Seattle Research Site Head (Immunology)
Vertex Pharmaceuticals
June 27, 2026
On-site
Seattle, WA
Clinical Research and Development
Responsibilities
- Provide scientific and translational immunology expertise to the biologics pipeline (including Povetacicept and early immune-mediated inflammatory disease programs).
- Shape, implement, and execute the global immunology research strategy in partnership with senior leaders.
- Lead, mentor, and build a focused research team; develop operational plans aligned with development and commercial goals.
- Oversee projects with scientific excellence, people management, and financial accountability; anticipate and communicate obstacles.
- Partner with R&D, New Product Planning, and Investor Relations to build tools and communication around drug candidates and patient benefit.
- Assess scientific partnerships, collaborations, and BD opportunities; represent the company externally.
- Provide leadership on collaborations/partnerships with public and private entities.
- Oversee daily site operations; align site initiatives with organizational goals.
- Support resource allocation and manage CapEx/OpEx in line with research objectives.
- Partner with HR on site people processes; support key communications (e.g., town halls) and portfolio management.
- Contribute to research governance, project endorsements, lead optimization transitions, candidate nominations, and technology investments.
- Lead key strategic initiatives and support talent/organizational development.
Qualifications
- MD/PhD or PhD in immunology (or related field).
- Typically 15 years life sciences/academia plus 7+ years supervisory/management experience.
- Demonstrated scientific leadership as an immunologist in pharma/biotech or leading academic medical research.
- Demonstratable drug- and target-hunter experience with deep disease and human biology understanding.
- Track record advancing high-quality discovery approaches; broad understanding of drug discovery/development continuum.
Skills/Traits
- Strategic, interpersonal leadership with high scientific rigor and creative problem-solving; strong collaboration and ability to align/execute.
- Ability to recruit/develop an inclusive high-performing organization; anticipate trends; lead change and manage resistance.
- Compelling, authentic communicator; proven senior-level management and influence.
Compensation/Benefits (as stated)
- Pay range: $268,000–$402,000; eligible for annual bonus and annual equity awards.
Flex/Work Location (as stated)
- On-site designated: five days per week on-site with ad hoc flexibility.
Application instructions
- None provided.
- Provide scientific and translational immunology expertise to the biologics pipeline (including Povetacicept and early immune-mediated inflammatory disease programs).
- Shape, implement, and execute the global immunology research strategy in partnership with senior leaders.
- Lead, mentor, and build a focused research team; develop operational plans aligned with development and commercial goals.
- Oversee projects with scientific excellence, people management, and financial accountability; anticipate and communicate obstacles.
- Partner with R&D, New Product Planning, and Investor Relations to build tools and communication around drug candidates and patient benefit.
- Assess scientific partnerships, collaborations, and BD opportunities; represent the company externally.
- Provide leadership on collaborations/partnerships with public and private entities.
- Oversee daily site operations; align site initiatives with organizational goals.
- Support resource allocation and manage CapEx/OpEx in line with research objectives.
- Partner with HR on site people processes; support key communications (e.g., town halls) and portfolio management.
- Contribute to research governance, project endorsements, lead optimization transitions, candidate nominations, and technology investments.
- Lead key strategic initiatives and support talent/organizational development.
Qualifications
- MD/PhD or PhD in immunology (or related field).
- Typically 15 years life sciences/academia plus 7+ years supervisory/management experience.
- Demonstrated scientific leadership as an immunologist in pharma/biotech or leading academic medical research.
- Demonstratable drug- and target-hunter experience with deep disease and human biology understanding.
- Track record advancing high-quality discovery approaches; broad understanding of drug discovery/development continuum.
Skills/Traits
- Strategic, interpersonal leadership with high scientific rigor and creative problem-solving; strong collaboration and ability to align/execute.
- Ability to recruit/develop an inclusive high-performing organization; anticipate trends; lead change and manage resistance.
- Compelling, authentic communicator; proven senior-level management and influence.
Compensation/Benefits (as stated)
- Pay range: $268,000–$402,000; eligible for annual bonus and annual equity awards.
Flex/Work Location (as stated)
- On-site designated: five days per week on-site with ad hoc flexibility.
Application instructions
- None provided.