External Innovation, Associate Director

Vertex Pharmaceuticals; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 170,000 - 256,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

Paid time off

401(k) with company match

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals is seeking an Associate Director, External Innovation to support evaluation of external opportunities across biotech and pharma landscapes and align with corporate strategy. You will conduct scientific, clinical and commercial analysis, participate in cross-functional projects with transactions and alliance management, and manage stakeholder communications.

In this hybrid role, you will build and present independent assessments, engage with subject matter experts across

Qualifications

• Advanced scientific degree required.
• 7+ years biotechnology/pharmaceutical industry experience with drug discovery/early development preferred.
• Experience as buy-side/sell-side or consulting analyst preferred; experience modeling mature markets a plus.

Responsibilities

• Conduct landscape analysis of opportunities and companies under evaluation.
• Prepare evaluation materials and summaries to inform decision-making.
• Participate on evaluation teams in rigorous research and evaluation.
• Build and maintain relationships with transaction and alliance management teams.
• Engage with scientific and clinical SMEs across R&D, Regulatory, Manufacturing.
• Coordinate governance meetings with BD teams.
• Utilize technology-enabled tools to improve insights and knowledge management.

Skills

Scientific training

Business acumen

Data synthesis

Slide deck delivery

Communication skills

Leadership

Education

Advanced scientific degree

Job description

General Summary

The Associate Director, External Innovation reports into the Executive Director, External Innovation and Portfolio Operations, and is responsible for conducting scientific, clinical and commercial analysis, monitoring company/technology evolution across the biopharma landscape and contribute to the evaluation of collaboration/acquisition opportunities that are aligned with the corporate strategy.

Job Description

General Summary

The Associate Director, External Innovation reports into the Executive Director, External Innovation and Portfolio Operations, and is responsible for conducting scientific, clinical and commercial analysis, monitoring company/technology evolution across the biopharma landscape and contribute to the evaluation of collaboration/acquisition opportunities that are aligned with the corporate strategy.

As a member of the External Innovation team, you will contribute across phases of evaluation of external opportunities, participate to cross-functional projects with the transactions and alliance management teams, and manage cross-functional relationships to ensure communication and alignment across stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Conducts analysis and tracks opportunities and topics for landscape analysis, and companies for evaluations
• Prepares materials and evaluation summaries to inform decision-making, including organizing, documenting, interpreting and coherently summarizing cross-functional input of new technology landscaping projects & external business opportunities in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and academic arenas
• Participates as a member of evaluation teams in planning, coordinating, and executing rigorous research and evaluation of assigned idea/target
• Builds and maintains relationships with transaction and alliance management teams, and ensures communication and coordination across departments
• Participates in engagement with scientific and clinical subject matter experts, across various functional areas (R&D, Regulatory, Manufacturing etc.).
• Coordinates organizational governance meetings including BD meetings internally and externally with appropriate evaluation teams
• Utilizes technology-enabled tools to increase scientific insights and improve operations, process and knowledge management.

Knowledge And Skills

• Broad-based scientific training supporting high learning agility across fields relevant to drug discovery, development and commercialization
• Understanding and application of basic economic, commercial and financial factors driving value creation (business acumen)
• Ability to apply scientific, clinical, regulatory and commercial expertise as well as knowledge of the external landscape, to help shape program strategy and drive program decisions
• Ability to synthesize diverse data and information sources into actionable insights and recommendations
• Ability to develop independently and deliver clear audience-tailored slide decks and other communications to build internal stakeholder support and alignment (inclusive of senior management)
• Effective communication and negotiation skills
• Demonstrated leadership skills including impact on cross-functional teams output

Position Requirements

• Advanced scientific degree (Ph.D., M.D., Pharm.D., D.V.M., etc.)
• 7+ years of biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry experience, preferably with drug discovery and early development experience; equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Experience as a buy-side, sell-side or consulting analyst preferred; experience modeling mature markets 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

$170,400 - $255,600

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:

• Hybrid: work remotely up to two days per week; or select
• 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.

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]