Job Description

General Summary:
Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation. The Digital, Technology and Engineering (DTE) R Research, Pre-Clinical, Manufacturing and Supply (RPMS) groups 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 Associate Director of Laboratory Engineering and Technology Site Lead Oxford (LE&Ox) to join our team and drive our digital transformation initiatives.
The Associate Director, LE&Ox is responsible for leading the engagement of the Digital Technology and Engineering team at the Oxford site, a campus of scientific activity powering Vertex medicine discovery and development. The role focuses on powering science through leading and delivering services in technology infrastructure, laboratory computing hardware, ensuring efficient, robust and secure introduction and connection of instrumentation into the Vertex environment. The role oversees the globally aligned and locally enabled implementation and optimization of laboratory technology solutions to enhance efficiency, compliance, and innovation. The Associate Director ensures that laboratory operations align with regulatory standards while leveraging digital tools to improve performance, quality control and service.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Vision and Strategy

• Partner closely with Vertex Oxford site leadership and senior leaders to align local technology delivery with the site strategy.
• Lead the engagement and representation of DTE at the Oxford site.

• Lead collaboration with Oxford scientist and laboratory technicians to ensure IT systems meet their needs.

Operational Execution

• Oversee technical evaluations to assess and approve the suitability of hardware and software for specific scientific laboratory needs.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and data security standards by optimizing IT systems for audit readiness and reporting.
• Installing, configuring and managing laboratory software and hardware, including instruments, computers and network devices.
• Collaborating with global DTE IT teams to ensure a robust environment for the Oxford site, leading local delivery and advising global teams with local insight.
• Combining expertise with curiosity to deliver rapid troubleshooting to resolve technical issues.
• Advocate and enable process automation initiatives to enhance efficiency and reduce manual workflows in laboratory operations.
• Monitor emerging lab technologies such as AI-driven analytics, IoT-enabled equipment, and cloud-based collaboration tools to drive innovation.
• Manage vendor relationships and IT support to ensure laboratory technology systems remain secure, scalable, and up to date.

Leadership

• Execute strategic plans for assigned projects or functions, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and objectives.
• Manage Vertex and partner team members at Oxford. Partner closely with the DTE lead for London UK.
• Oversee the execution of projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
• Matrix leadership across a global team to deliver a globally aligned, locally enabled laboratory experience.
• Lead and mentor a team of professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and high performance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand business needs and ensure successful project delivery.
• Monitor and report on project performance using key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Experience in successfully developing and implementing technology strategy, preferably within a complex scientific research organization.
• Strong leadership and relationship management skills, with demonstrated success in managing diverse teams and fostering high engagement.
• Exceptional problem-solving and strategic thinking abilities, with a focus on driving innovation and operational excellence.
• Excellent communication skills including the ability to produce strategic documents, present ideas and solutions to technical and non-technical audiences, and all levels of the organization.
• A strong commitment to compliance and integrity in systems, processes, and actions, with a deep understanding of the pharmaceuticals and life sciences regulatory environment.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelors degree in IT, computer science, engineering or a related scientific discipline (e.g., Biology, Chemistry); Masters degree preferred.
• Strong experience in laboratory technology, with a focus on clinical or research labs.
• Strong understanding of regulatory and quality standards for laboratory technology, including qualification and validation.
• Proficiency in digital tools and technologies, with a strong understanding of digital trends and best practices.
• Proficiency in laboratory instrumentation, control systems, automation and other lab-related software.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and initiatives that require collaboration across multiple functional areas.
• Experience with high-throughput laboratories technologies.
• Experience in pharmaceuticals and life sciences.
• Willingness to travel up to 10% to support business objectives.
• Experience with enabling advanced technologies, such as AI and machine learning, through data engineering strategies is highly desirable.

Flex Designation: Hybrid-Eligible Or On-Site Eligible
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 Vertexs 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