Sr. Director, Pharmacology

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.

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.

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…