Sr. Director, Pharmacology
Vertex Pharmaceuticals
September 02, 2026
On-site
San Diego, CA
Clinical Research and Development
Sr. Director, Pharmacology — drive development and incorporation of human disease models and assays into drug discovery programs. Lead a department responsible for design, development, and execution of in vitro and in vivo assays supporting human therapeutics (potency, efficacy, mechanism of action) and help shape site research direction and cross-departmental projects.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Direct pharmacology strategy and provide scientific, operational, and people leadership across multiple programs.
- Lead the Pharmacology function and manage a team responsible for in vitro/in vivo assays.
- Set priorities, allocate resources, manage budgets and hiring, mentor/develop staff, promote ethical scientific practices, and build a high-performing culture.
- Drive study planning, data quality, reporting, publications, patents, and compliance with regulatory documentation standards.
- Partner across functions/sites to influence research direction, reduce project risk, and advance innovative solutions.
- Communicate priorities, capabilities, progress, and recommendations to teams and senior leadership.
Knowledge & Skills
- Leadership/strategic thinking; cross-functional coordination.
- People management (mentoring, recruiting, developing Ph.D. scientists and Research Associates).
- Deep pharmacology expertise (in vitro/in vivo assay design, execution, analysis, interpretation).
- Ion channel pharmacology/electrophysiology and mechanism-of-action study experience.
- Translational model development experience; analyze complex data; strong written/verbal communication.
Education & Experience
- Ph.D. in Pharmacology (or related), with relevant post-doctoral industry experience.
- 12+ years drug discovery experience; track record managing research groups.
Pay Range: $238,900 - $358,300
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Direct pharmacology strategy and provide scientific, operational, and people leadership across multiple programs.
- Lead the Pharmacology function and manage a team responsible for in vitro/in vivo assays.
- Set priorities, allocate resources, manage budgets and hiring, mentor/develop staff, promote ethical scientific practices, and build a high-performing culture.
- Drive study planning, data quality, reporting, publications, patents, and compliance with regulatory documentation standards.
- Partner across functions/sites to influence research direction, reduce project risk, and advance innovative solutions.
- Communicate priorities, capabilities, progress, and recommendations to teams and senior leadership.
Knowledge & Skills
- Leadership/strategic thinking; cross-functional coordination.
- People management (mentoring, recruiting, developing Ph.D. scientists and Research Associates).
- Deep pharmacology expertise (in vitro/in vivo assay design, execution, analysis, interpretation).
- Ion channel pharmacology/electrophysiology and mechanism-of-action study experience.
- Translational model development experience; analyze complex data; strong written/verbal communication.
Education & Experience
- Ph.D. in Pharmacology (or related), with relevant post-doctoral industry experience.
- 12+ years drug discovery experience; track record managing research groups.
Pay Range: $238,900 - $358,300