Job Description
General Summary:
The External Innovation (EI) Executive Director leads end‑to‑end identification, evaluation, and advancement of external opportunities that materially strengthen Vertex’s R&D pipeline across modalities (e.g., small molecules, biologics, CGT, RNA, delivery platforms) and enabling technologies (e.g., discovery, translational, and manufacturing tools). The role orchestrates integrated, cross‑functional analyses and converts opportunity signals into clear, decision‑ready recommendations for EI governance (EI Science, BDSC) and the Executive Committee.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Enterprise‑wide scouting & horizon scanning: Lead systematic, data‑driven surveillance of assets, platforms, and enabling technologies irrespective of modality, with explicit linkage to Vertex strategy and sandbox criteria.
Integrated opportunity assessments: Stand up and manage cross‑functional workstreams (research, clinical, regulatory, CMC, commercial, legal/finance) to pressure‑test fit, feasibility, and impact; distill the 3–5 pivotal scientific/clinical questions and drive to an objective answer.
Diligence leadership and deal readiness: Direct rigorous scientific/clinical diligence; structure work plans, KOL outreach, competitive/CI/IP reads; and ensure seamless hand‑offs to Transactions with complete transfer of findings, risks, and proposed deal constructs.
Governance & decisioning: Prepare decision memos and present at EI Science/BDSC; align on sandbox nominations and program recommendations for EC review and decisions.
Team leadership & operating model: Manage and coach an analyst team; deploy fungible resources in a scrum‑like model to priority evaluations; set standards for analysis quality, storyline, and executive‑level communications.
External ecosystem & relationship management: Be a trusted interface with VCs, biotech/pharma, academia, and founders to create proprietary access, early looks, and company‑creation options.
Portfolio gap analysis & DST partnership: Conduct unbiased gap analyses vs. EC‑aligned strategies; partner with DSTs to define options, risks, and timing, and to ensure external opportunities advance program success.
Operating excellence & continuous improvement: Codify playbooks, templates, and metrics for throughput, cycle time, and decision quality; institutionalize learnings across EI and BD Ops.
Culture & talent: Foster an environment consistent with EI competencies (business‑minded leader, insight generator, influential communicator, trusted partner, change enabler, technical expert).
Required Education:
PhD (or equivalent advanced degree) and 15+ years of biotech/pharma experience spanning discovery and/or early development; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Required Experience
Breadth across multiple therapeutic areas and modalities with a track record of leading complex evaluations from scouting through governance decision.
Demonstrated success influencing executive‑level decisions (BDSC/EC or equivalent) with crisp, quantitative, and evidence‑based recommendations.
Proven ability to build and manage high‑performing analyst teams and to operate an integrated analysis model.
Required Knowledge & Skills
Scientific depth + learning agility: Rapidly master novel mechanisms, disease biology, and platform technologies; challenge assumptions using causal‑biology thinking and translational rigor.
Business acumen: Valuation literacy; option‑value framing; scenario and risk modeling; ability to articulate value drivers and deal concepts (from partnerships to company creation/M&A).
Program & portfolio judgment: Gap/risk assessment vs. strategy; sandbox criteria application; sensitivity to manufacturability, regulatory path, and global market feasibility.
Influential communication: Executive‑quality narratives and visuals; clear storyline from problem framing to recommendation; ability to lead with facts and secure alignment.
Stakeholder leadership: Credible engagement with VCs, KOLs, and external partners; strong internal partnership with Transactions and Alliance Management for execution continuity.
Operating discipline: Drive throughput with a scrum‑like resource model; set standards, templates, and review cadences to improve decision speed and quality.
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Pay Range:
$264,000 - $396,000Disclosure 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:
Hybrid-Eligible Or On-Site EligibleFlex 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 [email protected]
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Boston, Massachusetts, USA Office
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc., 50 Northern Avenue, Boston, MA 02210, US, Boston, MA, United States, 02210
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