Epidemiology Forecasting, Associate Director

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (US); Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 172,000 - 258,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Annual equity awards

Remote-Eligible role

Job summary

Vertex is seeking an Associate Director in Epidemiology to drive global estimates of disease incidence, prevalence, and population size for its programs. You will partner with clinical, commercial, regulatory, and analytics teams to inform forecasting and development decisions.

The role supports drug development programs using rigorous epidemiologic methods and real-world data, with flexibility for in-person, hybrid, or remote work and a strong emphasis on collaboration and scientific excellence.

Qualifications

• PhD/DrPH in Epidemiology or related discipline with at least 8 years of industry experience in biopharmaceutical or consulting environment or MPH/MSc with at least 10 years’ experience.
• Directly relevant experience in developing disease population size estimates and executing epidemiology research.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced matrixed environment and lead cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead systematic literature reviews and database/disease registry studies to develop scientifically rigorous disease incidence, prevalence, and population size estimates.
• Generate global estimates of disease incidence, prevalence, and population size for treatment areas.
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners across commercial, medical, clinical, regulatory, and corporate communications.

Skills

Written communication

Oral communication

Epidemiology expertise

Claims-based analytics

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Education

PhD/DrPH in Epidemiology or related discipline

MPH/MSc with 10+ years’ experience

Job description

Job Description Job Summary:

Vertex is seeking a talented and motivated individual with the desire to be part of a highly innovative company aimed at transforming the lives of people with serious diseases, their families, and society. The Associate Director role is within HEOR’s Epidemiology Center of Excellence (CoE), a specialized team that develops patient population forecasts used to inform commercial opportunity and forecasting, clinical trial planning, long-range planning, regulatory filings, and external communications. In this role, the Associate Director will be responsible for supporting drug development programs in Vertex’s pipeline through the execution of strategic plans to obtain scientifically rigorous global estimates of the incidence, prevalence, and population size for diseases being investigated for treatment. The Associate Director will serve as a strategic partner to colleagues throughout the organization, providing technical epidemiology expertise on projects. The role will report to the Senior Director, Epidemiology Center of Excellence. The role has flexibility to be in-person, hybrid, or remote.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead systematic literature reviews and database/disease registry studies and contribute to primary observational studies to ensure the development of scientifically rigorous estimates of disease incidence, prevalence, and population size
• Generate quality global estimates of disease incidence, prevalence, and population size for disease areas being investigated for treatment with Vertex’s product candidates
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners in commercial, business development, medical, clinical, regulatory, corporate communications, and other functions
• Support internal processes and participate in cross-functional teams to achieve alignment of strategic plans and recommended approach/level of investment at each stage of development to ensure quality epidemiology deliverables meet the needs of the organization
• Develop innovative solutions to ensure the organization has the relevant epidemiologic information, particularly where existing evidence is sparse

Qualifications:

• PhD/DSc/DrPH in Epidemiology or related discipline with at least 8 years of industry experience in the biopharmaceutical or consulting environment or MPH/MSc with at least 10 years’ experience
• Directly relevant experience in: Developing disease population size estimates Executing research to generate scientifically rigorous epidemiology estimates, including systematic literature reviews and primary observational studies Supporting population sizing activities across research, business development, and long-range planning
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced matrixed environment and navigate multiple competing priorities
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills with a keen ability to translate complex data into digestible information
• Demonstrated experience applying claims-based analytic methods in epidemiologic research, including disease prevalence estimation, using real-world data sources
• Flexible, “outside the box” thinker who embodies a collaborative approach that embraces diverse perspectives
• Culturally sensitive collaborator able to effectively lead cross-functional teams to drive alignment with business and stakeholder needs while managing timelines and budgets
• Experience in rare diseases a plus

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: $172,000 - $258,000

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: Remote-Eligible Flex Eligibility Status: In this Remote-Eligible role, you can choose to be designated as: 1. Remote: work remotely five days per week and come into the office on occasion – you’re always welcome on-site; or select 2. Hybrid: work remotely up to two days per week; or select 3. 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.

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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.

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, type 1 diabetes, generalized myasthenia gravis, and myotonic dystrophy type 1. 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 17 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.