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Vertex
Boston, Massachusetts · Hybrid

Executive Medical Director- Nephrology

Medical AffairsFull-Time

Listed compensation

$320k-$480k

The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed

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

Posted 1mo ago · Verified live

Job Description

General Summary

The Executive Medical Director, Clinical Development will provide high-level input on clinical development strategies to povetacicept renal programs, in conjunction with other relevant functional area leaders in Medical Affairs, Regulatory, Global Patient Safety, Clinical Operations, Exploratory Development, Commercial, Pharmaceutical Development, Research, Business Development, and Marketing. Initiate and lead innovative approaches to clinical development.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

  • Broad and comprehensive understanding of the drug development process
  • Well-respected authority in the external clinical development community
  • Provide clinical development recommendations to project teams, including optimizing study design and conduct for efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Participate in planning for worldwide clinical development activities
  • Provide guidance to multi-disciplinary development teams
  • Review study protocols
  • Review Investigator Brochures
  • Review and evaluate study subject exemptions
  • Oversee medical monitoring of clinical studies
  • Evaluate adverse events and overall safety profile

Participate in Data Reviews

Interface with international regulatory authorities, as appropriate, in support of the development objectives for the compound or program

Ensure compliance with Vertex Standard Operating Procedures, International Conference on Harmonization, Good Clinical Practice, and other national and international regulatory requirements

As a people manager within the organization, may have financial accountabilities and human resource responsibilities for assigned staff.

Knowledge and Skills

Global clinical research experience and experience interacting with regulatory authorities is highly desired

Possesses a comprehensive understanding of applicable US and EU regulatory requirements and of the drug development process

Possesses a working knowledge of biostatistics, data management, clinical operations and clinical pharmacokinetic scientific and technical processes

  • Experience in filing and defending US INDs and/or NDAs and/or their international equivalents
  • Enterprise-wide thinking and ability to work in ambiguity, including being hands on in order to ensure the work that needs to be done by the team gets done; other duties as required or assigned
  • Ability to work and lead collaboratively in a challenging fast-paced, team-based matrix environment
  • Ability to work independently to resolve challenges and conflicts
  • Excellent oral and written communication
  • Excellent leadership skills
  • Board certification/eligibility in a medical specialty desired

Education and Experience

  • MD, DO or equivalent ex-US medical degree
  • 15 years pharmaceutical industry experience, including time managing clinical trials and/or clinical development program(s), or the equivalent combination of education and experience
  • 7 years of management experience

Pay Range

$320,000 - $480,000

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

The Executive Medical Director will provide high-level clinical development strategy for renal programs and lead multi-disciplinary teams in drug development. Responsibilities include overseeing medical monitoring, reviewing study protocols, and interfacing with international regulatory authorities.

Requirements

Candidates must hold an MD, DO, or equivalent medical degree with at least 15 years of pharmaceutical industry experience. A minimum of 7 years of management experience and comprehensive knowledge of US and EU regulatory requirements are required.

Qualifications

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

Key Skills

NephrologyRegulatory affairsPharmacokineticsStrategic planningRegulatory complianceTeam management

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 ~$400k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $378k 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

Annual bonus
Annual equity awards
Medical, dental, and vision benefits
Generous paid time off
Week-long company shutdown in Summer and Winter
Educational assistance programs
Student loan repayment
Commuting subsidy