Director, Stem Cell Research

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (US); United States; On-site; USD 197,000 - 296,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

Generous PTO

Education assistance

Commuting subsidy

Matching donations

401(k)

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (US) is seeking a Director-level Stem Cell Research leader for our Vertex Boston Leiden Center. The role drives the biology pipeline for Type 1 diabetes, overseeing molecular characterization of stem cell-derived islets and biomarker development.

You will mentor a skilled team, coordinate cross‑functional research, and translate discoveries toward clinical and manufacturing goals.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Ensure scientific directions and team efforts align with T1D program goals.
• Maintain team balance across projects from early research through development.
• Drive biological discovery to deliver high‑quality data packages for assets/assays.
• Coordinate within a matrix environment and advance discoveries to collaborators.
• Lead biologists and communicate progress, timelines, and milestones.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Team management

Scientific communication

Project management

Mentorship

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in molecular biology / related

M.S. in molecular biology / related

B.S. in molecular biology / related

Job description

Job Description General Summary

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
• Masters Degree (or equivalent degree) in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or related disciplines and 12+ years of relevant employment experience
• Bachelors Degree (or equivalent degree) in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or related disciplines and 15+ years of relevant employment experience

Pay Range

$197,400 - $296,200

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.

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
• Generous commuting subsidy
• Matching charitable donations
• 401(k)

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].

Help Us Achieve Our Mission

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people with serious diseases and conditions. The company has approved therapies for cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, transfusion‑dependent beta thalassemia, acute pain and acromegaly, and it continues to advance clinical and research programs in these areas. Vertex also has a robust clinical pipeline of investigational therapies across a range of modalities in other serious diseases where it has deep insight into causal human biology, including IgA nephropathy, neuropathic pain, APOL1‑mediated kidney disease, primary membranous nephropathy, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, ACTH‑dependent Cushing’s syndrome, autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, type1 diabetes, generalized myasthenia gravis, and myotonic dystrophy type1.

Vertex was founded in 1989 and has its global headquarters in Boston, with international headquarters in London. Additionally, the company has research and development sites and commercial offices in North America, Europe, Australia, Latin America and the Middle East.

Vertex is consistently recognized as one of the industry’s top places to work, including 16 consecutive years on Science magazine’s Top Employers list and one of Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For.

For company updates and to learn more about Vertex’s history of innovation, visit www.vrtx.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X.

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.