Associate Director, Stem Cell Research

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (US); Leiden; On-site; EUR 147,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

Vertex is seeking a high-impact leader to head the cell Foundry, guiding stem cell-derived islet production for Vertex's Cell & Gene Therapy programs focused on Type 1 diabetes. You will manage a team of scientists, drive innovation, and coordinate with project leadership to meet key deliverables.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience in stem cell biology, differentiation, and team leadership, with a track record of cross-functional collaboration and process optimization.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. (or equivalent) in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or related disciplines with 4–7 years post-doc or Masters with 7+ years experience or Bachelor with 10+ years experience.
• Strong cross-functional leadership experience with ability to manage and mentor a team.
• Experience in stem cell culture, directed differentiation, and cell therapy process development.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the cell Foundry team supporting T1D programs in stem cell and islet lineages.
• Innovate and optimize stem cell expansion and differentiation to SC-islets; drive automation and process improvements.
• Plan, prioritize, and communicate project deliverables with leadership; support IND-enabling activities.

Skills

Team leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Strategic planning

Education

PhD or equivalent

Masters degree

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Vertex is looking for a highly motivated candidate with experience in human pluripotent stem cell culture and directed differentiation protocols to lead our cell Foundry, a collaborative team focused on stem cell-derived islet (SC-islet) production, and associated workflows, enabling Vertex's Cell & Gene Therapy pipeline with a current focus on Type-1 diabetes (T1D) program. This leader will manage and oversee a group of talented scientists and collaborations to advance T1D program goals and accelerate discovery. The ideal candidate is a strong and collaborative team leader who is detail-oriented, eager to learn, and innovate cell therapy processes. This role requires excellent communication and organizational skills, as well as adaptability and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced research environment.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage cell Foundry team in support of key deliverables across T1D programs in stem cell, islet cell, and/or immunology needs
• Lead efforts to innovate, streamline, and automate processes for stem cell expansion and directed differentiation to various cell types focusing on stem cell-derived islets (SC-islets)
• Manage project prioritization and communication with project leadership to achieve key deliverables supporting Vertex's Cell & Gene Therapy research including key IND-enabling activities
• Partner with stakeholder teams to plan, coordinate, and execute experiments across different cell types and cell lines
• Leverage analytical tools to evaluate the molecular characteristics of stem cells, differentiation intermediates, and stem cell-derived islets (SC-islets)
• Present findings to the group and collaborators with summarized data in reports and presentations
• Motivate team, ensure alignment with goals, and resolve conflicts
• Construct draft-budgets and manage execution of approved budgets
• Ensure group adherence to electronic laboratory records, database entries, and data integrity standards
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Drafting and oversight of high-quality departmental documents for regulatory submissions, manuscripts, abstracts and publications.
• Act as a subject matter expert and assist others outside of own project with troubleshooting and data interpretation.
• Build and maintain strong collaborative partnerships with other R&D disciplines to advance Vertex programs through discovery and development.
• Work with corporate legal to identify and file intellectual property on novel and inventive discoveries.
• Helps craft department goals and strategies to ensure effective achievement of broader company scientific objectives.

Knowledge and Skills

• Possesses a distinguished record of cross-functional collaboration to achieve team goals through prioritization and efficiency
• Demonstrated excellence leading high-performing teams with core management experience a plus
• Exhibits a basic understanding of molecular & cell biology beyond his/her own specialty area
• Demonstrates strong aptitude helping to lead a group or team endeavor, and building team unity
• Demonstrates advanced judgement balancing technical feasibility, opportunity and impact
• Communicates clearly and precisely (reading/writing and verbal) with all levels of the company
• Distinction achieved by mentoring subordinates, addressing organizational problems, maintaining procedural and ethical standards, and cultivating healthy team morale
• Demonstrates initiative and ability to capitalize on scientific creativity and insights

Ph.D. (or equivalent degree) in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or related disciplines and 4-7 years of relevant post-doctoral employment experience, or Masters Degree (or equivalent degree) in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or related disciplines and 7+ years of relevant employment experience, or Bachelors Degree (or equivalent degree) in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or related disciplines and 10+ years of relevant employment experience

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: $169,500 - $254,300 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.

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. Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people with serious diseases and conditions. The company has approved therapies for cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia, acute pain and acromegaly, and it continues to advance clinical and research programs in these areas. Vertex also has a robust clinical pipeline of investigational therapies across a range of modalities in other serious diseases where it has deep insight into causal human biology, including IgA nephropathy, neuropathic pain, APOL1-mediated kidney disease, primary membranous nephropathy, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome, autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, type 1 diabetes, generalized myasthenia gravis, and myotonic dystrophy type 1. Vertex was founded in 1989 and has its global headquarters in Boston, with international headquarters in London. Additionally, the company has research and development sites and commercial offices in North America, Europe, Australia, Latin America and the Middle East. Vertex is consistently recognized as one of the industry's top places to work, including 16 consecutive years on Science magazine's Top Employers list and one of Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For. For company updates and to learn more about Vertex's history of innovation, visit www.vrtx.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X We believe our culture is one of Vertex’s greatest strengths and a key enabler of our ability to deliver transformative medicines for patients who need them. Rooted in innovation, purpose and collaboration, our culture empowers people to take smart risks, challenge conventional thinking and do their best work. The diversity of our people is central to that culture. By bringing together individuals with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives, we foster an environment where new ideas thrive, better decisions are made and breakthrough innovation is possible. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, included and connected to our shared mission, because we know that our unique culture and the collective strength of our people are what set Vertex apart.