Job Description

The Vertex Biology team in San Diego seeks a strategic and innovative scientific and people leader to help advance therapies for serious diseases. As an ONSITE leader at our cutting-edge San Diego research facility, this high-impact role will develop and implement strategies to identify novel therapeutic approaches for areas of significant unmet medical need, guiding projects from concept through proof of concept, while collaborating closely with global research teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and execute the scientific strategy for targeted delivery of therapeutics to extrahepatic tissues.
• Lead the discovery and advancement of novel therapeutic opportunities for serious diseases, aligned with Vertex's research strategy and focused on targets supported by strong human evidence, causal disease biology, translational biomarkers, and predictive preclinical models.
• Identify and prioritize high-value disease indications and therapeutic opportunities across multiple modalities
• Build strong cross-functional collaborations across diverse scientific disciplines, including pharmacology, molecular and cell biology, chemistry, protein sciences, data and 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+ highly experienced PhD level scientists, fostering a culture of scientific excellence and inclusion. Contribute to cross-site and cross-functional goals within Vertex.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Expertise in molecular and 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:

• MD/Ph.D. or Ph.D. in Biology or a related field.
• 12+ years of industry experience leading efforts in target identification, drug discovery, and translational research and an established track record of deliverables within an industrial research setting.
• Extensive experience with LNP and targeted delivery to extrahepatic tissues
• Experience with multiple drug modalities (small molecules, nucleic acids, biologics, proteins, etc).
• Proven experience managing and mentoring experienced (Senior/Principal/Director) level Ph.D. scientists and influencing at senior levels.
• Results-oriented leader with urgency, integrity, and professionalism.
• Ability to articulate vision and drive execution in a global, matrixed environment.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, communication, and presentation skills.
• Desire to be part of a company transforming lives through innovation.

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Pay Range:
$217,000 - $325,400

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:
On-Site Designated

Flex Eligibility Status:

In this On-Site designated role, you will 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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