VP, Global Medical Affairs

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

2d•$318,000 - $461,000•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 United States and other regions outside China. The leader will establish the vision, strategy, organizational capabilities, and operating infrastructure needed to support the company’s first global launch and expanding pipeline. This senior Medical Affairs leader will oversee 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. The position is based in Zai Lab’s South San Francisco, California office. The role involves working across global time zones and travel of up to 25%.

Requirements

PhD.
16 years of progressive experience in Medical Affairs within the biopharmaceutical industry.
Strong scientific acumen and ability to translate complex clinical data into compelling medical narratives.
Excellent communication skills and executive presence, with comfort 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 or China.
Maintain the highest standards of integrity and ethics.

Nice To Haves

MD preferred.
Clinical background in oncology or hematology.
Experience in precision oncology, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), or immuno-oncology.
Existing KOL network in SCLC, lung cancers, or neuroendocrine carcinomas.
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.
Demonstrated cross-functional partnership with Commercial, Market Access, Regulatory, and Clinical Development.
Deep expertise in US and global Medical Affairs operations, including MSL programs, evidence generation, publication planning, medical education, advisory boards, and medical information.
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.
Entrepreneurial mindset and success building Medical Affairs organizations in high-growth, pre-commercial, or early commercial US biotech settings.

Responsibilities

Define and own Medical Affairs strategy for the global oncology and immunology portfolio, including global medical priorities, scientific engagement, and evidence generation, while coordinating with Medical Affairs leadership in China.
Provide executive-level scientific leadership and represent Medical Affairs in internal governance, executive leadership forums, and cross-functional decision-making.
Ensure Medical Affairs activities comply with regulations, industry standards, and internal policies; develop and improve SOPs and governance frameworks; oversee Medical Information operations and escalated inquiries.
Develop and execute pre-launch Medical Affairs plans for global pipeline assets in the United States and other regions outside China.
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 across oncology centers and academic institutions, including thought leaders in SCLC, neuroendocrine carcinomas, and other priority indications.
Partner with Commercial and Market Access teams on scientific communication readiness, payer evidence packages, and HEOR alignment.
Develop and oversee evidence-generation plans, including IIS programs, real-world evidence initiatives, and collaborative research with academic and community oncology centers.
Lead publication strategy and oversight for global Medical Affairs programs, supporting dissemination of clinical data at oncology congresses and in peer-reviewed journals.
Oversee scientific communication materials, medical education content, and advisory board programs that accurately reflect clinical data and support appropriate use.
Champion competitive intelligence and landscape analysis and translate insights into medical strategy.
Engage oncology cooperative groups, professional societies, and academic networks to advance disease education and Zai Lab’s scientific reputation.
Own the patient advocacy strategy for the United States and other regions outside China; build relationships with advocacy organizations, incorporate patient perspectives into medical strategy, and support disease awareness and education.
Represent Zai Lab at medical congresses, scientific symposia, and regulatory interactions as appropriate.
Build and lead a high-performing Medical Affairs team; recruit, develop, and retain scientific talent; establish accountability, performance metrics, and development plans; and foster scientific rigor, patient-centricity, and integrity.
Partner with Medical Affairs leadership in China on global programs and cross-regional coordination.
Oversee departmental budget planning, resource allocation, and agency and vendor governance.
Work across global time zones and travel up to 25%.
Maintain the highest standards of integrity and ethics.