Head of Analytical Testing & Lab Automation Strategy

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (US); Boston (MA); On-site; USD 226,000 - 339,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Equity awards

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc is seeking a Senior Director of Analytical Development to set and drive the company’s analytical testing strategy. You will oversee automation of assays, analytical operations, and data management across multiple programs, interfacing with Manufacturing, Regulatory, and Quality to inform control strategies.

The role emphasizes laboratory digitization, AI/ML tool implementation, and building organizational capability in analytical development for cell, gene, and

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in analytical chemistry, immunology, biochemistry, cell biology, biotechnology or related field.
• 11+ years post-doctoral employment or 15+ years relevant industry experience with technical leadership.
• Experience in Cell Therapy, Biologics, and Genetic therapies is critical.
• Proven track record leading analytical testing teams and strategic testing programs.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the Testing, Operations, and Automation Analytical Development function across multiple programs.
• Establish and drive testing strategies using manual and automated methods to support process development and stability studies.
• Lead development, optimization, and qualification of automated analytical methods and end-to-end automation platforms.
• Oversee laboratory informatics and digitization projects supporting data trends and visualization.
• Manage reagents, controls, and data integrity practices; ensure quality documentation.
• Build cross-functional partnerships and lead external collaborations to advance goals.
• Author and review study protocols, reports, and test methods.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop talent while managing resources and budget.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Analytical development

Automation in analytics

Laboratory informatics

People leadership

Regulatory knowledge (ICH/FDA/USP)

Education

PhD in analytical chemistry / related field

Master's degree in related field

Tools

Lab informatics platforms

AI/ML in lab automation

Job description

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc is seeking a Senior Director of Analytical Development to set and drive the company’s analytical testing strategy. You will oversee automation of assays, analytical operations, and data management across multiple programs, interfacing with Manufacturing, Regulatory, and Quality to inform control strategies.

The role emphasizes laboratory digitization, AI/ML tool implementation, and building organizational capability in analytical development for cell, gene, and