Associate Director, Stem Cell Research

Vertex Pharmaceuticals•Boston, MA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Vertex is seeking a highly motivated candidate with expertise in human pluripotent stem cell culture and directed differentiation protocols to lead the Cell Foundry. This team is dedicated to the production of stem cell-derived islets (SC-islets) and associated workflows, supporting Vertex’s Cell & Gene Therapy pipeline, with a primary focus on the Type-1 diabetes (T1D) program. The role involves managing and overseeing a team of scientists and collaborations to advance T1D program goals and accelerate discovery. The ideal candidate is a strong, collaborative, and detail-oriented team leader who is eager to learn and innovate cell therapy processes. Excellent communication, organizational skills, adaptability, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced research environment are essential.

Requirements

Ph.D. (or equivalent degree) in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or related disciplines and 4-7 years of relevant post-doctoral employment experience, OR Masters Degree (or equivalent degree) in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or related disciplines and 7+ years of relevant employment experience, OR Bachelors Degree (or equivalent degree) in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or related disciplines and 10+ years of relevant employment experience
Experience in human pluripotent stem cell culture and directed differentiation protocols
Strong and collaborative team leader
Detail-oriented
Eager to learn and innovate cell therapy processes
Excellent communication and organizational skills
Adaptability and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced research environment
Possesses a distinguished record of cross-functional collaboration to achieve team goals through prioritization and efficiency
Demonstrated excellence leading high-performing teams with core management experience a plus
Exhibits a basic understanding of molecular & cell biology beyond his/her own specialty area
Demonstrates strong aptitude helping to lead a group or team endeavor, and building team unity
Demonstrates advanced judgement balancing technical feasibility, opportunity and impact
Communicates clearly and precisely (reading/writing and verbal) with all levels of the company
Distinction achieved by mentoring subordinates, addressing organizational problems, maintaining procedural and ethical standards, and cultivating healthy team morale
Demonstrates initiative and ability to capitalize on scientific creativity and insights

Nice To Haves

Core management experience

Responsibilities

Manage cell Foundry team in support of key deliverables across T1D programs in stem cell, islet cell, and/or immunology needs
Lead efforts to innovate, streamline, and automate processes for stem cell expansion and directed differentiation to various cell types focusing on stem cell-derived islets (SC-islets)
Manage project prioritization and communication with project leadership to achieve key deliverables supporting Vertex’s Cell & Gene Therapy research including key IND-enabling activities
Partner with stakeholder teams to plan, coordinate, and execute experiments across different cell types and cell lines
Leverage analytical tools to evaluate the molecular characteristics of stem cells, differentiation intermediates, and stem cell-derived islets (SC-islets)
Present findings to the group and collaborators with summarized data in reports and presentations
Motivate team, ensure alignment with goals, and resolve conflicts
Construct draft-budgets and manage execution of approved budgets
Ensure group adherence to electronic laboratory records, database entries, and data integrity standards
Performs other duties as assigned
Drafting and oversight of high-quality departmental documents for regulatory submissions, manuscripts, abstracts and publications.
Act as a subject matter expert and assist others outside of own project with troubleshooting and data interpretation.
Build and maintain strong collaborative partnerships with other R&D disciplines to advance Vertex programs through discovery and development.
Work with corporate legal to identify and file intellectual property on novel and inventive discoveries.
Helps craft department goals and strategies to ensure effective achievement of broader company scientific objectives.