Senior Director, Laboratory Solutions

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation to transform patient outcomes. We seek an innovative and strategic leader to oversee the Laboratory Solutions team. This role reports to the VP, Research, BSMO, and Pre-Clinical Technology and collaborates closely with senior and executive leaders across the organization.

The Senior Director, Laboratory Solutions, is responsible for defining, leading, and executing the vision, strategy, and roadmap for transforming Vertex's laboratory operations through technology. This role ensures Vertex's global laboratories-across research, development, and manufacturing-are empowered with scalable, integrated, and compliant technology solutions. Key platforms include our laboratory Electronic Lab Notebook, Registration and Sample Management, and Instrument Data Capture systems.

This role is a critical part of the Data, Technology & Engineering leadership community, orchestrating innovation across disciplines, including data science, data engineering, software engineering, infrastructure, security, and architecture, and partners effectively with data scientists and computational researchers across the company. The Senior Director will drive smart, scalable solutions that elevate laboratory performance and ensure strategic alignment across all enterprise priorities.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Vision and Strategy

• Develop, articulate, and execute a clear vision and multi-year strategy for delivering innovative digital, data and technology solutions that transform laboratory operations globally.

• Collaborate with senior leadership to identify opportunities for technology to enhance laboratory efficiency, integration, and scalability, aligning with Vertex's enterprise priorities.

• Cultivate and maintain a strategic roadmap to deliver adaptable, forward-looking technology solutions that address evolving scientific, operational, and business challenges.

• Partner closely with laboratory and technology leaders to ensure seamless alignment between laboratory needs, research goals, and enterprise technology strategies.

Operational Execution

• Lead the identification and evaluation of cutting-edge software, hardware, and protocols to ensure laboratories remain on the forefront of innovation while balancing risk and applicability.

• Ensure the delivery of scalable, flexible, and high-performing technology solutions that adhere to Vertex's architectural principles, governance standards, and regulatory compliance.

• Drive operational excellence by managing budgets, resources, and technology operations to maximize ROI and enable research and manufacturing success.

• Partner with technology suppliers and vendors to ensure solutions meet Vertex's high standards for quality, security, and operational effectiveness.

• Oversee laboratory system integration and continuous improvement efforts to streamline processes, enhance collaboration, and improve data-driven decision-making.

Leadership

• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing, diverse team of professionals, fostering a culture of accountability, inclusion, and collaboration.

• Drive organizational effectiveness by ensuring the Laboratory Solutions team is aligned with enterprise priorities, delivering value, and maintaining regulatory compliance.

• Act as a trusted representative for Laboratory digital, data and technology solutions both internally and externally, advocating for its strategic importance, innovation, and contribution to Vertex's success.

• Mentor and empower team members to innovate, deliver results, and grow their careers within a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in science, engineering, computer science, or a related field; an advanced degree is preferred.

• 10+ years of experience in life sciences technology or laboratory operations, including 5+ years in a senior leadership role.

• Demonstrated success delivering technology solutions for computationally and data-intensive laboratory environments.

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Deep understanding of complex laboratory operations in scientific and manufacturing environments, including user requirements and workflows.

• Proven experience developing and implementing technology strategies that enable scientific and operational excellence within a research-driven organization.

• Extensive technical expertise across distributed, cloud, and high-performance computing environments.

• Track record of successfully delivering large-scale, multi-disciplinary technology initiatives in laboratory settings.

• Strong leadership and team-building skills with demonstrated success in managing and developing high-performing, diverse teams.

• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to translate technical solutions into strategic value for stakeholders at all organizational levels.

• Commitment to operational integrity, compliance, and quality, with a deep understanding of biotech regulatory requirements.

• Strategic problem-solving abilities, with a focus on balancing innovation, efficiency, and scalability in a complex environment.

Other Requirements

• Experience leveraging emerging technologies such as AI and machine learning to enhance laboratory operations is highly desirable.

• Advanced certifications in leadership, cloud technologies, agile, or software engineering are a plus.