Director, Global Scientific Communications - Hematology

Position Summary

The Director, Scientific Communications, Hematology leads the development and implementation of global communications strategies, publications plans and medical education initiatives across the Hematology areas in alignment with Alexion brand and corporate strategies. The Director will chair the Hematology TA Global Publication Team as well as engage with cross-functional partners including but not limited to research, clinical development, marketing, medical affairs and biostats. In this role, the Director will develop collaborative and positive relationships with external investigators, leaders and authors. These efforts will ultimately drive timely execution of publication plans and result in high-quality and impactful scientific and clinical abstracts, posters, oral presentations, manuscripts, and slide decks. Analysis and interpretation of scientific and clinical data as well as review of results from cross-functional publications team members and agencies for content and key messages are central responsibilities of this role. The Director will also be responsible for the identification and supervision of medical communications agencies and may also work/oversee medical writing consultants. This position reports to the Senior Director, Global Medical Communications for Hematology & Nephrology

Principal Responsibilities

• Lead the creation of global communications strategies and publication plans for therapeutic areas within the Hematology franchise in accordance with the existing global brand strategies
• Serve as Chair of the Global Publication Team(s) for assigned products and indication
• Lead the timely execution of publication plans to produce high quality, accurate and impactful deliverables including abstracts, posters, oral presentations, manuscripts, and slide decks
• Plan, develop and implement informative plan, including congress symposia, and other scientific programs that communicate meaningful information to the medical and scientific community
• Establish strong collaborative relationships and work in close partnership with other members of Global Medical Communications  (Medical Information/Medical Review, Training, and Med Comms Excellence, Global Medical Affairs (HEOR,  MSLs) and key stakeholders internally (product teams, clinical teams, biostats) and externally (e.g., opinion leaders, patient advocacy groups, professional societies).
• Review publications, slide presentations and other scientific materials  for content and positioning
• Develop/update key strategic documents (Scientific Platforms), with consistent coverage of the competitive landscape.
• Develop and evolve tactical publication plans based on therapeutic area medical objectives.
• Identify, screen, manage and supervise medical communications agencies and manage financial and contractual aspects of assigned projects
• Participate in training on as well as ensure compliance with the Alexion Publication Policy and associated processes

EssentialQualifications

• Advanced degree:  PhD, PharmD, or MD
• 7-10 years of relevant experience in a Pharmaceutical company or Medical Communications agency, or at least 15 years of independent Scientific Communications / Publications consultancies for the Pharmaceutical Industry  
• Strong experience in strategic publication planning (including scientific platforms), tactical publication planning and implementation, and the planning and development of medical educational materials
• Ability to work independently to develop strategic and tactical publication plans
• Ability to rapidly develop expertise and critical knowledge in new therapeutic areas to support pipeline, investigational, and marketed projects from a strategic and tactical perspective
• Ability to interpret and coordinate highly sophisticated scientific data, including experience reviewing pre-clinical and clinical trial data and output from statistical analysis programs
• Must be skilled, detail-oriented writer with demonstrated ability to critically interpret and contextualize clinical data for translation to physicians, patients and payers
• Strong success in achieving acceptance of abstracts/manuscripts into the peer-reviewed literature
• Solid understanding of current good publication practices, guidelines, and ethics and use of publication management systems
• Demonstrated experience in having a leadership role in crafting communications strategy and programs in alignment with strategies
• Understanding of the clinical development process, especially clinical study and global health outcome data.
• Ability to lead teams, including medical publications agencies to plan, write and develop abstracts, posters, oral presentations, manuscripts, slide decks and content for scientific and educational programs
• Experience in working closely with KOLs and authors
• Proven leadership skills and ability to influence without direct authority
• Demonstrated experience leading competing priorities and tight deadlines
• Ability to travel (US and International) as necessary

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working give us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That’s why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn’t mean we’re not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world. 

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Life Science, CMPP certified
• Background in hematology and rare diseases
• Experience in planning and implementation of formal peer-to-peer engagements (advisory boards, workshops for the planning and development of scientific publications or medical education materials)

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.

AstraZeneca requires all US employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 but will consider requests for reasonable accommodations as required by applicable law.

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.