Senior Medical Director - US Medical Affairs - Nephrology

Position Summary

The Senior Medical Director (MD) serves as a US Medical Affairs asset lead responsible for strategic planning and execution of launch and lifecycle assets within Vertex's nephrology portfolio. The MD provides nephrology‑specific clinical and scientific leadership across cross‑functional teams, ensuring medical strategies align with corporate objectives, patient needs and the evolving US treatment landscape.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead the development, execution and ongoing refinement of the US Medical Affairs strategic and operational plan for assigned nephrology assets.


• Serve as the primary internal medical‑scientific authority, providing clinical interpretation of data and translating insights into actionable medical strategy.


• Build and lead a growing team of Medical Directors and Associate Medical Directors.


• Build and maintain trusted peer‑level scientific relationships with US nephrology thought leaders, academic investigators and key external experts.


• Partner cross‑functionally with Commercial, Market Access, HEOR, Regulatory, Clinical Development, and Corporate Communications.


• Design and execute medical evidence generation initiatives such as investigator‑sponsored research, advisory boards and medical education programs.


• Deliver compliant scientific presentations and communications to healthcare professionals, payers and other stakeholders.


• Provide strategic medical input into promotional and non‑promotional material review (CRC), ensuring scientific substantiation and compliance.


• Establish and track medical KPIs demonstrating impact on business outcomes and patient care.


• Ensure all activities comply with Vertex policies, US laws, GCP, ICH guidelines and applicable codes of practice.

Required Education

MD or DO with US board certification in Nephrology.

Required Experience

• 10+ years of clinical and/or pharmaceutical/biotech Medical Affairs experience.


• Minimum 3 years of supervisory/people‑management experience.

Required Knowledge & Skills

• Strategic acumen to develop and execute US launch strategies.


• High emotional intelligence and ability to build trusted relationships internally and externally.


• Demonstrated execution ability in a highly matrixed, cross‑functional environment.


• Deep clinical expertise in nephrology and familiarity with the US treatment landscape.


• Excellent written and oral communication skills with influence ability.


• Capacity to critically analyze scientific data and translate into medical strategy.


• Track record of planning, initiating and completing high‑impact projects within timelines.


• Proactive, organized and comfortable managing shifting priorities.

Other Requirements

• Active US medical license preferred.


• Prior launch experience in nephrology, immunology or rare disease strongly preferred.


• Experience managing and developing teams of Medical Directors and/or Associate Medical Directors is a plus.

Pay Range & Benefits

Salary: $252,000 – $378,000. Eligible for annual bonus, equity awards, overtime (where applicable). Includes inclusive market‑leading benefits such as medical, dental and vision coverage, paid time off, educational assistance, commuting subsidy, 401(k), and more.

EEO Statement

Vertex is committed to equal employment opportunity and non‑discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants, in accordance with federal and state laws.