Director, MSL Lead - Central, USMA Neurology

This is what you will do:

Reporting directly to the Executive Director, Therapeutic area Medical Lead (Neurology), The Director, MSL lead will be the regional leader of the field-based medical science liaison (MSL) group focused on Neurology indications of gMG, NMOSD and potential future indications and assets.  This role will oversee the regional MSL team of central US region and provide leadership, direction and coaching for the successful field-related tactical execution of the Neurology medical plan. Importantly, this position will be responsible for effective and collegial 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, ensuring optimal performance of the MSL team with their important accountabilities of engaging in scientific exchange and developing scientific partnership with both established and novel KOLs in alignment with medical plan and objectives, with full personal accountability for the performance of his/her team. The key vision and measure of success in this role is to establish “best in class,” optimally efficient and effective field team that delivers on our commitment to patients with rare diseases.

You will be responsible for:

Key responsibilities:

• Effectively lead the field-based regional MSL Neurology team
• Ensure scientific excellence and proficiencies that are key to execution of compliant scientific exchange and KOL engagement aligned with medical plan
• Translate medical strategic priorities and goals into clear field medical goals, objectives, and initiatives with clear KPIs that reflects 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 to ensure a high-level of scientific acumen, “soft skills” and performance and knowledge gap mitigation
• Serve as a role model to direct reports on aspects of collegiality, leadership, conflict mitigation, and overall excellence consistent with AstraZeneca/Alexion cultural attributes

Stakeholder Interactions

• Interacts with USMA (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 and ensures alignment across cross functional stakeholders and actively identifies collaborative opportunities.
• Serve 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.
• Partner 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.
• Collaborate 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 the field medical affairs in US or other relevant industry functions
• Experience managing MSL team(s) or relevant field team(s) strongly preferred
• 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 thrive in 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 changing environment
• Excellent problem solving, organizational, and negotiating skills
• 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 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.  

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.