Director-Head of Molecular Profiling

About the role

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. In addition, they will develop and execute a strategy for reverse translation optimally enabling serial innovation for immunological indications in line with Vertex’s strategic goals.

Responsibilities

• 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 on 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.

Qualifications

• 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.