Director, Protein Therapeutics

Job Description

Director, Protein Therapeutics
Job Description
General Summary:
Vertex is seeking an accomplished and highly skilled scientific leader to join our Protein Therapeutics team in Seattle. This role will be critical in advancing our pipeline of innovative biologics from early development to clinical readiness in a dynamic, fast-paced, and highly collaborative environment. The ideal candidate will leverage deep scientific expertise, strong leadership and mentorship skills, and strategic vision to deliver transformational protein-based therapeutics for diseases with serious unmet medical need. 

Key Duties & Responsibilities
•    Provide strategic leadership and scientific direction for a team specializing in protein engineering and production while fostering a culture of scientific rigor, professional growth, and a collaborative work environment.
•    Direct purification and analytical characterization of diverse biologics modalities including Fc fusions, monoclonal or bispecific antibodies, and novel protein formats.
•    Identify and implement emerging technologies (e.g., computational design, high-throughput screening) to accelerate development timelines.
•    Identify, evaluate, and manage CRO/CMOs for antibody discovery campaigns, protein engineering, and production.
•    Contribute to cross-functional and cross-site project teams, ensuring alignment with internal and external stakeholders to execute on research programs, deliver results, and influence decision making.

Required Education Level
Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Molecular Biology, or a related discipline with a minimum of 10 years of research experience in a biotechnology or pharmaceutical setting is required.

Required Knowledge/Skills
•    Ability to lead a diverse team of high-performing scientists focused on protein engineering and protein purification.
•    Proven track record in therapeutic antibody discovery and optimization, including antibody screening, engineering, and developability assessment.

•    Deep expertise with diverse biophysical and bioanalytical techniques such as SPR/BLI, DLS, thermal stability, and aggregation assays.
•    Experience with computational protein modeling or developing AI/ML pipelines is highly desired.
•    Demonstrated ability to design, analyze, and interpret complex data sets with exceptional attention to detail and scientific rigor.
•    Experience managing antibody discovery campaigns with CROs is highly desirable.
•    Strong record of scientific innovation and impact, supported by patents and/or peer-reviewed publications.
•    Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to clearly present experimental results and recommendations to cross-functional teams, leadership, and external collaborators.
•    Highly motivated, collaborative, and adaptable, with a passion for advancing breakthrough protein therapeutics in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.
 

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Pay Range:

Disclosure Statement:

Flex Designation:

Flex Eligibility Status:

In this On-Site designated role, you will 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.

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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]