Director, Oxford Research Technology

The Director, Oxford Research Technology leads a team responsible for the architecture, delivery, security, support, and continuous evolution of enterprise laboratory technology platforms across Oxford. It is also the single accountable Research Site Partner for Oxford, the primary DTE relationship holder for the site's SVP and research leadership, and the front door through which site requirements are captured, shaped, and routed into the correct cross‑functional platform backlog. Operating within highly regulated GxP and SOX environments, this role remains accountable for operational excellence, financial stewardship, and risk management across a complex laboratory technology landscape, including ownership of the site's annual operating budget.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Technology & Operations Leadership: Build and sustain strong, trust‑based relationships with senior business, quality, and DTE leaders; lead, develop, and retain a highly effective Lab Engineering Support organization; ensure stable, secure, and compliant laboratory technology operations across IT and OT environments; serve as the primary point of accountability for laboratory technology partnering with DTE Compliance, Cyber Security, Internal Audit, and Quality Assurance; own and manage the site's operating budget; oversee a portfolio of programs, projects, platform releases, and enhancements; attract, develop, and retain top talent with full people‑management accountability.
• Research Site Partnership: Serve as the single accountable owner for technology adoption, change, and the DTE relationship at Oxford; act as the site's product owner, capturing requirements and user stories; route shaped requirements to the correct platform owner; drive local adoption and change management for new platform capabilities; represent the site's voice in cross‑site and cross‑functional prioritization forums; maintain a transparent view of the site's demand status and backlog.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong senior‑level business engagement and stakeholder partnership capabilities.
• Deep understanding of enterprise technology operations, cyber security, ITSM, and system lifecycle practices.
• Proven people leadership experience building and sustaining high‑performing teams.
• Program, portfolio, demand, and financial management expertise.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, communication, and executive‑level presentation skills.
• Ability to balance operational stability with innovation in regulated environments.
• Comfort operating in a matrixed accountability model.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in a technology discipline or equivalent.
• Demonstrated leadership managing enterprise‑scale technology platforms and support organizations.
• Experience leading complex programs, portfolios, and vendor ecosystems with financial accountability.
• Experience operating as a product owner, business relationship manager, or similar demand‑shaping role.

Flex Designation

Hybrid‑Eligible: work remotely up to two days per week or On‑Site: work five days per week on‑site with ad hoc flexibility.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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 should make a request to the recruiter or hiring manager, or contact Talent Acquisition at ApplicationAssistance@vrtx.com.