Director, Medical Writing

Vertex Pharmaceuticals; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 193,000 - 289,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Hybrid work arrangement

Total Rewards benefits

Job summary

Vertex is seeking a Director of Medical Writing Science to lead a high-performing group responsible for independently authoring routine and complex clinical and regulatory documents. You will provide strategic input into development and regulatory plans, set the group’s vision, and drive cross-functional collaboration with other teams.

The role emphasizes coaching, resource planning, and process improvements while aligning staff goals with program objectives in a hybrid Boston office

Qualifications

• Advanced understanding of clinical development and regulatory submissions
• Experience developing and executing strategic direction for projects
• Proven leadership and ability to influence senior management

Responsibilities

• Independently authors routine and complex clinical and regulatory documents
• Advises development teams on content and presentation to meet submission objectives
• Provides strategic input into program-level plans and regulatory strategies
• Sets goals and strategic vision for the group and shares it across Medical Writing Science
• Optimizes cross-functional understanding within the group and with other departments
• Manages resource plans to meet program goals
• Coaches staff and links goals to program and corporate objectives
• Plans strategically, anticipates problems, and recommends improvements
• Reviews policies and procedures for the department
• Leads process improvements with cross-functional impact

Skills

Clinical development

Regulatory writing leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Strategic direction

Staff coaching

Communication to senior management

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant discipline

Ph.D. (or equivalent) preferred

Job description

Job Description

Our Medical Writing team at Vertex is in-house, and our Writers are strategic partners in our drug development process, collaborating with cross functional teams, authoring and driving clinical & regulatory documents to bring innovative new therapies to patients.

This is a hybrid position which allows 2 days per week remote work and 3 days per week in our Boston Seaport office. Relocation assistance is available.

The Director, Medical Writing Science has responsibility for the management, oversight, operation, and direction of a group within the department. This role is held accountable for the results of the group and the work performance of line staff and is responsible for setting technical direction for the staff. This role is expected to optimize interdisciplinary understanding and teamwork and integrate activities with those of other groups in Medical Writing Science and with other functions.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Independently authors routine and complex clinical and regulatory documents


• Advises development teams on the content and optimal presentation of documents to facilitate achievement of submission objectives


• Provides strategic input into program-level and therapeutic area plans, including defining the direction of the clinical development program or regulatory strategies


• Sets goals and strategic vision for the group shares that vision within Medical Writing Science


• Optimizes interdisciplinary understanding and synergy within group(s) and integrate activities with those of other department and project teams


• Manages resource plans for projects within their oversight ensuring appropriate staff are available to meet program goals


• Provides coaching and performance management for staff, ensuring goal setting is effectively linked to program and corporate goals


• Plans strategically, anticipates problems, and recommends process improvements to address current and future needs


• Provides expert review of policies and procedures for the department


• innovates and leads process improvements with high cross-functional impact

Knowledge and Skills

• Highly advanced understanding of the clinical development process and authoring and preparation of the clinical sections of marketing applications and other regulatory submissions


• Proven track record of developing, communicating, and executing strategic direction for projects


• Strong leadership and influencing skills, ability to communicate and present ideas/solutions to senior management


• Ability to recognize business impact and identify networks to gain unified approach to solutions


• Demonstrated knowledge of field


• Ability to manage teams and individuals


• Experience with marketing applications for regulatory submissions

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in relevant discipline


• Ph.D. (or equivalent degree) highly preferred


• Typically requires 10 years of relevant medical writing experience in Pharma, Biotech or CRO industries and 3 years of supervisory/management experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience

#LI-AR1

#LI-Hybrid

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

$192,700 - $289,100

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

In this Hybrid-Eligible role, you can choose to be designated as:
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]