Role Overview for Director, Medical Affairs with a Vaccine Manufacturer – Philadelphia, PA
JRG Partners is proud to exclusively represent a pioneering vaccine manufacturer at the forefront of immunological science. We are seeking a visionary and strategic Director of Medical Affairs to join their dynamic team in Philadelphia, PA. This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for shaping and executing the medical strategy for a groundbreaking portfolio of vaccines. The successful candidate will be a cornerstone of the organization, serving as the primary medical and scientific authority, and ensuring that all activities are grounded in robust scientific evidence and uphold the highest ethical standards.
In a world where vaccine technology is evolving at an unprecedented pace, this position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on public health. You will be instrumental in bridging the gap between clinical development and commercial success, providing critical insights that inform lifecycle management, clinical research, and external scientific communication.
As the Director, you will lead a dedicated team of Medical Affairs professionals, fostering a culture of scientific excellence, collaboration, and innovation. You will be responsible for building and nurturing relationships with key opinion leaders (KOLs), academic institutions, and professional societies, establishing our client as a trusted scientific partner in the field of vaccinology. This role demands a unique blend of scientific acumen, strategic thinking, and inspirational leadership to navigate the complex healthcare landscape and communicate the clinical value of the company’s assets to the medical community.
The individual in this role will act as the internal medical expert, providing guidance to cross-functional partners including Commercial, Marketing, Market Access, and Research & Development. Your leadership will be crucial in ensuring that all external communications, from promotional materials to medical information responses, are scientifically accurate, balanced, and compliant. This is more than a job; it is a chance to be at the center of scientific discovery and to play a direct role in protecting communities from infectious diseases. If you are a passionate and experienced Medical Affairs leader with a deep understanding of vaccines and a desire to lead in a high-impact environment, we invite you to apply.
Key Responsibilities of Director, Medical Affairs with a Vaccine Manufacturer – Philadelphia, PA
The Director of Medical Affairs will be accountable for a wide range of strategic and tactical activities. Key responsibilities are outlined below:
Medical Strategy and Leadership
- Develop, implement, and lead the overarching US Medical Affairs strategy and tactical plan for the assigned vaccine portfolio, ensuring alignment with global strategy and overall business objectives.
- Provide strong leadership and direction to the Medical Affairs team, including Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs) and Medical Information specialists. Mentor, coach, and develop team members to build a high-performing, scientifically rigorous function.
- Serve as the primary medical and scientific expert for the vaccine portfolio, providing critical input and guidance to cross-functional teams, including Commercial, Regulatory Affairs, Clinical Development, and Health Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR).
- Chair or be a key member of internal review committees, ensuring all promotional and non-promotional materials are scientifically accurate, fair-balanced, and compliant with all relevant regulations.
- Manage the Medical Affairs budget, ensuring optimal allocation of resources to achieve strategic goals and demonstrate value.
External Engagement and Data Dissemination
- Cultivate and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with national and regional Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), clinical investigators, and key professional organizations in the fields of infectious disease, vaccinology, and public health.
- Develop and execute a comprehensive KOL engagement plan to gather insights, support educational initiatives, and facilitate appropriate scientific exchange.
- Oversee the strategy and execution of the company’s publication plan, ensuring timely and high-quality dissemination of clinical trial data and other medically relevant information in peer-reviewed journals and at major scientific congresses.
- Lead the development and review of scientific content for medical congresses, advisory boards, and other educational programs.
- Represent the company at scientific meetings, advisory boards, and investigator meetings, presenting complex scientific data with clarity and confidence.
Evidence Generation and Lifecycle Management
- Identify and address key clinical and scientific data gaps through the strategic development and execution of post-approval research, including Phase IV studies, investigator-initiated studies (IIS), and real-world evidence (RWE) projects.
- Lead the review and approval process for investigator-initiated study proposals, ensuring they are scientifically sound and aligned with the overall medical strategy.
- Collaborate closely with the Clinical Development and HEOR teams to provide medical input on the design of clinical trials and outcomes research to support regulatory approval, market access, and product differentiation.
- Provide strategic medical insights for lifecycle management, including new indications, formulations, and long-term strategic planning for the vaccine portfolio.
Compliance and Operations
- Ensure all Medical Affairs activities are conducted with the highest level of integrity and in strict compliance with company policies, SOPs, and all applicable legal and regulatory requirements, including PhRMA code and FDA regulations.
- Oversee the Medical Information function, ensuring the team provides timely, accurate, and scientifically balanced responses to unsolicited inquiries from healthcare professionals and consumers.
- Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for the Medical Affairs team to track progress against strategic objectives and demonstrate the value of medical activities.
Requirements for the Director, Medical Affairs with a Vaccine Manufacturer – Philadelphia, PA
We are seeking a highly qualified and motivated individual with a proven track record of success in Medical Affairs within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry. The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:
Education and Experience:
- An advanced scientific or clinical degree is required (MD, PhD, or PharmD).
- A minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, with at least 5-7 years in a Medical Affairs function.
- Direct experience in vaccines or infectious diseases is strongly required.
- A minimum of 3-5 years of direct people management and leadership experience, with demonstrated success in building and leading high-performing teams.
- Experience in launching new products or indications is highly desirable.
- Proven track record of developing and executing successful medical affairs plans.
Skills and Competencies:
- Deep understanding of the drug development process, clinical trial design and execution, and the regulatory landscape for vaccines.
- Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to inspire, motivate, and develop a team of scientific professionals.
- Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize complex scientific and clinical data to inform strategy.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex scientific concepts to a variety of audiences, both internal and external.
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong relationships with KOLs and other external stakeholders.
- Thorough knowledge of FDA regulations, OIG guidance, and PhRMA code governing the promotion of pharmaceutical products and scientific exchange.
- Proven ability to work collaboratively and effectively in a cross-functional, matrixed environment.
- High level of personal integrity, scientific curiosity, and a strong commitment to patient welfare.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top talent by offering a highly competitive compensation and benefits package. You will be rewarded for your contributions with:
Competitive Salary and Bonus
A generous base salary complemented by an annual performance-based bonus and long-term incentive plan (equity).
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) plan with a significant company match to help you plan for your future.
Generous Paid Time Off
A competitive paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick days, and company holidays, to support work-life balance.
Professional Development
A strong commitment to your growth with funding for conferences, certifications, and continuing education.
Wellness Programs
Company-sponsored wellness initiatives, including gym memberships, mental health resources, and employee assistance programs.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for qualified candidates.
How to Apply
This is a retained search managed exclusively by JRG Partners. To be considered for this career-defining opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and qualifications. We are committed to a confidential and thorough recruitment process.
JRG Partners is a leader in executive search for the life sciences sector. We connect innovative companies with exceptional talent that drives scientific advancement and improves patient outcomes. Learn more about our expertise in the Life Sciences & Pharmaceuticals practice area.
We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing how you can contribute to the success of this pioneering vaccine manufacturer.
