Director, Protein Therapeutics

Job Description Director, Protein Therapeutics

Vertex is seeking an accomplished and highly skilled scientific leader to join our Protein Therapeutics team in Seattle. This role will be critical in advancing our pipeline of innovative biologics from early development to clinical readiness in a dynamic, fast-paced, and highly collaborative environment. The ideal candidate will leverage deep scientific expertise, strong leadership and mentorship skills, and strategic vision to deliver transformational protein-based therapeutics for diseases with serious unmet medical need.

• Provide strategic leadership and scientific direction for a team specializing in protein engineering and production while fostering a culture of scientific rigor, professional growth, and a collaborative work environment.
• Direct purification and analytical characterization of diverse biologics modalities including Fc fusions, monoclonal or bispecific antibodies, and novel protein formats.
• Identify and implement emerging technologies (e.g., computational design, high-throughput screening) to accelerate development timelines.
• Identify, evaluate, and manage CRO/CMOs for antibody discovery campaigns, protein engineering, and production.
• Contribute to cross-functional and cross-site project teams, ensuring alignment with internal and external stakeholders to execute on research programs, deliver results, and influence decision making.

Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Molecular Biology, or a related discipline with a minimum of 10 years of research experience in a biotechnology or pharmaceutical setting is required.

• Ability to lead a diverse team of high-performing scientists focused on protein engineering and protein purification.
• Proven track record in therapeutic antibody discovery and optimization, including antibody screening, engineering, and develop ability assessment.
• Deep expertise with diverse biophysical and bioanalytical techniques such as SPR/BLI, DLS, thermal stability, and aggregation assays.
• Experience with computational protein modeling or developing AI/ML pipelines is highly desired.
• Demonstrated ability to design, analyze, and interpret complex data sets with exceptional attention to detail and scientific rigor.
• Experience managing antibody discovery campaigns with CROs is highly desirable.
• Strong record of scientific innovation and impact, supported by patents and/or peer-reviewed publications.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to clearly present experimental results and recommendations to cross-functional teams, leadership, and external collaborators.
• Highly motivated, collaborative, and adaptable, with a passion for advancing breakthrough protein therapeutics in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.

$188,800 - $283,200

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.

On‑Site Designated

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…