaborations across diverse scientific disciplines, including pharmacology, molecular and cell biology, chemistry, protein sciences, data and computational science, and engineering. 
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders across commercial, clinical, regulatory, and other functions to build strategic plans. 
• Partner with external academic and industry groups to advance research objectives. 
• Lead and mentor a team of 7+ highly experienced PhD level scientists, fostering a culture of scientific excellence and inclusion. Contribute to cross-site and cross-functional goals within Vertex. 

Knowledge and Skills: 

• Expertise in molecular and cellular biology, pharmacology, physiology, and translational research. 
• Strategic leadership and ability to integrate emerging technologies. 
• Exceptional collaboration and stakeholder management skills. 
• Track record of building high-performing teams and fostering innovation. 

Education and Experience: 

• MD/Ph.D. or Ph.D. in Biology or a related field. 
• 12+ years of industry experience leading efforts in target identification, drug discovery, targeted delivery and translational research and an established track record of deliverables within an industrial research setting.
• Experience with multiple drug modalities (small molecules, nucleic acids, biologics, proteins, etc).
• Proven experience managing Ph.D.-level scientists and influencing at senior levels. 
• Results-oriented leader with urgency, integrity, and professionalism. 
• Ability to articulate vision and drive execution in a global, matrixed environment. 
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, communication, and presentation skills. 
• Desire to be part of a company transforming lives through innovation. 

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