Area Director, Field Medical Affairs (West)

Cogent Biosciences

About The Position

Cogent Biosciences is a publicly traded biotechnology company focused on developing novel precision therapies to treat a broad range of patients with unmet medical needs. Cogent’s lead program, bezuclastinib, is designed to selectively and potently inhibit exon 17 mutations found within the KIT receptor tyrosine kinase, including KIT D816V. KIT D816V is responsible for driving a rare and serious condition called Systemic Mastocytosis, and exon 17 mutations are also found in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), a type of cancer with strong dependence on oncogenic KIT signaling. Bezuclastinib has exhibited promising initial data across all three trials: APEX in AdvSM, SUMMIT in NonAdvSM and PEAK in GIST, including an encouraging safety profile across 600+ patients in single agent and combination dosing. The Role: The Area Director, Field Medical Affairs will lead one of two U.S. regions (East or West) within Cogent Biosciences’ Medical Science Liaison (MSL) Field Team. This role provides strategic and people leadership to a field‑based medical organization responsible for advancing scientific understanding of bezuclastinib, Cogent’s lead precision‑therapy program. The Area Director is responsible for managing, developing, and mentoring a high‑performing MSL team that serves on the front lines of scientific exchange and medical education. The Field Medical team engages Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), and Healthcare Providers (HCPs) involved in research and/or patient care in NonAdvSM, AdvSM, and GIST.

Requirements

Advanced scientific or clinical degree (MD, PhD, PharmD, RN‑NP, MS‑CGC)
15+ years of biopharmaceutical industry experience in relevant therapeutic areas (e.g., hematology, oncology, allergy/immunology, rare disease), including 10+ years in a field‑based role (sales and/or medical)
10+ years of experience leading MSL Field Teams, including through pre‑launch and commercial launch environments
Proven people leadership experience with a strong track record in hiring, coaching, developing, and retaining high‑performing teams
Demonstrated ability to align individual and team objectives to broaden business strategies and ensure consistent execution across field teams
Experience ensuring high‑quality, consistent insight capture and KOL/HCP development documentation within CRM and medical insight systems
Ability to synthesize and communicate field insights, trends, and opportunities clearly and consistently to inform business and medical strategy
Strong interpersonal and communication skills with demonstrated ability to operate compliantly in fast‑paced, evolving environments
Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross‑functional partners
Experience partnering with commercial field leadership (e.g., Regional Business Directors) to align territory strategy, roles, and execution while maintaining Medical Affairs independence
Strong scientific and clinical acumen with the ability to communicate complex data to external experts and mentor MSLs on effective field engagement
Demonstrated composure, sound judgment, and leadership presence in challenging or ambiguous situations
Willingness and ability to travel extensively within the United States (≥50%)

Responsibilities

Recruit, hire, develop, and retain a high‑performing, best‑in‑class MSL Field Team
Develop and execute the Field Medical Affairs strategy for the assigned Area in collaboration with the complementary Area Director, Medical Affairs leadership, and cross‑functional partners, ensuring alignment with corporate and program objectives
Set clear individual and team goals, establish performance expectations, and hold team members accountable for consistent execution
Provide strategic guidance and oversight of regional and territory‑level medical plans, ensuring structural consistency while enabling territory‑specific customization
Oversee field operations, infrastructure, and systems to ensure high‑quality, consistent documentation and reporting, including medical and scientific field insights, competitive intelligence, and KOL/HCP engagement and development
Coach, mentor, and develop team members through ongoing feedback, field observation, performance reviews, and development planning
Ensure consistent training and continuing education to maintain strong scientific expertise, compliant field engagement, and readiness to support cross‑functional education as internal subject matter experts
Foster a collaborative, high‑trust team environment and serve as a strong Medical Affairs partner across internal functions
Demonstrate and model excellence in communicating complex scientific and clinical information across diverse audiences and formats
Represent Cogent Biosciences at key scientific meetings and congresses, providing leadership and clarity on MSL roles, responsibilities, and coverage
Manage headcount and operational budgets in alignment with approved plans, partnering closely with Finance and Medical Operations on forecasting and adjustments as needed

Benefits

At Cogent Biosciences, we offer a competitive salary, bonus, and ongoing stock awards, alongside a benefits package that sets us apart.
We cover 100% of medical, dental, and vision premiums for you and your family, and help reduce out-of-pocket costs by funding up to 75% of in-network deductibles.
Our benefits also include a 401(k) match with immediate vesting, generous paid time off, 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave, paid family and medical leave for all employees regardless of location, and company-paid short-term disability coverage for up to 20 weeks.
Additional perks like wellness programs, tuition reimbursement, and inclusive family-forming support help you thrive at work and beyond.

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