Associate Director, Stem Cell Research

Vertex Pharmaceuticals; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 254,000; Full time

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals in Boston is seeking a high-caliber leader to head the cell Foundry, directing stem cell culture and differentiation toward SC-islets for our Cell & Gene Therapy programs. This role requires managing a talented group, driving automation, and ensuring collaboration across disciplines to accelerate discovery and regulatory readiness.

The candidate will guide IND-enabling activities, partner with R&D and manufacturing, and maintain rigorous data integrity and communications

Qualifications

• Ph.D. with 4–7 years post-doctoral experience or a Masters with 7+ years experience or a Bachelors with 10+ years experience.
• Strong track record in leadership and cross-functional collaboration.
• Advanced understanding of molecular and cell biology principles.

Responsibilities

• Manage cell Foundry team across stem cell and islet-related programs.
• Lead efforts to innovate, streamline, and automate stem cell expansion and differentiation.
• Coordinate experiments across cell types and lines with stakeholders.
• Present data in reports and presentations and ensure data integrity.
• Draft and oversee departmental documents for regulatory submissions and publications.
• Mentor staff and align team goals with broader Vertex objectives.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Team management

Stem cell biology

Process development

Education

PhD in molecular biology / cell biology / biochemistry or related

MS in molecular biology / cell biology / biochemistry or related

BS in molecular biology / cell biology / biochemistry or related

Job description

General Summary

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

Education and Experience

• 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.

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