Senior Director, Immunology

Vertex Pharmaceuticals LLC; Boston, Northern (MA, KY); Hybrid; USD 238,000 - 357,000; Full time

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals LLC seeks a Senior Director, Immunology in Boston to oversee multiple immunology programs supporting cell and genetic therapy pipelines. You will lead development of novel immunomodulatory strategies, guide cross-functional teams, and influence critical investment decisions with deep scientific expertise.

This on-site role requires PhD/MD with 12+ years in industry, strong leadership, and a track record of advancing programs from discovery to IND and PoC, plus exemplary

Qualifications

• PhD/MD (or equivalent) in immunology or related discipline with 12+ years in industry.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and contributing to IND, FIM and PoC processes.
• Proven ability to drive immunology research strategies and guide investment decisions.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Research Program Lead for 2+ programs with cross-functional alignment.
• Develop strategy to advance next-gen drug discovery in immunology.
• Lead immunology research and translational immunology programs for cell and genetic therapies.
• Drive identification and advancement of therapeutic targets from discovery to development.

Skills

Immunology expertise

Strategic leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Scientific influence

Mentoring

Education

PhD/MD in immunology or related

Tools

Flow cytometry

RNA-seq

Immunohistochemistry

Cell sorting

Job description

General Summary

The Senior Director, Immunology will oversee multiple research programs and initiatives that support the research and development of the Vertex portfolio, and collaborate closely with manufacturing, process and analytical development colleagues to support the development of advanced therapies. This role will be responsible for driving execution of current projects and leading the identification of new opportunities. This individual will help define and drive immunology research strategies, lead the development of novel immunomodulatory approaches to enable transformative advances in allogeneic transplantation, and provide scientific leadership across a diverse portfolio of discovery and development programs. Through deep scientific expertise, strategic vision, and exceptional communication and influencing skills, this role will shape research direction, guide critical investment and development decisions, and foster cross-functional collaboration to advance the company’s cell and genetic therapy pipeline. This is a Boston based ONSITE position.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Research Program Team Lead for 2+ programs driving cross-functional collaboration and alignment to achieve program goals
• Develop strategy and build capabilities to advance novel, next gen drug discovery in T1D
• Provide scientific, strategic, and organizational leadership for immunology research and drug discovery programs supporting the cell and genetic therapy portfolio
• Develop and execute innovative immunomodulatory and translational immunology strategies to advance allogeneic transplantation and other immune-mediated therapeutic opportunities
• Lead cross-functional teams to identify, validate, and advance novel therapeutic targets and candidates from discovery through development while ensuring timely, high-quality execution and communication of research results
• Shape research and portfolio strategy through deep immunology expertise, data-driven conclusions, emerging scientific advances, and balanced pursuit of innovation against defined project objectives
• Build and maintain productive collaborations across internal functions and with external academic, clinical, industry, and pharma partners
• Manage group resources, budgets, hiring, staff activities, and goal setting to align scientific capabilities and personnel priorities with department and corporate objectives
• Mentor and develop high-performing scientists while fostering scientific rigor, technical excellence, ethical publication and patenting practices, and clear communication across the organization

Knowledge & Skills

• Deep scientific expertise in immunology, immunology-driven drug discovery, and translational science, including biomarker development and clinical application of preclinical findings
• Proven ability to advance therapeutic programs from target discovery through candidate selection across modalities, including cell and genetic therapies, biologics, small molecules, and nucleic acid-based medicines
• Strong scientific judgment and strategic thinking to shape portfolio strategy, guide investment decisions, and identify productive in vivo, ex vivo, and translational approaches
• Experience leading cross-functional and matrixed teams to execute complex experiments, communicate results effectively, and influence stakeholders across the organization
• Expertise in pharmacological and immunological models of autoimmunity, allo-transplantation, type 1 diabetes, allo-islet transplantation, and immune response analysis in murine, non-human primate, and human systems
• Advanced technical expertise in cellular and molecular immunology methods, such as multicolor flow cytometry, ex vivo immune cell culture and functional assays, immunohistochemistry, immunophenotyping, ELISA, cell sorting, RNA-seq, epigenetics, and complex dataset analysis
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and leadership skills, with demonstrated ability to mentor talent, develop teams, and represent high standards of scientific integrity and organizational practice

Required Education & Experience

PhD/MD (or equivalent degrees) in immunology, molecular biology, cell biology, molecular pathology, or related disciplines 12+ years of industry or equivalent experience in Immunology Experience in supervising others work, leadership of cross functional teams and contributing to discovery and development programs to IND, FIM and PoC.

Pay Range

Pay Range: $237,900 - $356,900

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

On-Site

Designated Flex Eligibility Status: In this On-Site designated role, you will 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]

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. The company has approved medicines that treat the underlying causes of multiple chronic, life-shortening genetic diseases — cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia — and continues to advance clinical and research programs in these diseases. 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 APOL1-mediated kidney disease, acute and neuropathic pain, type 1 diabetes, myotonic dystrophy type 1 and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency . Founded in 1989 in Cambridge, Mass., Vertex’s global headquarters is now located in Boston’s Innovation District and its international headquarters is 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 14 consecutive years on Science magazine’s Top Employers list and one of Fortune’s 100 Best 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 Facebook, Twitter/X , LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram. The diversity and authenticity of our people is part of what makes Vertex unique, and we recognize that each employee brings diverse perspectives and strengths. By embracing those strengths and celebrating differences, we are fostering an inclusive culture where each of us can bring our authentic selves to work, inspire innovation together, and change people’s lives. Our vision is clear: to be the place where an authentic, diverse mix of talent want to come, to stay, and do their best work.