Associate Director, West Coast Labs

Vertex Pharmaceuticals•San Diego, CA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Vertex is a global biotechnology company focused on scientific innovation. The Data, Technology and Engineering (DTE) Research, Pre-Clinical, Manufacturing and Supply (RPMS) group aims to improve patient lives through digital, data, and technology innovation. Vertex is undergoing a transformation to accelerate capabilities, technology, and data to support its scientific mission and growth, ensuring it remains at the forefront of science, medicine, and technology. This role is for an Associate Director of Laboratory Engineering and Technology Site Lead West Coast (LE&W) to drive digital transformation initiatives. The Associate Director, LE&W will lead the Data Technology and Engineering team's engagement at the West Coast Vertex sites, primarily San Diego and also Seattle. The role focuses on empowering science by leading and delivering services in technology infrastructure, laboratory computing hardware, and ensuring the efficient, robust, and secure introduction and connection of instrumentation into the Vertex environment. The role oversees the globally aligned and locally enabled implementation and optimization of laboratory technology solutions to enhance efficiency, compliance, and innovation. The Associate Director ensures laboratory operations comply with regulatory standards while utilizing digital tools to improve performance, quality control, and service.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in IT, computer science, engineering or a related scientific discipline (e.g., Biology, Chemistry); Master’s degree preferred.
Requires 8 years relevant business systems in the Life Sciences industry, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
Deep understanding and strong experience managing endpoint devices following IT Service Management and ITIL principles, processes and tools (e.g. ServiceNow).
Strong experience in laboratory technology, with a focus on clinical or research labs.
Strong understanding of regulatory requirements and quality standards for laboratory technology, including qualification and validation.
Proficiency in digital tools and technologies, with a strong understanding of digital trends and best practices.
Proficiency in laboratory instrumentation, control systems, automation and other lab-related software.
Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and initiatives that require collaboration across multiple functional areas.
Experience with high-throughput laboratories and advanced diagnostic technologies.
Experience in pharmaceuticals and life sciences.
Willingness to travel up to 10% to support business objectives.

Nice To Haves

Experience in successfully developing and implementing technology strategy, preferably within a complex scientific research organization.
Strong leadership and relationship management, with demonstrated success in managing diverse teams and fostering high engagement.
Exceptional problem-solving and strategic thinking abilities, with a focus on driving innovation and operational excellence.
Excellent communication skills including the ability to produce strategic documents, present ideas and solutions to technical and non-technical audiences, and all levels of the organization.
A strong commitment to compliance and integrity in systems, processes, and actions, with a deep understanding of the pharmaceuticals and life sciences regulatory environment.
Experience with enabling advanced technologies, such as AI and machine learning, through data engineering strategies is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Partner closely with Vertex San Diego and Seattle site leadership and senior leaders to align local technology delivery with the site strategy.
Lead the engagement and representation of DTE at the San Diego and Seattle sites.
Lead collaboration with San Diego and Seattle scientists and laboratory technicians to ensure IT systems meet their needs.
Oversee technical evaluations to assess and approve the suitability of hardware and software for specific scientific laboratory needs.
Ensure compliance with regulatory and data security standards by optimizing IT systems for audit readiness and reporting.
Install, configure, and manage laboratory software and hardware, including instrument control systems, lab computers, and network devices.
Collaborate with global DTE IT teams to ensure a robust environment for the San Diego and Seattle sites, leading local delivery and advising global teams with local insight.
Provide rapid troubleshooting to resolve technical issues.
Advocate for and enable process automation initiatives to enhance efficiency and reduce manual workflows in laboratory operations.
Monitor emerging lab technologies such as AI-driven analytics, IoT-enabled equipment, and cloud-based collaboration tools to drive innovation.
Manage vendor relationships and IT support to ensure laboratory technology systems remain secure, scalable, and up to date.
Manage demand and delivery of lab computing services using industry standard IT Service Mgmt & ITIL – ensure day-to-day operations are aligned and compliant with Vertex DTE standards and procedures.
Execute strategic plans for assigned projects or functions, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and objectives.
Manage Vertex and partner team members at San Diego and Seattle.
Oversee the execution of projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
Provide matrix leadership across a global team to deliver a globally aligned, locally enabled laboratory experience.
Lead and mentor a team of professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and high performance.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand business needs and ensure successful project delivery.
Monitor and report on project performance using key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence.