Director, Stem Cell Research

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 197,000 - 296,000; Full time

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated in Boston, MA seeks a Director, Stem Cell Research to lead the T1D program, overseeing molecular characterization of stem cell‑derived islets and biomarker assays, driving translation from preclinical to clinical or manufacturing stages.

Responsibilities include leading a cross‑functional team, delivering high‑quality data packages, mentoring scientists, and managing budgets.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or related disciplines with 9+ years of post‑doctoral experience; or Masters with 12+ years; or Bachelors with 15+ years.
• Proven leadership in directing multidisciplinary drug discovery programs and teams.
• Strong track record of translating research from preclinical to clinical and/or manufacturing settings.

Responsibilities

• Ensure scientific directions and team efforts align with T1D program goals.
• Maintain team balance across projects from early research through development.
• Drive data packages for novel assets and assays.
• Coordinate in a matrix environment and advance discoveries to collaborators.
• Lead biologists to deliver discoveries with clear timelines and goals.
• Provide dynamic leadership of a multidisciplinary drug-discovery team.
• Mentor team members and drive scientific and ethical development.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Molecular biology

Cell therapy

Biotech drug development

Project management

Mentoring

Communication

Strategic planning

Education

Ph.D. in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or related disciplines

Masters Degree in related disciplines

Bachelors Degree in related disciplines

Job description

Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced cell therapy leader to join our Vertex Boston Leiden Center location at the Director level. The Director, Stem Cell Research will work within the Type 1 diabetes (T1D) program to support our biology pipeline including molecular characterization of stem cell-derived islet manufacturing as well as discovery of novel biomarkers and associated assays. You will lead a highly skilled and motivated team coordinating collaborative research across multiple research groups. The Director should be a creative, innovative, self-motivated scientist with an outstanding record of bringing research discoveries from pre-clinical to clinical and/or commercial manufacturing. The ideal candidate will bring strategic and scientific expertise and leadership in a direct line as well as matrixed environment.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure scientific directions and team efforts are aligned with T1D program goals
• Maintain team balance across Project boundaries that span early research through development
• Drive biological discovery to deliver high-quality data packages for novel assets and/or assays
• Coordinate within matrix environment and exercise exceptional judgement to advance research discoveries to downstream collaborators
• Drive and motivate your team of biologists to deliver discoveries using expertise in cell therapy development with excellent communication including project goal progress and timelines
• Provide dynamic leadership of a multidisciplinary drug-discovery team working on key projects within our T1D portfolio
• Help drive the development of the team through continuous teaching and mentorship including scientific and ethical development, communication, report drafting, and resolving conflicts
• Constructs draft-budgets and manage execution of approved budgets
• Performs other duties as assigned

Knowledge and Skills

• Established prowess integrating the activities of distinct functional groups across multiple projects.
• Possesses advanced knowledge of own field(s) and relevant scientific disciplines, including those important to the drug development process, which lead to the successful identification, validation, and mechanistic investigation of targets and associated biomarker assays in cell manufacturing.
• A deep working knowledge of fundamental biology principles.
• Greater aptitude for identifying productive new research initiatives/directions
• Experienced mentor who effectively infuses confidence and team commitment
• Exhibits a record of excellent operational and ethical standards, and team-improvement
• Scientifically diverse, authoritative and effective communicator
• Strong interpersonal teamwork and organizational skills, with ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced, innovative environment. Ability to manage timelines and drive projects to rapidly answer key questions.

Education and Experience

• Ph.D. (or equivalent degree) in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or related disciplines and 9+ years of relevant post-doctoral employment experience, or
• Masters Degree (or equivalent degree) in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or related disciplines and 12+ years of relevant employment experience, or
• Bachelors Degree (or equivalent degree) in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or related disciplines and 15+ 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

$197,400 - $296,200

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.

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.

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]