Senior Director, Structural Biology and Protein Sciences

Job Description

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, pain, 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.

The Senior Director - Protein Sciences and Structural Biology, will further develop our research efforts in structural biology, and biophysics. This role will be on-site in our state-of-the-art research site in San Diego. Expertise in structural biology and various biophysical techniques will be instrumental in guiding our drug discovery programs and providing key molecular insights for the advancement of novel therapeutics. This person will lead a team of structural biologists to elucidate high-resolution three-dimensional structures of critical targets, key protein-ligand and protein-protein interactions, and molecular mechanisms of action of our therapeutic approaches.He/she applies superior acumen in identifying project needs that are bolstered by rened, systematic creativity and strong judgment of when to launch efforts on a new trajectory.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and manage a team specialized in structural biology and biophysics. Provide guidance and mentorship. Foster a collaborative work environment.
• Develop and implement strategic plans to leverage structural biology and biophysics approaches for target identification, validation, mechanism of action studies, and drug discovery.
• Champion existing and new structural biology and biophysical technologies that advance drug discovery projects forward. Propose new applications, apply technology, and follow up on new MoA, drug target and binding site identification and/or kinetic analysis of drug binding.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including medicinal chemists, computational scientists, and cellular biologists, to drive integrated drug discovery projects from target selection to lead optimization and delivery of clinical candidates.
• Independently perform hands-on experimental troubleshooting and methods development in biophysical assay development and protein structure determination by crystallography and/or CryoEM.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in the field of structural biology and biophysics, and integrate new technologies and methodologies into the drug discovery process.
• Propose and implement novel and improved data analysis tools. Maintain the excellence of standards for structure and interpretation of all laboratory records, electronic database entries, internal reports, patents, and external communications from the team.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulatory guidelines, maintain accurate records, and promote a culture of scientific rigor and integrity within the team.

Required Education Level

• Ph.D. (or equivalent degree) in Structural Biology, Biophysics, or a related field and 11+ years of industry / academic experience with a minimum of 5 years managing a team.
• Master's degree (or equivalent degree) and 15+ years of relevant employment experience, or
• Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent degree) and 20+ years of relevant employment experience.
• Extensive experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or leading academic biomedical research setting, with a proven track record of leading and managing teams in structural biology and biophysics.
• Experience in applying structural biology and biophysics to advance drug discovery programs.

Required Knowledge/Skills

• Established reputation with a strong track record of scientific impact in driving drug discovery programs forward by initiating and implementing structural biology and biophysics for mechanism-of-action studies and drug target or protein binding site identification and characterization. Experience can come from functional or cross-functional project leadership roles. Industry experience is preferred.
• Experience with integral membrane proteins is highly desirable.
• Experience in managing scientific teams, individual and team performance, goal setting, and career growth development and building a culture of innovation and inclusion.
• Demonstrated independent thought/creativity in science, leadership skills, and ability to inspire and motivate drug discovery teams.
• Excellent communication (oral and written) in articulating goals, objectives and results to the group and larger cross-functional project teams.
• Strong inter-personal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Extensive experience interfacing with internal and external stakeholders to collaborate and execute on research programs, deliver results, and influence decision making.
• Ability to navigate and be successful in a fast-paced, innovative, and multi-disciplinary work environment.

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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 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 ApplicationAssistance@vrtx.com