Senior Director, Structural Biology and Biophysics

Job Description

The Senior Director, Structural Biology and Biophysics will define and execute a forward-looking vision for structural biology and biophysics to accelerate drug discovery. This leader will further develop our research capabilities in structure-enabled discovery, driving scientific excellence, innovation, and integration across disciplines. Based at our state-of-the-art research site in San Diego, this individual will combine deep technical expertise with strategic foresight to position structural biology as a core differentiator in our discovery platform.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Define and articulate a scientific vision and strategic plans that integrate experimental structural biology and biophysics data as well as computational approaches to accelerate drug discovery
• Lead and manage a team specialized in structural biology and biophysics. Provide guidance and mentorship. Foster a collaborative work environment.
• Champion existing and new structural biology and biophysical technologies that advance drug discovery projects forward. Propose new applications, apply technology, and follow up on new MoA, drug target and binding site identification and/or kinetic analysis of drug binding.
• Synthesize diverse approaches across modalities, build strategic collaborations within and outside the organization, and articulate how structural insights translate to biological and therapeutic impact.
• Independently perform hands-on experimental troubleshooting and methods development in biophysical assay development and protein structure determination by crystallography and/or CryoEM.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in the field of structural biology and biophysics, and integrate new technologies and methodologies into the drug discovery process.
• Propose and implement novel and improved data analysis tools. Maintain the excellence of standards for structure and interpretation of all laboratory records, electronic database entries, internal reports, patents, and external communications from the team.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulatory guidelines, maintain accurate records, and promote a culture of scientific rigor and integrity within the team.
• Ensure effective interaction & communication between the structural biology and biophysics group and other disciplines within Research such as pharmacology, molecular and cellular biology, computational chemistry, etc.
• Develop and implement strategies in collaboration with key stakeholders to ensure the discovery and development of clinical candidates with high clinical success rates.
• Lead and/or contribute to cross-site and cross-functional goals within Vertex.

Required Education Level

• Ph.D. (or equivalent degree) in Structural Biology, Biophysics, or a related field and 11+ years of industry / academic experience with a minimum of 5 years managing a team.
• Master's degree (or equivalent degree) and 15+ years of relevant employment experience, or
• Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent degree) and 20+ years of relevant employment experience.
• Extensive experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or leading academic biomedical research setting, with a proven track record of leading and managing teams in structural biology and biophysics.
• Experience in applying structural biology and biophysics to advance drug discovery programs.

Required Knowledge/Skills

• Established reputation with a strong track record of scientific impact in driving drug discovery programs forward by initiating and implementing structural biology and biophysics for mechanism-of-action studies and drug target or protein binding site identification and characterization. Experience can come from functional or cross-functional project leadership roles. Industry experience is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to craft and communicate a unifying scientific vision that integrates structural biology, biophysics, and computation into discovery strategies.
• Proven success in applying structural insights to advance drug discovery from target validation through lead optimization.
• Experience with integral membrane proteins is highly desirable.
• Experience in managing scientific teams, individual and team performance, goal setting, and career growth development and building a culture of innovation and inclusion.
• Demonstrated independent thought/creativity in science, leadership skills, and ability to inspire and motivate drug discovery teams.
• Excellent communication (oral and written) in articulating goals, objectives and results to the group and larger cross-functional project teams.
• Strong inter-personal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Extensive experience interfacing with internal and external stakeholders to collaborate and execute on research programs, deliver results, and influence decision making.
• Ability to navigate and be successful in a fast-paced, innovative, and multi-disciplinary work environment.

#LI-KM1

#LI-Onsite

Pay Range:

Disclosure Statement:

Flex Designation:

Flex Eligibility Status:

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