Associate Director, Computational Genomics, Early Stage Cell and Genetic Therapy Projects

This job is with Vertex Pharmaceuticals, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ business community. Please do not contact the recruiter directly.

Job Description

We are seeking a computational biology leader with expertise in driving forward biological discoveries to join Vertex. This position is part of a global Data and Computational Sciences team focused on developing cell and genetic therapy treatments of serious human diseases. You will lead a group of computational biologists working on early-stage cell and genetic therapy projects. By collaborating with project teams, you and your team will innovate to overcome challenges, and pioneer scientific breakthroughs and discoveries, using genetic and genomic data. Proactive communication, and seamless cross-functional collaboration will be required for success in this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Sets strategy and oversees execution of genomic analysis, including on-target and off-target analyses, identification of targets for manipulation, and genomic characterization of in vitro and vivo response to our lead assets, to enable our next generation of cell and genetic therapies.
• Identifies strategic opportunities and propose plans, tactics, and investments for maximum impact of the team for data-driven decision-making from genomic and genetic data, including cross-functional impact with Research, Preclinical and CMC teams.
• Leverages computational expertise across the breadth of Data and Computational Sciences team to identify opportunities for furthering cell and genetic therapy projects.
• Establishes and maintains productive relationships with key stakeholders across the organization
• Assigns group members to serve on project teams and ensures continuous alignment between the team and broader site goals
• Provides strong leadership and a focus on continuous talent development to attract and retain top talent in a highly competitive environment
• Mentors on scientific and ethical development, motivates personnel and resolves conflicts
• Ensures personnel goal setting is effectively linked to corporate and department goals
• Constructs draft budgets and manages execution of approved budgets and hiring for the group(s)
• Oversees activities of staff and adapts personnel deployment to changing priorities, to ensure key goals of all projects are met on time
• Oversees effective management of group(s)' CRO contracts and/or external scientific collaborations
• Ensures analyses from team meet stage-appropriate standards for data integrity and documentation
• Leads preparation of lucid scientific reports for all other branches and levels of the organization and its collaborators, presents expertly when called upon, and develops abilities of others in this role
• Manage the scientific functions and the activities of the research group and maintain organizational balance across the group, as well as set the scientific direction for personnel.
• Optimize interdisciplinary understanding and integrate activities with those of other departments and project teams, to help shape cohesive research plans.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD degree (or Master's degree) in computational biology, human genetics, genomics, systems biology or a related field with 5-8 years of work experience and 2 years of management experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience in leading and developing high performance teams.
• Advanced understanding in the fields of genomics, statistics and computational biology, especially in areas key to advancing our cell and genetic therapy portfolio, such as bulk and single cell transcriptomic characterization of cells, on-target and off-target analysis, as well as analysis of proteomic data.
• A proven track record in the analysis, visualization, and interpretation of large scale genomic data in a drug development context.
• Excellent scientific critical thinking, with the ability to understand the value, risks, and challenges of various approaches, synthesize and interpret complex data, and propose recommendations to drive forward progress
• Demonstrated ability to work across cross-functional teams, ensuring timely progress
• Ability to identify gaps and propose solutions around current genomic analyses, including bringing in new technologies and capabilities when appropriate
• Superior communication skills demonstrating confidence and versatility in presenting verbally to diverse audiences and writing technical documents, including experience presenting to senior and executive leadership
• A team-oriented growth mindset that welcomes feedback from others and supports other team members; a positive attitude that enthusiastically tackles and overcomes challenges
• Highly skilled in mentoring others, resolving technical problems, maintaining procedural and ethical standards, and cultivating healthy team morale
  
  

Flex Designation

Hybrid-Eligible Or On-Site Eligible

Flex Eligibility Status

In this Hybrid-Eligible role, you can choose to be designated as:

• Hybrid: work remotely up to two days per week; or select
• On-Site: 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 ApplicationAssistance@vrtx.com