Medical Director, Rare Disease

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

18d

About The Position

The Medical Director, Rare Disease is a critical role responsible for shaping the strategic processes and planning for assets in across phases of development within the Rare Disease portfolio. This position manages the unique challenge of establishing an emerging portfolio, incorporating newly acquired assets, which requires significant scientific and strategic agility and a strong ability to balance competing priorities. This position reports directly to the Rare Disease Medical Business Unit (BU) Lead.

Requirements

Advanced scientific degree is required (PharmD, MD, PhD, or equivalent) with extensive expertise in Rare Disease
Minimum of 5+ years of relevant experience in the pharmaceutical industry, with strong preference for experience in Clinical Development, Research, or Medical Affairs
Experience supporting BD evaluations for potential acquisitions
Experience contributing to the integration and strategic planning for newly acquired or in-licensed assets
Proven experience managing Evidence Generation processes and executing scientific Advisory Boards
Strong leadership presence and ability to present to executive leadership team
Skilled in cultivating strong relationships with global medical partners through proactive communication and strategic prioritization
Motivated and solution-oriented with the ability to work collaboratively across the organization, particularly with R&D and Clinical teams
Strategic agility required to build and adapt scientific strategy for an emerging portfolio
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including experience presenting complex development strategies to large internal groups and engaging a limited number of highly specialized external experts
Full understanding of rules and regulations in pharma, with the ability to apply knowledge of guidelines and regulations to early-stage Medical Affairs activities
Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, with a proactive and problem-solving mindset
Strong understanding of drug development processes, especially early-stage development
Openness to travel up to ~25% for 3 – 6 conferences in US and globally
Accountability for Results - Stay focused on key strategic objectives, be accountable for high standards of performance, and take an active role in leading change.
Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving - Make decisions considering the long-term impact to customers, patients, employees, and the business.
Patient & Customer Centricity - Maintain an ongoing focus on the needs of our customers and/or key stakeholders.
Impactful Communication - Communicate with logic, clarity, and respect. Influence at all levels to achieve the best results for Otsuka.
Respectful Collaboration - Seek and value others’ perspectives and strive for diverse partnerships to enhance work toward common goals.
Empowered Development - Play an active role in professional development as a business imperative.

Responsibilities

Medical Strategy & Narrative Provide key medical input into the initial development of the Target Reimbursable Product Profile as well as early development plans ensuring scientific consistency and alignment across functions (e.g., R&D, Clinical, Global Medical Affairs)
Provide high-quality scientific/clinical input and review of early asset plans, ensuring content aligns with the overarching Medical Narrative
Lead and nurture strategic partnerships with stakeholders by ensuring clear, consistent communication and aligning initiatives with partner priorities to strengthen collaboration and drive shared success in the rare disease space
Serve as a primary scientific resource, providing guidance on the disease state and mechanism of action for the Rare Disease portfolio helping to translate science into value for patients and stakeholders
Lead the Strategy and Tactical Planning Process, identifying critical data needs for the emerging portfolio
Oversee the Medical Evidence Generation Process in partnership with GIE&I, translating strategic data gaps into clear research priorities and providing expert input into the design and feasibility of innovative clinical trials and data generation initiatives
Support the planning and execution of Medical Affairs evidence generation activities relevant to the Rare Disease portfolio
Identify and engage a wide variety of stakeholders, including KOL experts and patient advocacy groups to support collection, curation and communication of clinical Medical and methodological insights to inform understanding of unmet medical needs, emerging standard of care and development opportunities
Develop Key Intelligence Topics & Questions (KITs/KIQs) for relevant assets, serving as the blueprint for insight collection from Key Opinion Leaders
Lead the strategic planning, content development, and successful facilitation of consulting activities including Advisory Boards, ensuring objectives align with data gap analyses and asset/portfolio strategy
Lead scientific exchange with key opinion leaders (KOLs) to gather insights and validate development hypotheses
Support the development of scientific publications, abstracts, and presentations related to the Rare Disease portfolio
Collaborate within the Rare Disease Medical Business Unit with the Rare Disease Medical Communications and Field Medical Affairs sub-teams
Partner with and serve as a scientific and clinical resource for cross-functional colleagues including Clinical Development, Global Integrated Evidence & Innovation, Regulatory and Global Marketing and Market Access
Support indication prioritization and portfolio planning for early assets
Manage assigned Rare Disease medical program budgets in partnership with the Rare Disease Medical BU lead, ensuring accurate forecasting, responsible resource utilization, and compliance with internal policies and external regulations
Consider technology and AI to support workflow improvement

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage, company provided basic life, accidental death & dismemberment, short-term and long-term disability insurance, tuition reimbursement, student loan assistance, a generous 401(k) match, flexible time off, paid holidays, and paid leave programs as well as other company provided benefits.

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