Head of Exploratory Biology & Targeted Delivery

Overview

The Vertex Biology team in San Diego seeks a strategic and innovative scientific and people leader to help advance therapies for serious diseases. As an on‑site leader at our cutting‑edge San Diego research facility, this high‑impact role will develop and implement strategies to identify novel therapeutic approaches for areas of significant unmet medical need, guiding projects from concept through proof of concept, while collaborating closely with global research teams.

Vertex has a track record of serial innovation. We work only on diseases where we have a deep understanding of the underlying cause in humans. By focusing on validated targets, creating predictive lab assays, and identifying clinical biomarkers, we pursue therapeutic approaches that we believe are most likely to succeed. Our R&D strategy is unique and differentiates us in the industry.

When we decide to work on a disease, we investigate it from multiple angles and invent, acquire or partner on the tool or technology necessary. We are agnostic to therapeutic modality and see modality as a means to transform, if not potentially cure, a disease.

• Define and execute the scientific strategy for targeted delivery of therapeutics to extrahepatic tissues.
• Lead the discovery and advancement of novel therapeutic opportunities for serious diseases, aligned with Vertex's research strategy and focused on targets supported by strong human evidence, causal disease biology, translational biomarkers, and predictive preclinical models.
• Identify and prioritize high-value disease indications and therapeutic opportunities across multiple modalities.
• Build strong cross‑functional collaborations across diverse scientific disciplines, including pharmacology, molecular and cell biology, chemistry, protein sciences, data and computational science, and engineering.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders across commercial, clinical, regulatory, and other functions to build strategic plans.
• Partner with external academic and industry groups to advance research objectives.
• Lead and mentor a team of 7+ highly experienced PhD level scientists, fostering a culture of scientific excellence and inclusion.
• Contribute to cross‑site and cross‑functional goals within Vertex.

• Expertise in molecular and cellular biology, pharmacology, physiology, and translational research.
• Strategic leadership and ability to integrate emerging technologies.
• Exceptional collaboration and stakeholder management skills.
• Track record of building high‑performing teams and fostering innovation.

• MD/Ph.D. or Ph.D. in Biology or a related field.
• 12+ years of industry experience leading efforts in target identification, drug discovery, and translational research and an established track record of deliverables within an industrial research setting.
• Extensive experience with LNP and targeted delivery to extrahepatic tissues.
• Experience with multiple drug modalities (small molecules, nucleic acids, biologics, proteins, etc).
• Proven experience managing and mentoring experienced (Senior/Principal/Director) level Ph.D. scientists and influencing at senior levels.
• Results‑oriented leader with urgency, integrity, and professionalism.
• Ability to articulate vision and drive execution in a global, matrixed environment.
• Strong problem‑solving, organizational, communication, and presentation skills.
• Desire to be part of a company transforming lives through innovation.

$217,000 - $325,400

• A base salary pay range of $217,000 - $325,400, eligible for an annual bonus and annual equity awards.
• Inclusive market‑leading benefits including medical, dental and vision, generous paid time off, educational assistance, commuting subsidy, matching charitable donations, 401(k), and more.

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 A