Seattle Research Site Head (Immunology)

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 268,000 - 402,000; Full time

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated seeks a Senior Site Head (Immunology) for the Seattle research site to drive a growing immunology program across discovery, translational, and early clinical efforts.

You will lead a high-impact team, shape the site strategy, and partner with R&D, finance, and HR to align resources with program goals while communicating science externally and internally.

Qualifications

• MD/PhD in immunology or related field.
• Typically 15 years of experience in life sciences or academia with 7+ years of supervisory/management experience.
• Demonstrated rigor and scientific leadership as an immunologist within biotech/pharma or leading academic medical research.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific and translational immunology expertise to Vertex’s biologics pipeline.
• Lead, mentor, and build a focused research team; develop operational plans.
• Oversee projects with scientific excellence, people management, and financial accountability.

Skills

Strategic leadership

People management

Scientific rigor

Collaborative mindset

Communication skills

Influence and change management

Education

MD/PhD in immunology

15 years life sciences experience

7+ years supervisory/management

Job description

Overview

Vertex is seeking an experienced senior scientific leader to join our research organization as the Seattle Research Site Head (Immunology). The successful candidate will be a recognized leader in immunology research with the ability to drive high-impact, high-visibility projects and transform our ability to reach more patients with a growing pipeline of life-changing medicines. This is an essential hire reporting to the SVP, Boston Research. The role oversees a growing scientific department across discovery, translational, and early clinical programs in Seattle and shapes Vertex's broader immunology strategy in partnership with senior leadership. The Site Head will oversee all aspects of running the Seattle research site and contribute to overall strategic direction, governance, portfolio prioritization, and people development, acting as a scientific voice for the company internally and externally.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific and translational immunology research expertise to Vertex’s growing biologics pipeline, including Povetacicept and early research projects in other immune-mediated inflammatory diseases.
• Lead, mentor, and build a focused research team; develop operational plans aligned with development and commercial goals.
• Oversee projects with scientific excellence, people management, and financial accountability; identify and communicate obstacles (scientific, organizational, or financial).
• Collaborate with leaders in R&D, New Product Planning, and Investor Relations to enhance scientific understanding and communicate the activity of drug candidates and their potential patient benefit.
• Represent the company in assessing scientific partnerships, collaborations, and business development opportunities.
• Articulate the scientific message and company vision clearly to the external scientific community.
• Provide senior leadership on collaborations or partnerships with public and private entities and serve as principal representative on program-related issues.

Site Head – Seattle

• Oversee daily site operations to ensure execution across initiatives and align site strategy with broader organizational goals.
• Manage resource allocation to enhance productivity; contribute to CapEx and OpEx planning in line with research objectives.
• Partner with Human Resources to support people processes across the site.
• Prepare, develop, and deliver key communications such as town halls and portfolio updates.
• Coordinate with facilities to support the research facility.

Leadership

• Contribute to research governance, endorse new projects, lead optimization transitions, nominate development candidates, and invest in new technologies and capabilities.
• Lead strategic initiatives on behalf of global research.
• Support talent and organizational development across research and foster growth of colleagues.

Knowledge and Skills

• Combine strategic and interpersonal leadership with scientific rigor and creative problem solving.
• Collaborative approach with ability to align and execute.
• Proven leadership in biotech/pharma or major academic research, including drug discovery or biomedical research teams.
• Ability to recruit, develop, and cultivate an inclusive high-performing organization.
• Ability to anticipate future trends and maintain momentum in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Strong communication skills; ability to influence and drive change.
• Track record of senior-level influence and decision-making.

Education and Experience

• MD/PhD or PhD in immunology or related field.
• Typically 15 years of experience in life sciences or academia with 7+ years of supervisory/management experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated rigor and scientific leadership as an immunologist within biotech/pharma or leading academic medical research.
• Experience in drug discovery or target biology with broad understanding of the drug discovery and development continuum.
• Proven track record of advancing a discovery pipeline with potential transformative impact.

Pay Range: $268,000 - $402,000

Disclosure Statement:

The salary range is based on a reasonable estimate for base pay at the time of posting and may be eligible for annual bonus and equity awards. Actual base salary depends on skills, experience, and other factors permitted by law. Vertex offers Total Rewards including comprehensive benefits, time off, educational assistance, commuter subsidies, charitable matching, and retirement plans.

Flex Designation: On-Site

Flex Eligibility Status: In this On-Site designated role, you will work five days per week on-site with ad hoc flexibility. Note: Flex status is subject to Vertex policy and may change.

#LI-Onsite

Company Information

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation. Vertex is an equal opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities. Applicants requiring accommodations should contact Talent Acquisition at [e-mail].