Executive Director, Data & Methods (Data and Computational Sciences)

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (US); United States; Hybrid; USD 271,000 - 406,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Annual equity awards

Generous paid time off

Hybrid work arrangement

Total Rewards benefits

Health insurance

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals seeks an Executive Director, Data & Methods to lead a multidisciplinary team delivering foundational computational, AI, ML, and scientific data capabilities that accelerate drug discovery across modalities. You will define an AI and computational strategy and translate vision into scalable platforms, methods, and tools that advance Vertex’s research portfolio.

Based in Boston with a hybrid schedule (3 days onsite), you will champion technical excellence, build leaders, and

Qualifications

• 15+ years in computational science, ML/AI, and scientific methods for drug discovery.
• Proven leader of leaders, building and scaling high-performing orgs.
• Expertise across at least one computational science domain with cross-domain credibility.
• Strong software engineering foundation for production-grade research methods.
• Experience defining and operationalizing AI/ML strategy in R&D settings.

Responsibilities

• Set strategy and multi-year roadmap for computational and AI/Sci methods across Global Research.
• Lead a multidisciplinary organization of scientists, engineers, and managers.
• Serve as senior scientific authority on state-of-the-art computational methods and AI/ML adoption.
• Define and execute AI/ML strategy, governance, and integration into workflows.
• Build scalable platforms and durable scientific software for broad use.
• Champion technical excellence, reproducibility, and quality in software and data.
• Partner with Vertex tech leaders to deploy research-grade methods at scale.
• Attract, develop, and retain talent; translate complex science for senior leadership.
• Drive adoption by embedding methods and data products into real workflows.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

AI/ML strategy

Education

PhD in Computational Science / related field

Job description

Job Description The Executive Director, Data & Methods will lead a top-tier, multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers to deliver foundational computational, AI, ML, and scientific methods and data capabilities that support research across all therapeutic modalities and scientific domains at Vertex. This leader will set AI and computational strategy that spans the full breadth of modern drug discovery and scientific therapeutic development; and will translate vision into scalable platforms, methods, and tools that serve every modality and measurably speed up discovery and translation, through the development of cutting‑edge methods that leverage critical proprietary and public data to drive impact across our global research portfolio. The role will report to the Head of Data & Computational Sciences. This is a Boston based, hybrid role (3 days/week onsite).

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Set the strategy and multi-year roadmap for foundational computational, ML/AI, and scientific methods across Global Research
• Lead a multidisciplinary organization of scientists, engineers, and managers — building structure, growing other leaders, and driving organizational effectiveness as a leader of leaders.
• Serve as a senior scientific and technical authority on state-of-the- art computational methods and the responsible adoption of AI/ML in drug discovery and translation.
• Define and execute the AI/ML strategy — development, deployment, governance, and the change management needed to embed new methods into scientific workflows.
• Build scalable platforms and scientific software — durable, production-grade, reusable capabilities that serve stakeholders across modalities, not one-off tools.
• Champion technical excellence — best practices in software and data engineering, reproducibility, validation, and quality.
• Partner with other technology leaders at Vertex to deploy research-grade methods into scalable platforms and define AI, compute, and data infrastructure needs
• Attract, develop, and retain outstanding talent, fostering an inclusive, rigorous, high-trust culture — and translate complex science into clear recommendations for senior leadership.
• Drive adoption and impact by ensuring computational methods, AI/ML tools, and data products are embedded in real scientific workflows and deliver measurable value to research teams.
• Stay externally current on advances in computational science, AI/ML, data, and scientific software, and translate the most relevant opportunities into Vertex priorities.

#LI-KM1 #LI-Onsite

Required Education Level

• Advanced degree (PhD preferred) in Computational Chemistry, Computational Biology, Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Data Science, or a related field.

Required Experience

• 15+ years of progressive experience in computational science, ML/AI, and scientific methods for drug discovery, with significant time in biotech, pharma, or comparably complex environments.
• Proven success as a leader of leaders — building and scaling high-performing scientific and technical organizations.
• Deep, recognized expertise in at least one computational science domain (e.g. ML/AI for scientific applications, computational chemistry, computational biology), with credibility bridging multiple domains.
• Strong scientific software engineering foundation and experience overseeing maturation of research‑grade methods into production‑grade systems.
• Track record defining and operationalizing AI/ML strategy in a scientific or R&D setting, and building shared platforms or enterprise computational capabilities.
• Experience leading cross‑functionally across science and technology, influencing senior stakeholders, and developing talent across levels.
• Exceptional communication skills, including translating complex technical strategy for executive audiences.
• Ability to balance scientific ambition with practical delivery, prioritizing capabilities that are robust, reusable, and aligned to research needs.
• Strong judgment in responsible AI/ML use, including model evaluation, reproducibility, transparency, governance, and fit‑for‑purpose deployment in scientific settings.
• The highest level of ethics and commitment to Vertex’s core values and beliefs.

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: $270,600 - $406,000 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: 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].

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’s100Best 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.