Senior Director, Structural Biology and Biophysics

Role Summary

Senior Director, Structural Biology and Biophysics – define and execute a forward-looking vision for structural biology and biophysics to accelerate drug discovery. Lead research capabilities in structure-enabled discovery, driving scientific excellence and integration across disciplines. Based in San Diego, position structural biology as a core differentiator in our discovery platform.

Responsibilities

• Define and articulate a scientific vision and strategic plans that integrate experimental structural biology and biophysics data as well as computational approaches to accelerate drug discovery
• Lead and manage a team specialized in structural biology and biophysics. Provide guidance and mentorship. Foster a collaborative work environment.
• Champion existing and new structural biology and biophysical technologies that advance drug discovery projects forward. Propose new applications, apply technology, and follow up on new MoA, drug target and binding site identification and/or kinetic analysis of drug binding.
• Synthesize diverse approaches across modalities, build strategic collaborations within and outside the organization, and articulate how structural insights translate to biological and therapeutic impact.
• Independently perform hands-on experimental troubleshooting and methods development in biophysical assay development and protein structure determination by crystallography and/or CryoEM.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in the field of structural biology and biophysics, and integrate new technologies and methodologies into the drug discovery process.
• Propose and implement novel and improved data analysis tools. Maintain the excellence of standards for structure and interpretation of all laboratory records, electronic database entries, internal reports, patents, and external communications from the team.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulatory guidelines, maintain accurate records, and promote a culture of scientific rigor and integrity within the team.
• Ensure effective interaction & communication between the structural biology and biophysics group and other disciplines within Research such as pharmacology, molecular and cellular biology, computational chemistry, etc.
• Develop and implement strategies in collaboration with key stakeholders to ensure the discovery and development of clinical candidates with high clinical success rates.
• Lead and/or contribute to cross-site and cross-functional goals within Vertex.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. (or equivalent degree) in Structural Biology, Biophysics, or a related field and 11+ years of industry/academic experience with a minimum of 5 years managing a team.
• Master‚Äôs degree (or equivalent) and 15+ years of relevant employment experience, or
• Bachelor‚Äôs Degree (or equivalent) and 20+ years of relevant employment experience.
• Extensive experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or leading academic biomedical research setting, with a proven track record of leading and managing teams in structural biology and biophysics.
• Experience in applying structural biology and biophysics to advance drug discovery programs.

Knowledge & Skills

• Established reputation with a strong track record of scientific impact in driving drug discovery programs forward by initiating and implementing structural biology and biophysics for mechanism-of-action studies and drug target or protein binding site identification and characterization. Industry experience is preferred.
• Ability to craft and communicate a unifying scientific vision that integrates structural biology, biophysics, and computation into discovery strategies.
• Proven success in applying structural insights to advance drug discovery from target validation through lead optimization.
• Experience with integral membrane proteins is highly desirable.
• Experience in managing scientific teams, performance, goal setting, and career development, fostering innovation and inclusion.
• Demonstrated independent thought/creativity in science, leadership skills, and ability to motivate drug discovery teams.
• Excellent communication (oral and written) for goals, objectives and results to the group and cross-functional teams.
• Strong inter-personal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Extensive experience interfacing with internal and external stakeholders to collaborate and execute on research programs, deliver results, and influence decision making.
• Ability to navigate and succeed in a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary work environment.

Education

• Ph.D. in Structural Biology, Biophysics, or related field preferred; other advanced degrees considered with equivalent experience.