Senior Director, Exploratory Biology

The Vertex Biology team in San Diegoseeks a strategic andinnovativescientificand peopleleader to help advance therapies for serious diseases. Based on-site at ourcutting-edgeSan Diego research facility this high-impact role will develop and implement strategies toidentifynovel therapeutic approaches for areas of significant unmet medical need guiding projects from conceptthroughproof of concept whilecollaboratingclosely with global research teams.

Vertex has a track record of serial innovation. We work only on diseases where we have a deep understanding of the underlying cause in humans. By focusing on validated targets creating predictive lab assays and identifying clinical biomarkers we pursue therapeutic approaches that we believe are most likely to succeed. Our R&D strategy is unique and differentiates us in the industry. When we decide to work on a disease we investigate it from multiple angles and invent acquire or partner on the tool or technology necessary. We are agnostic to therapeutic modality and see modality as a means to transform if not potentially cure a disease.

Key Responsibilities

• Establishinternal capabilities to discover novel therapeutics for severe diseasesin alignment with Vertex research strategy (validated targets to address causal human biology creating predictive lab assays and identifying clinical biomarkers).
• Lead the team toidentifydisease indications and innovative approaches.
• Design and oversee proof-of-concept experiments tovalidateproposed treatment options.
• Build strong cross-functional collaborations across diverse scientific disciplines includingpharmacology molecular and cell biology chemistry protein sciences data and computational science andengineering.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders across commercial clinical regulatory and other functions to build strategic plans.
• Partner with external academic and industry groups to advance researchobjectives.
• Lead and mentor a team of 7 highly experienced PhD level scientists fostering a culture of scientific excellence to cross-site and cross-functional goals within Vertex.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Expertisein molecular and cellular biology pharmacology physiology and translational research.
• Strategic leadership and ability to integrate emerging technologies.
• Exceptional collaboration and stakeholder management skills.
• Track recordof building high-performing teams and fostering innovation.

Education and Experience:

• MD/ Ph.D. in Biology ora relatedfield.
• 12 years ofindustryexperience leading effortsintarget identificationdrugdiscovery targeted deliveryandtranslational research an established track record of deliverables within an industrial research setting.
• Experience with multiple drug modalities (small molecules nucleic acids biologics proteins etc).
• Proven experience managing Ph.D.-level scientists andinfluencing atsenior levels.
• Results-orientedleaderwith 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 throughinnovation.

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