Associate Director Medical Affairs (“MSL Lead”)

These are your key responsibilities:

Alexion develops and markets life-changing medicines for rare and severe diseases, including rare systemic metabolic disorders (such as hypophosphatasia or lysosomal acid lipase deficiency).

The MSL Lead ensures that the necessary scientific and medical expertise is present and utilized in the best interest of patients within all processes and functions involved at Alexion. They are responsible for developing and implementing long-term strategies as well as establishing sustainable medical practices and infrastructures.

They assume scientific and medical leadership to establish a deep understanding of the medical landscape concerning relevant diseases and Alexion products. The MSL Lead makes strategic contributions to Alexion's activities in the field of metabolic disorders and supports all functions operating in this area within the German branch to achieve local objectives, and collaborates with Alexion Global Medical Affairs to achieve treatment outcomes through the establishment and continuous improvement of an evidence-based medical care standard.

At the same time, they serve externally as a point of contact for medical-scientific matters in the indication areas.

They ensure that all team activities align with Alexion's overall strategy and all internal and external guidelines and standards.

They consistently work closely with other relevant national and international company functions, particularly with the German Medical Affairs Team, the Associate Director Medical Affairs Metabolics, Global Medical Affairs, as well as with colleagues from Marketing and Sales.

Your Responsibilities:

Leadership of the MSL Team

• Disciplinary leadership of the MSL team:
  • Ensuring the team's achievement of goals
  • Personal development support for team members
  • Retaining talented employees within the company
  • Defining and communicating the resources needed to achieve local goals in the Medical Affairs area
  • Regular field-based coaching of MSLs (approximately 10 days per year per MSL)
  • Adjustment and implementation of performance indicators (including KOL engagement plans and account plans)
• Development and implementation of a local medical field strategy for approved and developing indications and products.
• Development and continuous maintenance of the highest scientific and medical expertise across all diseases and products relevant to Alexion in the field of metabolic disorders:
  • Internal and external recognition as an expert in these areas
  • Participation in relevant national and international conferences and congresses
  • Identification, establishment, maintenance, and collaboration with external medical-scientific experts, other key clients, and stakeholders including professional associations
  • Obtaining expert advice on unresolved medical questions for Alexion, e.g., within the framework of advisory boards
  • Content/conceptual responsibility for regional medical training sessions
• Coordination of prompt and appropriate responses to medical inquiries, utilizing resources from Global Medical Information and in accordance with local regulatory requirements
• Identification and support of the implementation of important medical research projects, including Alexion-funded or clinician-initiated projects
• Support for the generation of local data and its dissemination through publications and abstracts at congress contributions
  • In collaboration with Global Scientific Communications, development and implementation of a local publication plan aligned with local and global strategies
• Management and monitoring of the assigned budget

Supporting Activities

• Collaboration with national (e.g., Brand Team, Launch Team) and international (e.g., international product team) teams
• Timely and appropriate support in medical matters for the sales team in identifying patients and adequately applying the product to improve treatment outcomes
• Medical training for Alexion employees, including the sales team
• Support in national reimbursement applications, including contributing to the development of AMNOG dossiers and defense within the framework of the G-BA procedural regulations
• Collaboration with the Research and Development department:
  • Support in feasibility assessment of clinical studies
  • Support for the effective implementation and management of ongoing, Alexion-funded studies

Your Requirements:

• Relevant scientific degree (MD, PharmD, PhD, Master or Diploma)
• 5+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry in the field of Medical Affairs
• 2+ years of experience leading a team in the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry, especially in the field (commercial or medical)
• Experience in the market introduction of new, innovative drugs
• Proven ability to clearly convey complex scientific data in various situations (face-to-face, public presentations) and to different audiences
• Strong analytical and strategic skills
• Good communication and persuasion abilities
• Knowledge in planning and executing complex projects
• Experience in developing and implementing strategic account plans from a medical perspective
• Expertise in current local regulations of the pharmaceutical industry and implementing them in collaboration with relevant functions
• English proficiency at a negotiation level

It would also be advantageous:

• Several years of experience as an MSL in a complex indication, ideally in the field of rare diseases
• Experience with indications in the area of rare metabolic disorders is advantageous
• Knowledge in clinical development (registration studies, registries, NIS, RWE)
• Proactive and innovative working style
• Ability to build and expand robust internal and external networks
• Solution-oriented, self-motivated, positive mindset

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.