Sr. Director, Pharmacology

Job Description

Vertex is seeking an exceptional scientific leader to drive the development and incorporation of human disease models and assays into drug discovery programs. The Sr. Director, Pharmacology will lead a department responsible for the design, development, and execution of in vitro and in vivo assays that support the progression and optimization of human therapeutics, including assays used to determine drug potency, efficacy, and mechanism of action. This leader will also serve as a member of the San Diego biology leadership team and help shape site research direction and cross-departmental projects. 

Key Duties & Responsibilities 

• Direct pharmacology strategy, including assays that assess potency, efficacy, and mechanism of action and provide scientific, operational, and people leadership across multiple programs and teams. 
• Lead the Pharmacology function and manage a team responsible for in vitro and in vivo assays that support drug discovery and therapeutic optimization. 
• Set team priorities, allocate resources, manage budgets and hiring, and ensure progress against company goals. Mentor and develop staff, promote ethical scientific practices, and support a high-performing team culture. 
• Drive study planning, data quality, reporting, publications, patents, and compliance with regulatory documentation standards. 
• Partner across functions and sites to influence research direction, reduce project risk, and advance innovative solutions. 
• Communicate priorities, capabilities, progress, and recommendations clearly to project teams, collaborators, senior management, and across a matrixed organization. 

Knowledge and Skills: 

• Strong leadership and strategic thinking, with the ability to lead scientists and coordinate cross-functional drug discovery efforts. 
• Proven people management skills, including mentoring, recruiting, and developing scientific teams including Ph.D. scientists and Research Associates. 
• Deep expertise in pharmacology, including in vitro/in vivo assay design, execution, analysis, and interpretation. Strong knowledge of pharmacological principles and the drug discovery process. 
• Extensive experience with ion channel pharmacology/electrophysiology and mechanism-of-action studies. 
• Evidence of developing innovative translational in vitro and/or in vivo models that predict human efficacy. 
• Ability to analyze complex data, communicate findings clearly, and recommend next steps to varied audiences. 
• Proven ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, matrixed research environment. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with credibility across senior leadership and scientific stakeholders. 

Education and Experience: 

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, or a related field, with relevant post-doctoral industry employment experience. 
• 12+ years of drug discovery experience with demonstrated excellence in early-stage drug discovery and development. 
• Successful track record managing functional or cross-functional research groups, including Ph.D. Scientists and Research Associates. 

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At Vertex, we embrace continuous learning and encourage employees to stay informed on advances in AI, technology, automation, and industry trends. We seek talent who bring an external perspective, demonstrate curiosity and sound judgment, and thoughtfully adopt new capabilities that improve decision-making, drive innovation, increase efficiency, and help deliver better outcomes for patients.

Pay Range:

Disclosure Statement:

Flex Designation:

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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Company Information

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation.

Vertex is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Vertex is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. Vertex will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.

Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should make a request to the recruiter or hiring manager, or contact Talent Acquisition at ApplicationAssistance@vrtx.com