Job Description
The Principal, AI and Automation Strategy Lead will work with statistical programmers to understand data requirements and deliver state-of-the-art solutions leveraging machine learning models and artificial intelligence. The position is responsible for identifying opportunities within statistical programming workflows to enhance operational efficiency and partnering with leadership to prioritize them. Then they will gather requirements, and either build agents using enterprise low/no code solutions or partnering with Data, Technology, and Engineering (DTE) to develop and deploy more advanced AI solutions.
Key Responsibilities and Skills:
- Collaborate with statistical programming leadership and Data, Technology, and Engineering (DTE) teams to continuously identify areas for improvement in statistical programming, capture requirements, propose technically sound solutions to enhance efficiency and innovation, and implement, prioritize and confirm ongoing enhancements.
- Understanding of statistical programming workflows and processes: should possess knowledge of the daily responsibilities and tasks of statistical programmers, including data preparation, analysis, and reporting. Familiarity with industry standards (e.g., CDISC, SDTM, ADaM) and regulatory requirements to identify opportunities for process optimization and the effective integration of AI tools to enhance efficiency and productivity.
- Leverage a strong background in process excellence to identify inefficiencies, redesign workflows, and implement AI-driven solutions to optimize statistical programming processes.
- Strong knowledge of data engineering, AI/ML frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow, etc.) and proficient in programming languages such as Python, R, SAS, and SQL for data processing.
- Proficient in product and tool development with a strong grasp of UI/UX design principles to create intuitive and user-centric applications.
- Understanding of Machine learning Models, Neural networks, NLP (Natural Language Processing), and NLG (Natural Language Generation).
- Possesses expert knowledge of Small Language Models (SLMs), Large Language Models (LLMs), and LLM agents to enable intelligent automation and optimize statistical programming workflows.
- Experienced in working with FAISS and other vector databases, including tokenization strategies, and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) frameworks for efficient semantic search and contextualized AI responses.
- Knowledgeable about creation of no-code/low-code AI agents that automate tasks within statistical programming workflows, driving technological advancement, and enhancing departmental productivity.
- Understanding of LLMOps and MLOps to operationalize AI and machine learning models, ensuring scalability, reliability, and seamless integration into statistical programming workflows.
- Understanding of working in AWS cloud environment, including services such as SageMaker, EC2, and S3 for scalable machine learning workflows.
- Work with DTE to design and execute comprehensive AI/ML model validation strategies, including data splitting, metric selection, cross-validation, robustness testing, fairness audits, and post-deployment monitoring.
- Experienced in providing training and technical support to end users for effective adoption and utilization of AI and automation solutions.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
- Excellent communication skills for collaborating with stakeholders and bridging technical and domain teams.
- Experience working in fast-paced environment.
- Drives innovation within Statistical Programming by identifying and implementing new tools, technologies, and methodologies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness, while fostering collaboration with peers across relevant functional areas.
- Strong understanding of Generative AI ethics and governance frameworks: The candidate should demonstrate knowledge of ethical considerations, responsible AI practices, and governance frameworks related to the development, deployment, and use of Generative AI tools. This includes awareness of potential biases, data privacy concerns, transparency, accountability, and compliance with relevant regulatory and industry standards.
- Shapes the technical strategy of the Statistical Programming group by providing thought leadership, guiding the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, and encouraging a culture of creativity and continuous improvement within the team.
Minimum Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Life Sciences, or a relevant scientific field.
- 5+ years of relevant experience with at least 3 years of experience in data engineering, data architecture, automation, and artificial intelligence (AI). Familiarity with clinical or healthcare data is preferred.
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Pay Range:
$149,200 - $223,800Disclosure Statement:
The range provided is based on what we believe is a reasonable estimate for the base salary pay range for this job at the time of posting. 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. Actual base salary pay will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, and other job-related factors permitted by law.
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.
Flex Designation:
Remote-EligibleFlex 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.
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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]
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Vertex Pharmaceuticals and has not been reviewed or approved by Vertex Pharmaceuticals.
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Parental & Family Support — Policies provide 12 weeks of 100% paid bonding leave for all U.S. parents with additional fully paid time for birth parents. Family-forming supports include adoption and surrogacy assistance, fertility options like IVF and egg cryopreservation, breast‑milk shipping, subsidized childcare, backup care, and a DCFSA match.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time off includes roughly four weeks of vacation, 13 holidays, sick time, and two companywide shutdowns (summer and year‑end). Some roles also include flexible or unlimited time off and paid volunteer time.
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Retirement Support — Programs include a 401(k) plan with employer contributions and an employee stock purchase plan. Filings describe employer contributions occurring in company stock, supporting long‑term ownership.
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What We Do
Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people with serious and life-threatening diseases. We discovered and developed the first medicines to treat the underlying cause of cystic fibrosis (CF), a rare, life-threatening genetic disease. In addition to clinical development programs in CF, Vertex has more than a dozen ongoing research programs focused on the underlying mechanisms of other serious diseases. Founded in 1989 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, our corporate headquarters is now located in Boston’s Innovation District, and our international headquarters is in London, United Kingdom. We currently employ approximately 3,500 people in the United States, Europe, Canada, Australia and Latin America with nearly two-thirds of our staff dedicated to research and development. Vertex is consistently recognized as one of the industry’s top places to work by Science Magazine, The Boston Globe, Boston Business Journal and the San Diego Business Journal. Our research and medicines have also received esteemed recognitions, including the Robert J. Beall Therapeutics Development Award, the French Prix Galien and the British Pharmacological Society awards.







