Associate Director, West Coast Labs

Associate Director of Laboratory Engineering and Technology Site Lead West Coast

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation. The Data, Technology and Engineering (DTE) 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 Associate Director of Laboratory Engineering and Technology Site Lead West Coast (LE&W) to join our team and drive our digital transformation initiatives.

The Associate Director, LE&W is responsible for leading the engagement of the Data Technology and Engineering team at the West Coast Vertex sites, primarily San Diego and also Seattle, 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 Associate Director 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 San Diego and Seattle site leadership and senior leaders to align local technology delivery with the site strategy.
• Lead the engagement and representation of DTE at the San Diego and Seattle sites.

• Lead collaboration with San Diego and Seattle scientists 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 instrument control systems, lab computers and network devices.
• Collaborating with global DTE IT teams to ensure a robust environment for the San Diego and Seattle sites, 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.
• Manage demand and delivery of lab computing services using industry standard IT Service Mgmt & ITIL ensure day-to-day operations are aligned and compliant with Vertex DTE standards and procedures.

Leadership

• Execute strategic plans for assigned projects or functions, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and objectives.
• Manage Vertex and partner team members at San Diego and Seattle.
• 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, 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:

• Bachelor's degree in IT, computer science, engineering or a related scientific discipline (e.g., Biology, Chemistry); Master's degree preferred.
• Requires 8 years relevant business systems in the Life Sciences industry, or the equivalent combination of education and experience
• Deep understanding and strong experience managing endpoint devices following IT Service Management and ITIL principles, processes and tools (e.g. ServiceNow).
• Strong experience in laboratory technology, with a focus on clinical or research labs.
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements 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 and advanced diagnostic 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.