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Vertex
Boston, Massachusetts · Hybrid

Early Development Associate Medical Director

Medical AffairsFull-Time

Listed compensation

$204k-$306k

The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed

Ask the employer about call expectations, weekend coverage, nights and shift pattern and time off.

Posted 48m ago · Verified live

Job Description

General Summary

The Early Development Associate Medical Director will serve as the Medical Lead for Phase 1 clinical trials, working with cross-functional teams on trial strategy, design, execution, and reporting.

In addition to oversight and accountability for the study as a whole, this role will serve as the internal primary Medical Monitor accountable for monitoring the safety of enrolled subjects and ensuring scientific integrity. The incumbent may participate in other projects to support the clinical development program.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Participates in the development of Study Protocols, Investigator's Brochures, Early Development Plans and other key documents in conjunction with other line functions and with minimal guidance

Serves on cross-functional Study Execution Teams (SET) for assigned trials, working with other team members to achieve efficient, high-quality study execution

Participates in the preparation of regulatory documents in support of regulatory submissions, including clinical section of INDs and CTAs, IND safety reports and annual reports for assigned trials, responses to regulatory authorities and Ethics Committees/IRBs, and other documents as appropriate

Provides scientific and clinical input to study-related documents and analysis plans including informed consent forms, clinical research forms, statistical analysis plans, clinical pharmacology analysis plans, and clinical study reports

Acts as liaison between Early Development and other internal groups at Vertex (e. g., Research, Biomarkers, Regulatory Affairs, Global Clinical Operations) for assigned studies

Represents Vertex to outside medical personnel in the development of clinical protocols, in study conduct, and in external reporting of study results

Performs other duties as assigned related to other aspects of Early Development

Knowledge and Skills

Strong Oral and Written Communication Skills

  • Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-based matrix environment and to function independently as appropriate
  • Global clinical research experience and experience interacting with regulatory authorities is a plus

Working familiarity with analysis of research data, biostatistics, pharmacology and pharmacokinetics, international standards for Good Clinical Practice (GCP), clinical study design, ethics committee/Institutional Review Board review, preparation of manuscripts, abstract/posters, and oral presentations, overall drug/device clinical development

Board certification/eligibility, as well as clinical training in a relevant medical specialty is highly desired

Education and Experience

MD, DO or equivalent ex-US medical degree

Typically requires 8 years of basic or clinical research experience in an academic or industry setting, or the equivalent combination of education and experience

At Vertex, we embrace continuous learning and encourage employees to stay informed on advances in AI, technology, automation, and industry trends. We seek talent who bring an external perspective, demonstrate curiosity and sound judgment, and thoughtfully adopt new capabilities that improve decision-making, drive innovation, increase efficiency, and help deliver better outcomes for patients.

Pay Range

$204,000 - $306,000

Disclosure Statement

The range provided is based on what we believe is a reasonable estimate for the base salary pay range for this job at the time of posting. This role is eligible for an annual bonus and annual equity awards. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. Actual base salary pay will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, and other job-related factors permitted by law.

At Vertex, our Total Rewards offerings also include inclusive market-leading benefits to meet our employees wherever they are in their career, financial, family and wellbeing journey while providing flexibility and resources to support their growth and aspirations. From medical, dental and vision benefits to generous paid time off (including a week-long company shutdown in the Summer and the Winter), educational assistance programs including student loan repayment, a generous commuting subsidy, matching charitable donations, 401(k) and so much more.

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 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

Key Responsibilities

Lead Phase 1 clinical trials, overseeing study strategy, design, execution, reporting, subject safety, and scientific integrity. Develop and review clinical and regulatory documents, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and represent the company to external medical personnel.

Requirements

Requires an MD, DO, or equivalent international medical degree and typically eight years of basic or clinical research experience. Board certification or eligibility and clinical training in a relevant specialty are highly desired, along with strong communication skills and familiarity with clinical research, GCP, and drug development.

Qualifications

Education
Doctoral or professional degree (postgraduate degree)
Experience
10+ years of experience

Key Skills

Clinical Trial StrategyMedical MonitoringProtocol DevelopmentClinical Safety MonitoringClinical Data AnalysisCross-Functional CollaborationScientific Communication

Medical Affairs — Physician Career Context

The cost-of-living index for Massachusetts is 105.8 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$255k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $241k in an average-cost state. 63.2% of Massachusetts clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).

Vertex holds silver-tier status on WeekdayDoc's Top Employers work-life index, composite score 80/100, 12 active listings.

Medical Affairs pay on WeekdayDoc is down 2.7% vs. the prior quarter (through Sep 2026).

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1 matches · ranked by pay
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Work-life snapshot

median 3.9this job 2.4
Better work-life than 20% of Medical Affairs listings

Listing-based score, 0–10, across 274 comparable listings. Shaded area = the share scoring below this one.

  • Hybrid
  • Remote
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About Vertex

Software Development
King of Prussia, PA
1,001-5,000 employees

Benefits & Perks

Medical, dental, and vision benefits
Generous paid time off
Week-long company shutdown in Summer and Winter
Educational assistance programs including student loan repayment
Commuting subsidy
Matching charitable donations
401(k)