Senior Director, US Medical Affairs – Nephrology
Vertex Pharmaceuticals
June 27, 2026
Remote friendly (Boston, MA)
United States
Medical Affairs
General Summary:
The Senior Director (non-MD) serves as a US Medical Affairs asset lead responsible for strategic planning and execution of launch and lifecycle assets within the Vertex nephrology portfolio. Provides scientific leadership across cross-functional teams and builds/leads a team of Medical Directors and Associate Medical Directors while partnering with internal stakeholders and external thought leaders.
Key Duties & Responsibilities:
- Lead development, execution, and refinement of US Medical Affairs strategic/operational plan for assigned nephrology asset(s) from pre-launch through lifecycle.
- Act as primary internal medical-scientific authority; interpret data and translate insights into medical strategy.
- Build trusted relationships with US nephrology thought leaders and external experts to inform medical strategy and support evidence generation.
- Partner cross-functionally with Commercial, Market Access, HEOR, Regulatory, Clinical Development, and Corporate Communications for aligned launch readiness.
- Design and execute medical evidence generation initiatives (e.g., investigator-sponsored research, advisory boards, medical education).
- Deliver and oversee compliant, fair, balanced scientific presentations/communications to HCPs, payers, and stakeholders.
- Provide medical input into promotional and non-promotional material review (CRC/MLR) to ensure scientific substantiation and compliance.
- Establish and track medical KPIs; use scenario planning to adapt in a dynamic launch environment.
- Ensure full compliance with Vertex policies, US laws/regulations, GCP, ICH, and applicable codes of practice.
Required Education:
- Terminal doctoral degree (PhD, PharmD, MD, DO, or equivalent).
Required Experience:
- 10+ years pharmaceutical/biotech Medical Affairs or related scientific experience.
- 3+ years supervisory/people management experience.
Required Skills/Knowledge:
- US medical launch strategic acumen.
- High EQ and ability to build trusted internal/external relationships.
- Proven cross-functional execution in a matrix environment.
- Strong knowledge of nephrology/immunology (or related areas), including US treatment landscape and evidence generation.
- Excellent written/oral communication; ability to influence senior leadership.
- Ability to analyze complex scientific data and translate into strategy.
- Track record delivering high-impact projects on timelines.
- Proactive, organized; comfortable with shifting priorities.
Other (Preferred):
- Prior launch experience in nephrology, immunology, or rare disease.
- Experience managing/developing Medical Directors/Associate Medical Directors (plus).
- Nephrology-specific expertise preferred (deep immune-mediated/rare disease knowledge acceptable).
Pay Range:
$252,000 - $378,000
The Senior Director (non-MD) serves as a US Medical Affairs asset lead responsible for strategic planning and execution of launch and lifecycle assets within the Vertex nephrology portfolio. Provides scientific leadership across cross-functional teams and builds/leads a team of Medical Directors and Associate Medical Directors while partnering with internal stakeholders and external thought leaders.
Key Duties & Responsibilities:
- Lead development, execution, and refinement of US Medical Affairs strategic/operational plan for assigned nephrology asset(s) from pre-launch through lifecycle.
- Act as primary internal medical-scientific authority; interpret data and translate insights into medical strategy.
- Build trusted relationships with US nephrology thought leaders and external experts to inform medical strategy and support evidence generation.
- Partner cross-functionally with Commercial, Market Access, HEOR, Regulatory, Clinical Development, and Corporate Communications for aligned launch readiness.
- Design and execute medical evidence generation initiatives (e.g., investigator-sponsored research, advisory boards, medical education).
- Deliver and oversee compliant, fair, balanced scientific presentations/communications to HCPs, payers, and stakeholders.
- Provide medical input into promotional and non-promotional material review (CRC/MLR) to ensure scientific substantiation and compliance.
- Establish and track medical KPIs; use scenario planning to adapt in a dynamic launch environment.
- Ensure full compliance with Vertex policies, US laws/regulations, GCP, ICH, and applicable codes of practice.
Required Education:
- Terminal doctoral degree (PhD, PharmD, MD, DO, or equivalent).
Required Experience:
- 10+ years pharmaceutical/biotech Medical Affairs or related scientific experience.
- 3+ years supervisory/people management experience.
Required Skills/Knowledge:
- US medical launch strategic acumen.
- High EQ and ability to build trusted internal/external relationships.
- Proven cross-functional execution in a matrix environment.
- Strong knowledge of nephrology/immunology (or related areas), including US treatment landscape and evidence generation.
- Excellent written/oral communication; ability to influence senior leadership.
- Ability to analyze complex scientific data and translate into strategy.
- Track record delivering high-impact projects on timelines.
- Proactive, organized; comfortable with shifting priorities.
Other (Preferred):
- Prior launch experience in nephrology, immunology, or rare disease.
- Experience managing/developing Medical Directors/Associate Medical Directors (plus).
- Nephrology-specific expertise preferred (deep immune-mediated/rare disease knowledge acceptable).
Pay Range:
$252,000 - $378,000