VP, Global Medical Affairs

Zai Lab (US) LLC•South San Francisco, CA

6d•$369,000 - $536,000•Onsite

About The Position

The VP, Global Medical Affairs will build and lead Zai Lab's Global Medical Affairs organization, with primary emphasis on the US and other regions outside China. This leader will establish the vision, strategy, organizational capabilities, and operating infrastructure required to support the company's first global launch and expanding pipeline. The role will serve as the senior Medical Affairs leader for global programs across the oncology and immunology portfolio, driving scientific leadership, evidence generation, external engagement, and cross-functional collaboration to maximize the value of Zai Lab's medicines throughout their lifecycle.

Requirements

MD with 12 years of progressive experience in medical affairs within the biopharmaceutical industry.
Demonstrated track record of building and leading global or US medical affairs organizations, including pre-launch, launch, and in-line medical support for oncology or specialty assets; proven ability to partner cross-functionally with Commercial, Market Access, Regulatory, and Clinical Development.
Deep expertise in US and global medical affairs operations: MSL programs, evidence generation, publication planning, medical education, advisory boards, and medical information.
Proven pre-launch and launch medical affairs leadership, including HEOR and market access medical strategy integration; experience in a global US/China operating environment or cross-border clinical and regulatory programs is a plus.
Entrepreneurial mindset with demonstrated success building medical affairs organizations in high-growth, pre-commercial or early commercial US biotech settings.
Strong scientific acumen with the ability to translate complex clinical data into compelling medical narratives; excellent communication and executive presence, comfortable engaging KOLs, health authorities, and C-suite stakeholders.
Ability to work across several time zones and travel internationally.
Experience in cross-regional collaboration including Asia/China.
Maintains the highest standards of integrity and ethics.

Nice To Haves

Clinical background in oncology or hematology; experience in precision oncology, ADCs, or immuno-oncology; existing KOL network in SCLC, lung cancers, or neuroendocrine carcinomas.

Responsibilities

Define and own the Medical Affairs strategy for Zai Lab's global oncology and immunology portfolio, providing leadership for global medical priorities, scientific engagement, and evidence generation. Foster strong partnership with Medical Affairs leadership in China to ensure a coordinated and aligned approach to global programs.
Provide executive-level scientific leadership and represent Medical Affairs across internal governance bodies, executive leadership forums, and cross-functional decision-making processes.
Ensure all medical affairs activities comply with applicable regulations, industry standards (PhRMA, OIG), and internal policies; lead development and continuous improvement of Medical Affairs SOPs and governance frameworks; oversee Medical Information operations and respond to escalated medical inquiries.
Develop and execute comprehensive pre-launch Medical Affairs plans for global pipeline assets in the US and other regions outside China, establishing the scientific and clinical foundation ahead of commercial launch.
Partner with Regulatory Affairs on US label development, lifecycle management, and Health Authority interactions, including FDA advisory committees and scientific advice meetings.
Lead KOL identification, mapping, and engagement strategies across key oncology centers and academic institutions; establish peer-level relationships with thought leaders in SCLC, neuroendocrine carcinomas, and other priority indications.
Partner with Commercial and Market Access teams to ensure scientific communication readiness, payer evidence packages, and HEOR alignment as commercial infrastructure is built out.
Develop and oversee evidence generation plans across the US and other regions outside China, including IIS programs, real-world evidence (RWE) initiatives, and collaborative research studies in partnership with academic and community oncology centers.
Lead the publication strategy and oversight for global Medical Affairs programs, ensuring high-quality, timely dissemination of clinical data at key oncology congresses (ASCO, AACR, ASH, ESMO) and in peer-reviewed journals.
Oversee the development of scientific communication materials, medical education content, and advisory board programs that accurately reflect the clinical data and support appropriate use.
Champion competitive intelligence and landscape analysis, translating insights into actionable medical strategy.
Engage key oncology cooperative groups, professional societies, and academic networks to advance disease education and support Zai Lab’s scientific reputation.
Own the patient advocacy strategy for the US and other regions outside China; build relationships with relevant patient advocacy organizations, integrate patient perspectives into medical strategy, and support disease awareness and education initiatives.
Represent Zai Lab at national and international medical congresses, scientific symposia, and regulatory interactions as appropriate.
Work effectively across global time zones and travel up to 25%.
Build and lead a high-performing Medical Affairs team supporting the US and other regions outside China, while partnering closely with Medical Affairs leadership in China on global programs and cross-regional coordination; recruit, develop, and retain top scientific talent, establishing clear accountability, performance metrics, and development plans while fostering a culture of scientific rigor, patient-centricity, and integrity.
Oversee departmental budget planning, resource allocation, and agency/vendor governance to ensure operational excellence.