Senior Director, Analytical Development & Automation

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

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals is seeking a Senior Director of Analytical Development to lead testing strategy, automation, and data-driven decision making for cell, gene, and biologic programs.

The role oversees automation platforms, laboratory informatics, and reagent controls, partnering with Manufacturing, Regulatory, Quality, and external partners to advance analytics while shaping strategy across programs.

Qualifications

• PhD or Masters with 11+ or 15+ years of relevant experience in pharma.
• Experience leading analytical development in cell/gene therapy preferred.
• Strong laboratory informatics and automation tool knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for Testing, Operations, and Automation Analytical Development across programs.
• Establish and drive testing strategies using manual and automated methods for process development and stability studies.
• Lead teams for automated methods and end-to-end automation platforms for process development and analytics.
• Lead the establishment of laboratory informatics for highly automated equipment and digitization projects including AI/ML tools.
• Establish and manage critical assay reagents, controls, and control charts.
• Set and reinforce operational best practices across analytical development, data management, and training.
• Build cross-functional and external partnerships to advance goals.
• Author and review technical documents, study protocols, reports, and test methods.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop talent while managing budget and headcount.

Skills

Analytical development leadership

Automation in analytics

Laboratory informatics

AI/ML in lab automation

Regulatory knowledge (ICH FDA USP)

People leadership

Education

PhD in analytical chemistry / related field

Masters in analytical chemistry / related field

Job description

Vertex Pharmaceuticals is seeking a Senior Director of Analytical Development to lead testing strategy, automation, and data-driven decision making for cell, gene, and biologic programs.

The role oversees automation platforms, laboratory informatics, and reagent controls, partnering with Manufacturing, Regulatory, Quality, and external partners to advance analytics while shaping strategy across programs.