Director, Epidemiology Forecasting

Job Description

Vertex operates at the forefront of scientific innovation and has successfully developed and commercialized multiple breakthrough medicines for cystic fibrosis (CF), as well as Casgevy, a gene therapy for sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia. Vertex has more than a dozen ongoing research programs focused on the underlying mechanisms of other serious diseases including programs in pain, APOL-1 mediated kidney disease (AMKD), and cell therapies for type 1 diabetes, among others.
Vertex recently acquired Alpine Immune Sciences. Alpine’s lead molecule, povetacicept (ALPN-303), is a highly potent and effective dual antagonist of BAFF (B cell activating factor) and APRIL (a proliferation inducing ligand). Povetacicept holds the potential to benefit patients with a range of diseases, including autoimmune diseases of the kidney and autoimmune cytopenias.
In consideration of the expanding pipeline, Vertex is expanding its Epidemiology Forecasting team within the HEOR department. The Epidemiology Forecasting team develops patient population forecasts used to inform commercial opportunity and forecasting, clinical trial planning, long-range planning, regulatory filings, and external communications.

The Director, Epidemiology Forecasting is responsible for supporting the povatacicept program through the execution of strategic plans to obtain scientifically rigorous global estimates of the incidence, prevalence, and population size for diseases being investigated for treatment with povatacicept. The role will report to the Senior Director, Epidemiology Forecasting.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead systematic literature reviews and database/disease registry studies and contribute to primary observational studies to ensure the development of scientifically rigorous estimates of disease incidence, prevalence, and population size

• Generate quality global estimates of disease incidence, prevalence, and population size for povatacicept disease areas

• Collaborate with cross-functional partners in commercial, business development, medical, clinical, regulatory, corporate communications, and other functions

• Support internal processes and participate in cross-functional teams to achieve alignment of strategic plans and recommended approach/level of investment at each stage of development to ensure quality epi deliverables meet the needs of the organization

• Develop innovative soluations to ensure the organization has the relevant epidemiologic information, particularly where existing evidence is sparse

Key Requirements:

• PhD/DSc/DrPH in Epidemiology or related discipline with at least 10 years of industry experience in the biopharmaceutical or consulting environment or MPH/MSc with at least 12 years’ experience

• Directly relevant experience in:

  • Developing disease population size estimates

  • Executing research to generate scientifically rigorous epidemiology estimates, including systematic literature reviews and primary observational studies

• Supporting population sizing activities across research, business development, and long-range planning

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced matrixed environment and navigate multiple competing priorities

• Exceptional written and oral communication skills with a keen ability to translate complex data into digestible information

• Flexible, “outside the box” thinker who embodies a collaborative approach that embraces diverse perspectives

• Culturally sensitive collaborator able to effectively lead cross-functional teams to drive alignment with business and stakeholder needs while managing timelines and budgets

• Experience in rare diseases a plus

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Pay Range:

$192,000 - $288,000

Disclosure Statement:

Flex Designation:

Remote-Eligible

Flex Eligibility Status:

In this Remote-Eligible role, you can choose to be designated as: 
1.    Remote: work remotely five days per week and come into the office on occasion – you’re always welcome on-site; or select 
2.    Hybrid: work remotely up to two days per week; or select
3.    On-Site: 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. 

Company Information

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation.

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 [email protected]