Comparative Medicine Manager

Biopharma Careers; United States; On-site; USD 113,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Annual equity awards

Overtime pay eligibility

Commuting subsidy

Education assistance

401(k)

Job summary

Vertex is seeking a capable professional to support vivarium operations in San Diego and coordinate activities at contracted Seattle sites, ensuring compliant and uninterrupted research support across global operations.

The role includes IACUC support, global animal procurement, technical help for in vivo studies, and contribution to training and onboarding while driving continuous improvement across processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in a life sciences field.
• Master’s degree preferred in a relevant discipline.
• Experience with vivarium operations and in vivo research.
• Experience with IACUC processes and compliance.
• Experience developing SOPs and training materials.
• Experience coordinating cross-functional/global projects preferred.
• AALAS LATg certification or ILAM/CPIA preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support and maintain day-to-day vivarium operations.
• Manage contract personnel for the San Diego vivarium.
• Coordinate Vertex activities at the contracted Seattle site.
• Harmonize processes across sites where applicable.
• Partner with stakeholders to identify operational needs and drive improvements.
• Monitor workflows for regulatory and animal welfare compliance.
• Provide weekend support as needed.
• Oversee global animal procurement and logistics.

Skills

Hands-on in vivo support

Organizational & project management

Written & verbal communication

Policy development & SOP creation

Cross-functional collaboration

Attention to detail

Problem solving & proactive thinking

Global coordination across sites

Education

Bachelor’s degree in animal science or related field

Master’s degree preferred

AALAS LATg certification preferred

ILAM or CPIA certification preferred

Job description

Key Responsibilities

Vivarium Operations

• Support and help maintain the day-to-day operations of the San Diego vivarium to ensure efficient, compliant, and uninterrupted research support.
• Management of contract personnel for San Diego vivarium.
• Management of Vertex activities at contracted site for Seattle.
• Work across sites for harmonization of processes as applicable.
• Partner with internal stakeholders and vivarium staff to identify operational needs and implement process improvements.
• Monitor operational workflows to ensure alignment with institutional, regulatory, and animal welfare standards in accordance with local guidelines.
• Provide weekend support as needed.

Global Animal Procurement

• Coordinate global animal procurement activities to ensure timely and reliable sourcing of animals for research programs.
• Collaborate with internal research teams, vendors, and external partners to support study timelines and business needs.
• Track procurement logistics and resolve issues related to supply, scheduling, or study support.

IACUC Support and Compliance

• Assist with IACUC management activities, including protocol-related support, documentation, and coordination with internal stakeholders.
• Contribute to the development, revision, and implementation of IACUC policies, guidelines, and SOPs.
• Help ensure vivarium and in vivo activities are conducted in compliance with institutional policies and applicable regulations.
• Support inspection readiness and corrective actions as needed.

Technical Support for Animal Studies

• Oversee technical support for animal studies and serve as a resource to in vivo users and project teams.
• Assist with study planning and execution by offering operational/technical support.
• Troubleshoot technical or operational issues that may impact in vivo research activities.

Training and Onboarding

• Work with Global Trainer on providing technical training to in vivo users to ensure safe, effective, and compliant conduct of animal studies.
• Assist in the onboarding of new in vivo users, including orientation to vivarium procedures, expectations, and required training.
• Work with Global Trainer to develop and maintain training content related to vivarium operations, animal procedures, and compliance requirements.
• Promote best practices in animal care, handling, documentation, and study conduct.

Documentation and Continuous Improvement

• Develop, update, and maintain training documentation, SOPs, guidance documents, and other controlled content.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, user experience, and compliance processes across vivarium activities.
• Support standardization of practices across local and global vivarium-related functions where applicable.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in animal science, biology, veterinary technology, life sciences, or related field required.
• A master’s degree in a relevant scientific or operational discipline is preferred.
• Experience supporting vivarium operations, laboratory animal research, or in vivo study execution.
• Experience with IACUC processes, animal welfare regulations, and related compliance requirements.
• Experience developing SOPs, policies, training materials, and procedural documentation.
• Experience training technical users and supporting onboarding in a research environment preferred.
• Experience coordinating cross-functional projects and working with global stakeholders is preferred.
• AALAS certification ( LATg), ILAM and/or CPIA preferred.

Preferred Attributes, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to provide hands-on and technical support for in vivo studies.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to develop clear, effective, and compliant policies, SOPs, guidelines, and training content.
• Strong collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively across scientific, operational, and compliance teams.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to quality, animal welfare, and operational excellence.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, matrixed, and collaborative research environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to operational challenges.
• Ability to influence and support adoption of best practices across in vivo users and stakeholders.
• Global mindset with the ability to coordinate across sites, functions, and external partners.

Pay Range

Pay Range: $113,400 - $170,000

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

Hybrid-Eligible Or On-Site Eligible

Flex Eligibility Status

• 1. Hybrid: work remotely up to two days per week; or select
• 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.

#LI-Hybrid

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]