Senior Director, Exploratory Biology
Vertex Pharmaceuticals
June 27, 2026
On-site
San Diego, CA
Clinical Research and Development
Key Responsibilities
- Establish internal capabilities to discover novel therapeutics for severe diseases aligned with Vertex research strategy (validated targets, predictive lab assays, 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 cross-functional collaborations across pharmacology, molecular and cell biology, chemistry, protein sciences, data/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+ PhD-level scientists; foster scientific excellence and inclusion; contribute to cross-site and cross-functional goals.
Knowledge And Skills
- Expertise in molecular/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 / Qualifications
- MD/PhD or PhD in Biology or related field.
- 12+ years industry experience leading target identification, drug discovery, targeted delivery, and translational research; established record of deliverables.
- Experience with multiple drug modalities (small molecules, nucleic acids, biologics, proteins, etc.).
- Proven experience managing PhD-level scientists and influencing at senior levels.
- Results-oriented leader with urgency, integrity, professionalism; ability to articulate vision and drive execution in a global, matrixed environment.
- Strong problem-solving, organizational, communication, and presentation skills.
Pay Range
- $217,000 - $325,400
Application / Work Location
- On-Site (five days per week on-site with ad hoc flexibility).
- Establish internal capabilities to discover novel therapeutics for severe diseases aligned with Vertex research strategy (validated targets, predictive lab assays, 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 cross-functional collaborations across pharmacology, molecular and cell biology, chemistry, protein sciences, data/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+ PhD-level scientists; foster scientific excellence and inclusion; contribute to cross-site and cross-functional goals.
Knowledge And Skills
- Expertise in molecular/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 / Qualifications
- MD/PhD or PhD in Biology or related field.
- 12+ years industry experience leading target identification, drug discovery, targeted delivery, and translational research; established record of deliverables.
- Experience with multiple drug modalities (small molecules, nucleic acids, biologics, proteins, etc.).
- Proven experience managing PhD-level scientists and influencing at senior levels.
- Results-oriented leader with urgency, integrity, professionalism; ability to articulate vision and drive execution in a global, matrixed environment.
- Strong problem-solving, organizational, communication, and presentation skills.
Pay Range
- $217,000 - $325,400
Application / Work Location
- On-Site (five days per week on-site with ad hoc flexibility).