Medical Director, Clinical Development-Rheumatology

Johnson & Johnson • San Diego, PA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Medical Director provides medical and scientific leadership for late-stage rheumatology clinical development. The role leads assigned studies and contributes to program strategy, with accountability for rigorous trial design, medical oversight, data interpretation, and high-quality clinical and regulatory deliverables.

Requirements

• MD or equivalent medical degree is required.
• Clinical expertise in rheumatology is required, with board certification in rheumatology preferred.
• Typically 3 or more years of relevant clinical development or clinical research experience is preferred, with pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry experience strongly preferred; academic clinical research experience may also be considered.
• Experience leading or materially contributing to interventional clinical trials, including protocol development, medical monitoring, data review, and study reporting, is required.
• Strong clinical judgment and current knowledge of rheumatology, immunology, clinical trial methodology, and Good Clinical Practice.
• Ability to analyze complex data, identify material risks, and communicate a clear recommendation.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in global, cross-functional, and matrixed teams.
• Clear scientific writing, presentation, collaboration, and influencing skills.
• Comfort using artificial intelligence and digital tools to improve productivity, strengthen scientific analysis, and support high-quality clinical development deliverables.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as business needs require.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with deep depletion approaches or chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, execution, analysis, and reporting of Phase 2 and Phase 3 rheumatology trials, aligned with clinical development strategy and regulatory requirements.
• Serve as medical lead for assigned studies, including eligibility guidance, medical monitoring, safety review, protocol deviation assessment, and benefit-risk evaluation.
• Lead cross-functional study teams and drive timely decisions, risk mitigation, and delivery of study milestones.
• Develop and review clinical documents, including study concepts, protocols, investigator brochures, statistical analysis inputs, clinical study reports, and publications.
• Contribute medical content to regulatory submissions, briefing packages, health authority responses, and regulatory interactions.
• Interpret emerging clinical, translational, and competitive evidence and translate it into actionable development recommendations.
• Build effective relationships with investigators, external experts, patient organizations, and development partners.
• Support evaluation of new mechanisms, modalities, and external opportunities relevant to rheumatology and autoimmune disease.
• Mentor clinical team members and contribute to a collaborative, inclusive, and high-accountability culture.

Benefits

• Consolidated retirement plan (pension)
• Savings plan (401(k))
• Long-term incentive program
• Vacation –120 hours per calendar year
• Sick time - 40 hours per calendar year (varies by state)
• Holiday pay, including Floating Holidays –13 days per calendar year
• Work, Personal and Family Time - up to 40 hours per calendar year
• Parental Leave – 480 hours within one year of the birth/adoption/foster care of a child
• Bereavement Leave – 240 hours for an immediate family member: 40 hours for an extended family member per calendar year
• Caregiver Leave – 80 hours in a 52-week rolling period
• Volunteer Leave – 32 hours per calendar year
• Military Spouse Time-Off – 80 hours per calendar year

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior