Senior Director, Biomarkers (Immunology)

Vertex Inc. • Seattle, WA

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

General Summary: The Senior Director, Biomarkers, Immunology is an independent leader with wide-reaching scientific knowledge and expertise in immunology and biologics that can drive the biomarker strategy across the immunology portfolio, including in the identification, selection, and development of biomarkers. Experience in authoring and supporting regulatory filings required. The incumbent is an expert in the field of assay development and validation and works with a team and several external CROs to ensure fit-for-purpose validation of biomarker assays. The incumbent is a specialized technical expert in specific areas in biomarker development (e.g. CDx, immunoassays, genomic assays, flow assays, etc.) who can lead specific work streams and capabilities within the group and mentor others within the team.

Requirements

• Advanced scientific knowledge in immunology, biomarker development, and translational medicine.
• Experience with autoimmune disease research or immunology therapeutic pipelines.
• Ability to communicate complex immunology-based biomarker strategies to cross-functional partners and senior leaders, including research, clinical operations, regulatory, program leadership, and non-immunology scientists.
• Experience with working on cross-functional teams in the biotech/ pharma industry, showcasing enterprise thinking.
• Has deep knowledge of the drug development process and a broad perspective of the business.
• Ability to apply strategic and agile thinking to adapt to the emerging trends in biomarker development/validation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to effectively communicate with cross-functional teams and present complex science clearly to various stakeholders within the organization.
• Ability to work collaboratively across business areas and with diverse functional stakeholders to successfully meet project deliverables.
• Excellent mentor for scientists and employees working on fit-for-purpose assay development
• Demonstrated expertise with fit-for-purpose assay development
• PhD in Immunology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Molecular Pharmacology or related field and 11+ years of experience, or Master’s degree and 15+ years of relevant employment experience, or Bachelor’s Degree and 20+ years of relevant employment experience.
• Typically requires 5+ years of managing experience.
• Demonstrated ability to translate preclinical biomarkers into clinical application.
• Experience in authoring and supporting regulatory filings required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with both early and late-stage programs preferred
• Experience with late-stage program development is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Leads the development and execution of biomarker strategies in alignment with cross-functional stakeholders and senior management, with a focus on immunology and autoimmune disease programs.
• Oversees assay development, validation, and execution of biomarker assays across various platforms (e.g., flow assays, immunoassays, genomic assays, NGS, imaging biomarkers) at CROs and internally, providing guidance on data analysis and interpretation.
• Translates preclinical discoveries into clinical biomarker strategies, identifying mechanism-relevant biomarkers to support drug tailoring hypotheses.
• Manages and mentors a diverse biomarker team, ensuring alignment of best practices across global sites, including PreClinical Sciences (PCS), Research, Translational, Clinical Development, Clinical Operations, and Bioinformatics teams to ensure robust biomarker strategy execution.
• Serves as a key liaison with internal and external stakeholders, including diagnostic vendors and scientific partners.
• Effectively communicates complex biomarker strategies to cross-functional teams and senior leaders.
• Demonstrates advanced scientific expertise in immunology, biomarker development, and translational medicine.
• Possesses a strong understanding of the drug development process and showcases enterprise thinking.
• Brings strategic agility and late-stage program experience to adapt to emerging trends in biomarker development.
• Collaborates across business areas and diverse functional stakeholders to successfully meet project deliverables

Benefits

• 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.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees