Job Description
The Executive Director, Data & Methods will lead a top-tier, multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers to deliver foundational computational, AI, ML, and scientific methods and data capabilities that support research across all therapeutic modalities and scientific domains at Vertex. This leader will set AI and computational strategy that spans the full breadth of modern drug discovery and scientific therapeutic development; and will translate vision into scalable platforms, methods, and tools that serve every modality and measurably speed up discovery and translation, through the development of cutting-edge methods that leverage critical proprietary and public data to drive impact across our global research portfolio. The role will report to the Head of Data & Computational Sciences.
This is a Boston based, hybrid role (3 days/week onsite).
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Set the strategy and multi-year roadmap for foundational computational, ML/AI, and scientific methods across Global Research
- Lead a multidisciplinary organization of scientists, engineers, and managers — building structure, growing other leaders, and driving organizational effectiveness as a leader of leaders.
- Serve as a senior scientific and technical authority on state-of-the-art computational methods and the responsible adoption of AI/ML in drug discovery and translation.
- Define and execute the AI/ML strategy — development, deployment, governance, and the change management needed to embed new methods into scientific workflows.
- Build scalable platforms and scientific software — durable, production-grade, reusable capabilities that serve stakeholders across modalities, not one-off tools.
- Champion technical excellence — best practices in software and data engineering, reproducibility, validation, and quality.
- Partner with other technology leaders at Vertex to deploy research-grade methods into scalable platforms and define AI, compute, and data infrastructure needs
- Attract, develop, and retain outstanding talent, fostering an inclusive, rigorous, high-trust culture — and translate complex science into clear recommendations for senior leadership.
- Drive adoption and impact by ensuring computational methods, AI/ML tools, and data products are embedded in real scientific workflows and deliver measurable value to research teams.
- Stay externally current on advances in computational science, AI/ML, data, and scientific software, and translate the most relevant opportunities into Vertex priorities.
Required Education Level
- Advanced degree (PhD preferred) in Computational Chemistry, Computational Biology, Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Data Science, or a related field.
Required Experience
- 15+ years of progressive experience in computational science, ML/AI, and scientific methods for drug discovery, with significant time in biotech, pharma, or comparably complex environments.
- Proven success as a leader of leaders — building and scaling high-performing scientific and technical organizations.
- Deep, recognized expertise in at least one computational science domain (e.g. ML/AI for scientific applications, computational chemistry, computational biology), with credibility bridging multiple domains.
- Strong scientific software engineering foundation and experience overseeing maturation of research-grade methods into production-grade systems.
- Track record defining and operationalizing AI/ML strategy in a scientific or R&D setting, and building shared platforms or enterprise computational capabilities.
- Experience leading cross-functionally across science and technology, influencing senior stakeholders, and developing talent across levels.
- Exceptional communication skills, including translating complex technical strategy for executive audiences.
- Ability to balance scientific ambition with practical delivery, prioritizing capabilities that are robust, reusable, and aligned to research needs.
- Strong judgment in responsible AI/ML use, including model evaluation, reproducibility, transparency, governance, and fit-for-purpose deployment in scientific settings.
- The highest level of ethics and commitment to Vertex’s core values and beliefs.
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Pay Range:
$270,600 - $406,000
Disclosure Statement:
The range provided is based on what we believe is a reasonable estimate for the base salary pay range for this job at the time of posting. This role is eligible for an annual bonus and annual equity awards. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. Actual base salary pay will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, and other job-related factors permitted by law.
At Vertex, our Total Rewards offerings also include inclusive market-leading benefits to meet our employees wherever they are in their career, financial, family and wellbeing journey while providing flexibility and resources to support their growth and aspirations. From medical, dental and vision benefits to generous paid time off (including a week-long company shutdown in the Summer and the Winter), educational assistance programs including student loan repayment, a generous commuting subsidy, matching charitable donations, 401(k) and so much more.
Flex Designation:
Hybrid-Eligible Or On-Site Eligible
Flex Eligibility Status:
In this Hybrid-Eligible role, you can choose to be designated as:
1. Hybrid: work remotely up to two days per week; or select
2. On-Site: work five days per week on-site with ad hoc flexibility.
Note: The Flex status for this position is subject to Vertex’s Policy on Flex @ Vertex Program and may be changed at any time.
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