Senior Director, Analytical Development, Testing and Lab Automation (Cell and Gene Therapy)

Location: Boston, MA; five days per week on-site

Base salary: $226,100–$339,100 per year, plus annual bonus and equity awards.

Company

Vertex is a global biotechnology company investing in scientific innovation, with a focus on developing cell, gene, and biologic therapies.

What you will do

• Set the analytical testing strategy across multiple cell and gene therapy programs using manual and automated methods.
• Lead testing, operations, and automation teams supporting process development, characterization, and stability studies.
• Oversee development, optimization, and qualification of automated and PAT analytical methods and end-to-end automation platforms.
• Establish laboratory informatics, equipment automation, digitization, data trending, and visualization capabilities, including AI and machine learning tools.
• Manage assay reagents, assay controls, control charts, sample management, data management, documentation, and data integrity practices.
• Build partnerships with Manufacturing, Process Development, Regulatory, Quality, CMC, Digital/IT, and external organizations while managing talent, budgets, and headcount.

Requirements

• Master’s degree or PhD in analytical chemistry, immunology, biochemistry, cell biology, biotechnology, or a related discipline.
• PhD or equivalent with 11+ years of relevant post-doctoral employment experience, or a Master’s degree or equivalent with 15+ years of relevant employment experience.
• Critical experience with cell therapy, biologics, and genetic therapies.
• Extensive experience establishing and leading analytical testing teams, including manual and automated testing strategies.
• In-depth experience with laboratory informatics, AI and machine learning implementation, analytical automation, digitization, data visualization, and PAT method development.
• Strong knowledge of product characterization, process development, stability studies, assay controls, data integrity, and ICH, FDA, and USP guidelines.

Culture & Benefits

• On-site work with ad hoc flexibility under the Flex @ Vertex program.
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Generous paid time off, including summer and winter company shutdowns.
• Educational assistance, including student loan repayment programs.
• Commuting subsidy, matching charitable donations, and 401(k).
• Equal employment opportunity and reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants.