Associate Director, Quality Control - Technical Services

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (US); Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 159,000 - 238,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision benefits

Generous paid time off

Educational assistance programs

Commuting subsidy

Matching charitable donations

401(k)

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. seeks an Associate Director, QC Technical Services – Small Molecule to lead the external testing strategy and operational oversight for GMP release and stability testing.

You will manage relationships with contract labs and ensure compliant QC processes, while driving continuous improvement and regulatory support. The role requires proven leadership, strong QA background, and ability to coordinate with MS&T, Regulatory, and Quality Assurance to support uninterrupted

Qualifications

• Experience in biotech/pharma with analytical leadership in a cGMP environment.
• Proven ability to build and grow high-performance teams.
• Strong quality and compliance background with QC strategy development.
• Ability to develop contingency plans for adverse scenarios.

Responsibilities

• Provide oversight for GMP release and stability testing at external labs.
• Oversee contract testing labs ensuring timelines, quality, and quality agreements.
• Maintain compliant QC processes according to SOPs and guidance.
• Oversee external data review for OOS/OOE/OOT and trends.
• Lead KPI monitoring and CTL performance management.
• Manage quality events, CAPAs, deviations, and change controls.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with MS&T, AS&T, Regulatory, and QA.

Skills

cGMP testing

External labs mgmt

Quality systems

Regulatory support

Project management

Leadership

Stakeholder communication

Travel up to 20%

Education

Master's degree

Bachelor's degree

Job description

General Summary

The Associate Director, QC Technical Services – Small Molecule will lead the technical services group responsible for GMP release and stability testing activities at external laboratories supporting commercial small molecule programs at Vertex. The role is responsible for the development and maintenance of relationships with the external testing sites to provide strategic and operational oversight for QC activities, drive compliance, monitor performance and support continuous improvement activities. The role also includes operational oversight of quality event management, stability execution, regulatory support, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure uninterrupted commercial supply to patients. This position reports directly to the Senior Director of QC Operations and Stability.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational oversight for GMP release and stability testing conducted at external laboratories in support of commercial supply.
• Oversee contract testing laboratories performing QC testing of drug substance, drug product intermediate, and drug products, ensuring alignment with timelines, quality standards, and quality agreements.
• Ensure the group maintains compliant execution of QC processes in accordance with SOPs, policies, and applicable industry guidance.
• Accountable for oversight of external data review processes, including appropriate assessment, escalation, and follow-up for OOS, OOE, OOT, and adverse performance or product trends.
• Provide leadership oversight for KPI monitoring and CTL performance management to support reliable, compliant, and efficient testing operations.
• Oversee quality event management within the function, including change controls, deviations, adverse stability trends, and CAPAs, ensuring timely resolution and appropriate escalation.
• Lead cross-functional alignment with MS&T, AS&T, Supply Management, Regulatory Affairs, Program Management, and Quality Assurance to support commercial small molecule programs.
• Provide functional accountability for QC input to regulatory submissions.
• Ensure the group is prepared to support audits and inspections at CMOs and contract laboratories.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external laboratories to support quality, compliance, and continuity of supply.
• Support development and strengthening of internal quality systems relevant to the technical services function.
• Support career development of direct reports.

Knowledge and Skills

• Demonstrated experience in biotech or pharmaceutical industry, in a analytical leadership role working with or in cGMP testing laboratories.
• Proven experience in building and growing a high-performance team.
• Strong quality and compliance background in a commercial GMP environment with expertise in developing QC strategies, monitoring performance metrics, and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
• Problem solver with a hands-on approach and ability to anticipate adverse scenarios and provide contingency plans to address them.
• Demonstrated technical background in analytical chemistry with small molecules.
• Solid project management skills and experience managing complex projects.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills: ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, by adjusting style, language and/or terminology as appropriate for the audience.
• Strong leadership and proven ability to collaborate and build relationships is critical.
• Ability to work calmly and make sound decisions in a fast-moving environment of uncertainty and change.
• Ability to travel, national and international, up to 20%.

Education and Experience

• Requires the following or the equivalent combination of education and experience: Master degree and 8+ years, or Bachelor's and 10+ years in pharmaceutical/biopharmaceutical industry with 6 years of increasing management responsibility, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Expertise in QC principles, concepts, industry practices, and standards.
• Experience in method development, validation, and transfer of non-compendial and compendial analytical methods for small molecule using various techniques such as LC/GC chromatography, dissolution, Karl Fischer, FTIR, and XRPD.
• Deep knowledge in regulatory requirements and guidelines (ICH, CFR, FDA) with respect to small molecule manufacturing and release/stability testing.
• Audit/inspection interaction experience with health authorities.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and effectively to timelines in a virtual environment (i.e., internal partners, external CROs, CMOs, CTLs, etc.) and manage QC deliverables effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Pay Range

Pay Range: $158,800 - $238,200.

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.

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision benefits.
• 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

Hybrid-Eligible Or On-Site Eligible. Flex Eligibility Status: In this Hybrid-Eligible role, you can choose to be designated as: 1. Hybrid: work remotely up to two days per week; or 2. On-Site: 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. 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 [e-mail].

About Vertex

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.