Director, MSL Lead - East, USMA Rare Neurology

This is what you will do:

Reporting directly to the Executive Director, Therapeutic area Medical Lead [(TA)], The Director, MSL Lead will be the regional leader of the field-based medical science liaison (MSL) group focused on [general TA] indications of [insert specific disease states] and potential future indications and assets. This role will oversee the regional MSL team of the [east/west/central] region and provide leadership, direction, coordination and coaching for the successful field-related tactical execution of the [TA] strategic medical plan. This position will be responsible for effective, collegial and compliant partnerships with cross-functional teams, including but not limited to commercial, development, and clinical operations. This role will serve as an effective coach and resource for the team he/she oversees. He/she will be fully accountable for the performance of his/her team, especially in regards to scientific engagement, developing scientific partnerships with both established and novel KOLs, and ensuring alignment with the strategic medical plan and objectives. The key vision and measure of success in this role is to establish a “best in class,” optimally efficient and effective field team that delivers on Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Diseases’s commitment to patients with rare diseases. 

You will be responsible for:

Key responsibilities

• Effectively lead the field-based regional [TA] MSL team 

• Ensure scientific excellence and proficiencies that are key to execution of compliant scientific exchange and KOL engagement aligned with the strategic medical plan 

• Translate medical strategic priorities and goals into clear field medical goals, objectives and initiatives with clear key performance indicators (KPIs) that reflect the impact of field medical 

• Oversee key opinion leader (KOL) identification and lead the development and implementation of HCP engagement plans aligned with overall medical strategy 

• Coach and develop each MSL on the team in line with the science based partnering model to ensure their high-level of scientific acumen, soft skills, performance and knowledge drive the clinical application of science 

• Ensure MSL team members maintain adequate communication and interaction with their field colleagues when appropriate and according to compliance and regulatory guidelines 

• Provide consistent and timely feedback to MSLs regarding their individual performance and progress, including annual performance reviews, growth and succession planning, and real time field reports based upon regular field travel 

• Serve as a role model to direct reports on aspects of collegiality, leadership, conflict mitigation, and overall excellence consistent with AstraZeneca Values and behaviors  

• Maintain business acumen and clinical knowledge of [designated therapeutic area], including current treatment strategies, current and pending competitors, and new therapeutic developments. Continually educate self on global market issues / trends and product knowledge as it pertains to US Medical Affairs priorities. 

Stakeholder Interactions

• Interacts with USMA colleagues (Executive Directors / Field Directors, Medical Directors, Medical Excellence) and Commercial Leadership (US marketing, Sales, TLLs) to discuss development and implementation of comprehensive functional and TA strategies. Ensures alignment across cross functional stakeholders and actively identifies collaborative opportunities. 

• Serves as subject matter expert in cross-functional initiatives addressing activities and resources relevant to field medical at internal and external meetings. 

• Represents MSL leadership in the cross-functional field leadership. 

• Partners with relevant teams to lead implementation of strategic and tactical framework to optimize US medical readiness for scientific engagement in established indications and any new product/indication launches. 

• Collaborates with medical director(s) on resource planning for current and pipeline products/indications and the development of strategic and tactical plan. 

You will need to have:

• Must have a MD, PhD or PharmD level degree or equivalent 

• Significant (at least 5 years) experience in field medical affairs in the US or other relevant industry functions 

• Experience managing MSL team(s) or relevant field team(s) strongly preferred 

• Experience in [TA name] therapeutic area or related fields considered a plus  

• Proficient in Medical Governance, with solid knowledge of the regulatory and compliance regulations in the USA 

• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal 

• Strong leadership skills and ability to manage complex projects in a highly matrixed environment 

• Team player with ability to lead and motivate others 

• Excellent interpersonal skills with demonstrated track record and ability to drive results as an effective team member and project leader 

• Proven ability to manage budget and resources 

• Strong scientific, clinical, and business acumen 

• Ability to build partnerships between and across functions and geographies 

• Flexibility and ability to adapt to a changing environment 

• Excellent problem solving, organizational, and negotiating skills 

• Ability to be an agent of change with demonstrated agility to lead through rapid change & uncertainty 

• Must demonstrate an energy and enthusiasm which brings a positive approach to all challenges 

• Strong sense of ethics and integrity 

• Travel required up to 40% (mainly domestic) 

• Demonstrates a deep understanding of the Field Medical Ways of Working and embody a continuous growth mindset with the ability to lead others toward change 

• The duties of this role are generally conducted in a field environment. As is typical of a field-based role, employees must be able, with or without an accommodation, to travel by public transportation, automobile, train, or plane; work comfortably in a clinical setting; use a computer; engage in communications via phone, video, and electronic messaging; problem solve; engage in complex and non-linear thought, analysis, and dialogue; collaborate with others; maintain general availability during standard business hours 

• At AstraZeneca, we are taking bold action on climate because we recognize the connection between healthy people and a healthy planet. As part of our flagship Ambition Zero Carbon program, we have committed to a fully electric vehicle (EV) fleet by the end of 2025, which means that all of our drivers will be assigned an EV. Ability to travel within territory on a regular basis which will include frequent overnight and weekend travel. Valid driver’s license and clean driving record required). 

• All activities should be conducted per Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease policies. 

Date Posted

Closing Date

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.