Associate Director, Genomics Data Platform

Job Description

General Summary:

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation. The Digital, 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, Genomics Data Platform to join our team and drive our digital transformation initiatives in this domain.

The Associate Director, Genomics Data Platform at Vertex Pharmaceuticals will support Research Data and Technology team within the RPMS group by overseeing the continued development, maintenance, and optimization of our Genomics Data and Compute platform. This position requires a platform owner who can balance both deep technical and domain expertise with an enterprise mindset to drive impactful capabilities for our genomics pipeline and support the organization's scientific objectives.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Vision and Strategy:
• Contribute to the development and execution of the data and technology strategy for genomics 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 genomics data and technology solutions to be deployed at Vertex, ensuring they meet Vertex's quality, security, regulatory and compliance standards.
• For our Genomics Platform, support our broader digital transformation initiatives to enhance data-driven decision-making across the organization, ensuring Vertex remains at the forefront of technological advancements.
• Collaborate with researchers and leadership to align our genomics data and compute strategies with business goals and scientific research needs.

• Operational Execution:
• Oversee enhancements, support, and management of our Genomics Data and Compute platform (NextFlow/Quilt) including the capability and service level agreements. Partner effectively with the central infrastructure team in Vertex DTE enterprise technology as well as our vendors and service providers to cross-fertilize best practice.
• Ensure genomics data and technology solutions and improvements 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 genomics technologies to enhance Vertex decision-making prior to, during and after research.
• Establish metrics and monitoring systems to track the performance and robustness of our Genomics Data infrastructure to ensure excellence in our end user experience.

• Create a culture of inclusion, diversity, and equity where everyone can do their best work and feels valued.
• Communicate effectively with leadership and scientific stakeholders to align on strategic priorities, project progress, and the impact of genomics data capabilities and initiatives.
• Contribute to cross-functional meetings and initiatives, advocating for data-driven approaches and ensuring alignment with broader organizational goals and enterprise priorities.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Highly skilled and experienced in building, operating, and maintaining genomics data and compute infrastructure.
• Proficiency in Python and bash scripting
• Proficiency in Linux administration
• Advanced knowledge of Docker and Singularity (Apptainer) container development and management
• Expert knowledge of AWS: Batch, EC2, ECR/ECS, IAM, Lambda, RDS, S3, Secrets Manager
• Advanced knowledge of Terraform and Terraform AWS resource creation, competence in AWS CloudFormation
• State of the art knowledge of cloud and container security
• AWS Athena and Glue skills strongly desired
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to develop and execute long-term genomics roadmaps and strategies.
• Deep understanding and experience of designing and implementing genomics data and compute solutions in a research environment.
• Proficiency in data management and automation principles and methodologies.
• Proficiency in rapidly adopting and implementing emerging technology (e.g. AI/ML, agentic).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical concepts to a variety of audiences.

Education and Experience:

• Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Data Science, Physical Sciences, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8+ years of experience in computing, genomic data management and compute, data engineering, or related roles within the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry.
• Extensive experience with genomics 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 molecular biology, bioinformatics pipelines, and next generation sequencing, as well as structural biology
• Demonstrated familiarity with cloud cost containment and data lifecycle strategies strongly desired

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