Sr. Director, Pharmacology

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

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. is seeking a Sr. Director of Pharmacology to lead the design, development, and execution of in vitro and in vivo assays that advance human therapeutics.

You will guide a team, manage resources, and collaborate across sites to shape research directions and project outcomes. The role requires a Ph.D. in pharmacology with 12+ years in drug discovery and a track record leading multi-disciplinary teams, including translational studies and regulatory documentation.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology or related field with postdoctoral industry experience.
• 12+ years of drug discovery experience with leadership of research groups.

Responsibilities

• Direct pharmacology strategy and lead cross-functional drug discovery teams.
• Manage a team for in vitro and in vivo assays supporting discovery and optimization.
• Set priorities, budgets, hiring, and resource allocation across programs.
• Mentor staff and ensure ethical scientific practices and regulatory compliance.
• Communicate progress and recommendations to senior management and project teams.

Skills

Scientific leadership

People management

Pharmacology expertise

In vitro/in vivo assay design

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Pharmacology or related field

Tools

Ion channel electrophysiology equipment

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.

#LI-KM1 #LI-ONSITE

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.

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.