Director, Research Data Compute and Consumption

Job Description

General Summary:

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation. The Digital, Technology and Engineering (DTE) Re Research, Pre-Clinical, Manufacturing and Supply (RPMS) group's mission is to improve the lives of patients through digital, data, and technology innovation.

Vertex is in a transformational period where we are accelerating our capabilities, technology and data to augment our scientific mission and enable Vertex to grow in scale; ensuring we remain on the forefront of science, medicine and technology.

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Director, Data Compute and Consumption Solutions to join our team and drive our digital transformation initiatives.

The Director, Data Compute and Consumption Solutions at Vertex Pharmaceuticals will support the Research & Pre-Clinical Science data and technology team within the RPMS group by overseeing the development, implementation and optimization of data and technology solutions to support the global flow and investigation of research and pre-clinical data to accelerate the pace of data insight creation. This position requires a strategic thinker who can balance technical expertise with leadership skills to drive impactful data initiatives and support the organization's scientific objectives. Creativity combined with deep experience of research and pre-clinical data activities are required to optimally deliver data consumption experiences that leverage data flows within and across research, and at the interfaces between research and CMC teams or pre-clinical and clinical teams. Deep data and technology experience is required to deliver solutions to a range of digital experiences from high performance computing and data exploration sandpits for experts in computational research (e.g. cheminformatics) to dashboards and facilitated data consumption.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Vision and Strategy:
• Develop and execute the data and technology strategy for research data computation and ensuring alignment with business objectives to deliver a digital transformation in the pace and velocity of real-time insight creation.
• Identify and evaluate data and technology solutions to be deployed at Vertex, ensuring they meet Vertex's quality, security, regulatory and compliance standards.
• Develop and execute the high-performance computing strategy, both for current needs in research and for future potential needs across Vertex.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure the external manufacturing data and technology strategy supports broader organizational objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Support digital transformation initiatives to enhance data-driven decision-making across the organization, ensuring Vertex remains at the forefront of technological advancements.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to align data strategies with business goals and scientific research needs.

• Operational Execution:
• Oversee the implementation and management of data and technology solutions that integrate data into consumption environments for a range of researchers, ensuring products are manufactured on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
• Oversee the implementation and management of high-performance computing solutions including the capability and service level agreements. Partner effectively with the central infrastructure team in Vertex DTE enterprise technology to cross-fertilize best practice.
• Ensure data and technology solutions are developed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
• Ensure relevant adoption of solutions that improve efficiency, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Evaluate and implement emerging technologies to enhance Vertex decision-making prior to, during and after research.
• Establish metrics and monitoring systems to track the performance and effectiveness of research data consumption solutions, high performance computing infrastructure and initiatives.

• Leadership :
• Lead a high-performing, diverse team of professionals, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability.
• Create a culture of inclusion, diversity, and equity where everyone can do their best work and feels valued.
• Communicate effectively with senior leadership and stakeholders to align on strategic priorities, project progress, and the impact of data initiatives.
• Represent the RPMS group in cross-functional meetings and initiatives, advocating for data-driven approaches and ensuring alignment with broader organizational goals.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to develop and execute long-term data strategies.
• Deep understanding and experience of designing and implementing data and technology solutions in research environments.
• Proficiency in data management and automation principles and methodologies.
• Proficiency in rapidly adopting and implementing emerging technology (e.g. AI/ML, agentic).
• Proficiency in high performance computing and tools.
• Expertise in data consumption environment creation, combining expertise in data architecture, data integration, visualization, dashboarding, note booking, data exposure and high-performance computing with a deep understanding of best practices and industry standards.
• Proficiency in cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and big data technologies, with the ability to evaluate and implement new tools and technologies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to use data to inform decisions.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical concepts to a variety of audiences.
• Proven track record of leading and managing teams in a complex, fast-paced environment.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10+ years of experience in computing, data management, data engineering, or related roles within the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry.
• Proven track record of leading digital transformation initiatives and implementing technology service strategies.
• Extensive experience with data and computing infrastructure.
• Willingness to travel up to 10% to support business objectives.
• Experience with machine learning and artificial intelligence applications, including the ability to integrate these technologies into data strategies.
• Familiarity with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI), with the ability to create compelling visualizations that enable data consumption.

Pay Range:

Disclosure Statement:

Flex Designation:

Flex Eligibility Status:

In this Hybrid-Eligible role, you can choose to be designated as:
1. Hybrid: work remotely up to two days per week; or select
2. 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 ApplicationAssistance@vrtx.com