Director Medical Science Liaison, Rare Disease

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One of our clients focusing on rare metabolic disorders, including hypophosphatasia and potential future indications and assets is looking to hire a Director Medical Science Liaison.

This is what you will do:

Reporting directly to the Executive Director, Therapeutic area Medical Lead, The Director, Metabolic MSLs will be the National leader of the field-based medical science liaison (MSL) group focused. This role will evolve and oversee the metabolic MSL organization and provide leadership and direction for strategic input (i.e. voice of field), and tactical execution of the metabolic medical plan constructed by the metabolic medical directors. Importantly, this position will be responsible for effective and collegial compliant partnerships with cross-functional teams, including commercial, development, and clinical operations.

Further, this role will serve as an effective coach and resource for the team he/she overseas, ensuring optimal performance of the MSL team with their important accountabilities of engaging in scientific exchange with both established and novel KOLs, with full personal accountability for the performance of his/her team. The key vision and measure of success in this role is to establish “best in class,” optimally efficient and effective field teams across USMA to deliver on our commitment to patients with our rare diseases.

You will be responsible for:

• Evolving and leading the field based national MSL metabolic team
• Ensuring scientific and operational excellence and proficiencies key to execution of compliant scientific exchange and KOL engage
• Translating medical strategic priorities and goals into clear field medical goals, objectives, and initiatives with clear KPIs and metrics consistent with other field medical teams at Alexion
• Overseeing thought leader identification and leading the development and implementation of thought leader engagement plans aligned with overall medical strategy
• Coaching and developing each MSL on the team to ensure a high-level of scientific acumen, “soft skills” and performance and knowledge gap mitigation
• Serving as a role model to direct reports on aspects of collegiality, leadership, conflict mitigation, and overall excellence consistent with Company cultural attributes
• Leading the team through evolving launch tactics of emerging assets

Stakeholder Interactions

• Engages on a regular basis with key internal stakeholders to inform of key US Medical Affairs strategic priorities and tactical plans, and discuss compliant and collaborative opportunities
• Interacts with USMA (Executive Directors / Field Directors, Global / US Medical Directors, Medical Excellence, Head of Development & Engagement Strategy for US) and Commercial Leadership (Marketing & Sales) to discuss development and implementation of comprehensive functional and TA strategies and ensures alignment within regional levels and across cross functional stakeholders.
• Serve as subject matter expert in cross-functional initiatives addressing activities and resources relevant to Field Medical at global forums, conferences and professional associations on Field Medial to contribute to shaping future industry best practices.
• Represents MSL leadership in the field to select KOLs in relevant therapeutic area
• Partner with relevant teams to lead implementation of strategic and tactical framework to optimize US Medical launch preparations and readiness for scientific engagement.
• Participate in early engagement of relevant thought leaders through advisory boards, congress meetings and executive encounters to enhance actionable insights.
• Collaborate with medical director(s) on resource planning for pipeline products/indications and in the development of strategic and tactical pre-launch plan.

You will need to have:

• Must have an MD, PhD or PharmD level degree or equivalent
• Significant (at least 8 years) experience in US Medical Affairs or other relevant industry functions
• At least 4 years’ experience managing MSL team(s)
• Launch experience required
• Proficient in Medical Governance, with solid knowledge of the regulatory and compliance regulations in the USA
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to thrive in highly matrixed environment
• Team player with ability to lead and motivate others
• Excellent interpersonal skills with demonstrated track record and ability to drive results as an effective team member and project leader
• Proven ability to manage budget and resources
• Strong scientific, clinical and business acumen
• Ability to build partnerships between and across functions and geographies
• Flexibility and ability to adapt to changing environment
• Excellent problem solving, organizational, and negotiating skills
• Must demonstrate energy and enthusiasm which brings a positive approach to all challenges
• Strong sense of ethics and integrity
• Travel required up to 40% (mainly domestic)
• Demonstrates a deep understanding of the Field Medical Ways of Working, and a continuous improvement mindset, with the ability to lead others toward change
• The duties of this role are generally conducted in a field environment. As is typical of a field-based role, employees must be able, with or without an accommodation to: travel by public transportation, automobile, train, or plane; work comfortably in a clinical setting; use a computer; engage in communications via phone, video, and electronic messaging; problem solve; engage in complex and non-linear thought, analysis, and dialogue; collaborate with others; maintain general availability during standard business hours.