Associate Director, Scientific Communications

Main responsibilities:

• Lead the development of Sci Comm plans and scientific deliverables including design of lay summaries, and maintenance of Japanese Lexicon.
• Ensure delivery of high-quality, fair-balanced, scientifically/clinically accurate deliverables for medical communication in accordance with established timelines, compliance guidelines/policies, and budgets.
• Ensure deliverables are in alignment with business strategy/plan, medical affairs strategy/plan and Company clinical development programs.
• By maintaining close communication with the Global Sci Comm Team, the following roles are undertaken:
• Ensure a thorough understanding of global materials and maintain them appropriately. 
  • Scrutinizing global materials and applying necessary materials to Japan (e.g. creating translated versions of materials for use in Japan). 
  • Introducing Japanese materials usable globally to the Global Sci Comm Team and supporting their utilization globally.
• Lead the development of congress strategies in Medical Affairs with cross functional teams of Medical Affairs in alignment with Sci Comm plans. 
• Contribute internal trainings including trainer trainings and/or external education (e.g., via MA Webinar) to disseminate Company -delivered scientific materials accurately.
• Lead the development of the scientific strategy of the Patient Advocacy Team as an interface with J-medical experts and patient associations/groups to identify gaps in the medical community of Japan.
• Manage external vendors, contractors and medical agencies assisting with medical content planning and execution.

Minimum requirements:

• Master’s degree in a scientific discipline and/or equivalent experience in required elements is mandatory.
• For a candidate with a degree in medicine: must own a presently active license for the practice of medicine in Japan (foreign license holder will NOT be considered). A board certification in the field of pulmonology, bacterial infection, cardiology and/or allergy/ immunology is highly valued.
• Minimum 10 years’ relevant experience in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry of Global setting in Japan, primarily any of publication, scientific materials/contents creation, external (e.g. HCPs, patients associations) and/or educational communications (e.g. Medical Information, Medical Education), or scientific trainer in Medical/Scientific Affairs is required.
• Native-level fluency in Japanese and high-level business fluency in English is a must. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to understand and effectively communicate complex scientific and clinical data to internal and external stakeholders.
• Expertise in the assessment and the application of scientific/clinical data to strategy with pull through to externally facing deliverables.
• Key attributes for success in this role include active leadership and analytical skills, the ability to work autonomously, and adeptness at managing multiple ongoing workstreams while prioritizing tasks effectively.
• Ability to work effectively within collaborative and cross-functional teams.
• Ability to manage external vendors and provide clear, concise direction.
• Solid understanding of pharmaceutical business, including drug research and development, manufacturing, commercialization, health technology assessment and Market Access.
• Expert knowledge of relevant guidance including, but not limited to International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE)/Good Publication Practice 4 (GPP4), Japan Pharmaceutical of Manufacturers Association (JPMA) guide, Guidelines for Provision of Sales Information on Prescription Drugs.
• Must successfully exhibit Company’s five (5) core corporate competencies of Collaboration, Accountability, Passion, Respect and Integrity, along with any other position specific competencies.
• Individuals must demonstrate the ability to interact successfully in a fast-paced, dynamic and culturally diverse workplace.
• Up to 15% travel for congresses in Japan and overseas, meetings with external stakeholders and venders, and meetings in offices of Company, Inc.

Preferred qualifications:

• Advanced degree holder is highly preferred (e.g., PhD, PharmD or MD). Experience in pulmonology, bacterial infection, cardiovascular diseases and/or allergy/ immunology is highly preferred and advantageous.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience of medical material review scientifically are preferred.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience demonstrated success in design and implementation of Sci Comm Strategies including congress strategies, scientific deliverables development and digital asset generation are highly preferred.