Director, Stem Cell Research
Vertex Pharmaceuticals
September 01, 2026
On-site
Boston, MA
Clinical Research and Development
General Summary:
Director, Stem Cell Research—cell therapy leader at the Director level within the Type 1 diabetes (T1D) program. Lead biology pipeline work including molecular characterization of stem cell-derived islet manufacturing, discovery of novel biomarkers, and development of associated assays. Lead a multidisciplinary team across multiple research groups, with expertise in taking discoveries from pre-clinical through clinical and/or commercial manufacturing in a direct and matrix environment.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
- Ensure scientific directions and team efforts align with T1D program goals
- Maintain team balance across projects spanning early research through development
- Drive biological discovery to deliver high-quality data packages for novel assets and/or assays
- Coordinate in a matrix environment and exercise judgment to advance discoveries to downstream collaborators
- Drive and motivate biologists; provide communication on progress and timelines
- Provide dynamic leadership of a multidisciplinary drug-discovery team within the T1D portfolio
- Provide mentorship, including scientific/ethical development, communication, report drafting, and conflict resolution
- Draft budgets and manage execution of approved budgets
- Other duties as assigned
Knowledge and Skills:
- Integrate distinct functional groups across multiple projects
- Advanced knowledge of relevant scientific disciplines for target identification/validation/mechanistic investigation and biomarker assays in cell manufacturing
- Deep working knowledge of fundamental biology
- Identify productive new research initiatives/directions
- Experienced mentor; uphold operational and ethical standards; authoritative communication
- Strong teamwork/organization; manage timelines and drive projects
Education and Experience:
- Ph.D. with 9+ years relevant post-doctoral experience, or
- Master’s with 12+ years relevant experience, or
- Bachelor’s with 15+ years relevant experience
Pay range: $197,400 - $296,200
Director, Stem Cell Research—cell therapy leader at the Director level within the Type 1 diabetes (T1D) program. Lead biology pipeline work including molecular characterization of stem cell-derived islet manufacturing, discovery of novel biomarkers, and development of associated assays. Lead a multidisciplinary team across multiple research groups, with expertise in taking discoveries from pre-clinical through clinical and/or commercial manufacturing in a direct and matrix environment.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
- Ensure scientific directions and team efforts align with T1D program goals
- Maintain team balance across projects spanning early research through development
- Drive biological discovery to deliver high-quality data packages for novel assets and/or assays
- Coordinate in a matrix environment and exercise judgment to advance discoveries to downstream collaborators
- Drive and motivate biologists; provide communication on progress and timelines
- Provide dynamic leadership of a multidisciplinary drug-discovery team within the T1D portfolio
- Provide mentorship, including scientific/ethical development, communication, report drafting, and conflict resolution
- Draft budgets and manage execution of approved budgets
- Other duties as assigned
Knowledge and Skills:
- Integrate distinct functional groups across multiple projects
- Advanced knowledge of relevant scientific disciplines for target identification/validation/mechanistic investigation and biomarker assays in cell manufacturing
- Deep working knowledge of fundamental biology
- Identify productive new research initiatives/directions
- Experienced mentor; uphold operational and ethical standards; authoritative communication
- Strong teamwork/organization; manage timelines and drive projects
Education and Experience:
- Ph.D. with 9+ years relevant post-doctoral experience, or
- Master’s with 12+ years relevant experience, or
- Bachelor’s with 15+ years relevant experience
Pay range: $197,400 - $296,200