Sr. Director, Pharmacology

Vertex Pharmaceuticals; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 239,000 - 358,000; Full time

Job summary

Vertex is seeking a Sr. Director, Pharmacology to lead the development and incorporation of disease models and assays into drug discovery programs in San Diego.

The role oversees in vitro and in vivo pharmacology strategies, directs a team of scientists, and partners across functions to advance therapeutics with a strong emphasis on data quality, regulatory alignment, and scientific leadership.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership of cross-functional drug discovery teams.
• Deep expertise in pharmacology, in vitro/in vivo assay design and interpretation.
• Strong data analysis and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Direct pharmacology strategy and lead in vitro/in vivo assays across programs.
• Manage a team, budgets, hiring, and ensure progress toward goals.
• Mentor staff and promote ethical scientific practices within a matrixed organization.
• Drive study planning, data quality, reporting, and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate across functions to influence research direction and reduce risk.
• Communicate priorities and findings to senior management and project teams.

Education

Ph.D. in Pharmacology

12+ years drug discovery experience

Job description

Job Description

Vertex is seeking an exceptional scientific leader to drive the development and incorporation of human disease models and assays into drug discovery programs. The Sr. Director, Pharmacology will lead a department responsible for the design, development, and execution of in vitro and in vivo assays that support the progression and optimization of human therapeutics, including assays used to determine drug potency, efficacy, and mechanism of action. This leader will also serve as a member of the San Diego biology leadership team and help shape site research direction and cross-departmental projects.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Direct pharmacology strategy, including assays that assess potency, efficacy, and mechanism of action and provide scientific, operational, and people leadership across multiple programs and teams.
• Lead the Pharmacology function and manage a team responsible for in vitro and in vivo assays that support drug discovery and therapeutic optimization.
• Set team priorities, allocate resources, manage budgets and hiring , and ensure progress against company goals. Mentor and develop staff, promote ethical scientific practices, and support a high-performing team culture.
• Drive study planning, data quality, reporting, publications, patents, and compliance with regulatory documentation standards.
• Partner across functions and sites to influence research direction, reduce project risk, and advance innovative solutions.
• Communicate priorities, capabilities, progress, and recommendations clearly to project teams, collaborators, senior management, and across a matrixed organization.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong leadership and strategic thinking, with the ability to lead scientists and coordinate cross-functional drug discovery efforts.
• Proven people management skills, including mentoring, recruiting, and developing scientific teams including Ph.D. scientists and Research Associates .
• Deep expertise in pharmacology, including in vitro/in vivo assay design, execution, analysis, and interpretation. Strong knowledge of pharmacological principles and the drug discovery process.
• Extensive experience with ion channel pharmacology/electrophysiology and mechanism-of-action studies.
• Evidence of developing innovative translational in vitro and/or in vivo models that predict human efficacy .
• Ability to analyze complex data, communicate findings clearly, and recommend next steps to varied audiences.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, matrixed research environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with credibility across senior leadership and scientific stakeholders.

Education and Experience :

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, or a related field, with relevant post-doctoral industry employment experience.
• 12+ years of drug discovery experience with demonstrated excellence in early-stage drug discovery and development.
• Successful track record managing functional or cross-functional research groups, including Ph.D. Scientists and Research Associates.

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Pay Range:

$238,900 - $358,300

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.

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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 reasonabl