Director-Head of Molecular Profiling

Director-Head of Immune Cell Profiling

Vertex Pharmaceuticals is seeking a highly motivated and innovative scientist to join our growing immunology research site in Seattle. This leadership role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of immunology research by building and leading a cutting‑edge Molecular Profiling team. The successful candidate will drive strategy, develop advanced research capabilities, and lead a team of scientists to uncover novel biological insights in order to identify, validate and prioritize therapeutic targets.

• Establish and lead Molecular Profiling capabilities at the Seattle research site, ensuring alignment with Vertex’s strategic goals.
• Develop and execute a strategic vision for the Molecular Profiling group, including identifying and prioritizing technology investments in collaboration with partner technology teams.
• Build and lead a high‑performing team of scientists, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and scientific excellence.
• Leverage clinical samples to generate novel biological insights and identify high‑priority targets and pathways for further investigation in immunology indications.
• Collaborate with the biomarker team to successfully execute Vertex’s biomarker strategy.
• Collaborate with Data and Computational Sciences to implement advanced AI/ML approaches for bridging clinical, experimental, and computational teams to nominate novel immunology targets.
• Direct single‑cell multiomics atlases and ML models for data‑driven target prioritization across autoimmune disease cohorts.
• Serve as a key member of the Seattle Research leadership team, contributing to the overall strategy and success of the site.
• Act as a leader on interdisciplinary project teams, driving scientific innovation and ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Identify and establish external collaborations with academic institutions, biotech companies, and other organizations to enhance Molecular Profiling capabilities as opportunities arise.
• Present findings, strategies, and progress to senior leadership and other stakeholders.

• Ph.D. (or equivalent) in cellular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, or related disciplines with 10+ years of relevant post‑doctoral experience.
• Proven expertise in spatial transcriptomics, CYTOF, single‑cell sequencing, and proteomics.
• Demonstrated experience in complex data analysis, including the application of AI/ML methods to derive novel biological insights.
• Strong leadership skills with a track record of building and managing high‑performing teams.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate across functional groups and present to senior leadership.
• Self‑motivated, organized, and adept at solving complex problems in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.
• A passion for innovation and a commitment to transforming the lives of people with serious diseases, their families, and society.

• Experience in immunology research and a deep understanding of immune system biology.
• Experience leading cross‑functional teams and managing external partnerships.

$203,000 - $304,400 (base salary). The role is eligible for annual bonus and annual equity awards. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements.

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Paid time off including a company shutdown period.
• 401(k) retirement plan with matching.
• Other benefits such as flexible spending, educational assistance, and charitable donation matching.

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 be changed at any time.

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