Disease Strategy Lead, Boston Research

We seek an accomplished and innovative scientist ideally with expertise in the field of hemoglobinopathies.  Both a scientific and strategic leader, this individual will drive the internal Vertex research strategy towards the discovery of therapies to treat sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia.  Specifically, the ideal candidate will serve on the cross-functional Disease Strategy Team overseeing internal research and development programs as well as external collaborations with industry and academic partners.  The ideal candidate will have broad experience in both small molecule and nucleic acid therapeutics for the treatment of hematological disorders, however this is not a requirement. This position will report directly to the Head of Boston Research.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide creative and innovative leadership to the Disease Strategy Team to drive the overall approach both strategically and scientifically
• Advise cross-functional teams supporting the disease area including early research, preclinical and development
• Ensure effective interaction & communication between the Disease Strategy Team and the program teams, Executive Committee and other key stakeholders

Minimum Qualifications :

• PhD or MD/PhD in Biology, Hematology or equivalent with >10 years experience in area of expertise
• Willingness to learn and master new areas of disease biology
• Experience in both small molecule and nucleic acid therapeutics is a plus but not required
• An extensive track record of presentations, publications, and patents
• Proven success in driving cross functional teams toward a common goal and deliverables
• A high degree of self-motivation, organization, communication, and presentation skills; high competence in solving complex problems, as well as the ability to navigate a fast-paced cross-functional and collaborative work environment
• A desire to be part of a highly innovative company aimed at transforming the lives of people with serious diseases, their families and society

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people with serious and life-threatening diseases. We discovered and developed the first medicines to treat the underlying cause of cystic fibrosis (CF), a rare, life-threatening genetic disease. In addition to clinical development programs in CF, Vertex has more than a dozen ongoing research programs focused on the underlying mechanisms of other serious diseases. 

Founded in 1989 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, our corporate headquarters is now located in Boston's Innovation District, and our international headquarters is in London, United Kingdom. We currently employ approximately 2,500 people in the United States, Europe, Canada, Australia and Latin America with nearly two-thirds of our staff dedicated to research and development. 

Vertex is consistently recognized as one of the industry’s top places to work by Science Magazine, The Boston Globe, Boston Business Journal and the San Diego Business Journal. Our research and medicines have also received esteemed recognitions, including the Robert J. Beall Therapeutics Development Award, the French Prix Galien and the British Pharmacological Society awards. For additional information and the latest updates from the Company, please visit www.vrtx.com. 

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.