Director, Rare Disease Medical Science Liaison

Kyowa Kirin is a fast-growing global specialty pharmaceutical company that applies state-of-the-art biotechnologies to discover and deliver novel medicines in four disease areas: bone and mineral; intractable hematologic; hematology oncology; and rare disease.  A Japan-based company, our goal is to make people smile by delivering breakthroughs where no adequate treatments currently exist, working from drug discovery to product development and commercialization. In North America, we are headquartered in Princeton, NJ, with offices in California, Massachusetts, and Ontario

Summary of Job

The Director, MSL Rare Disease is a field-based position within the Medical Affairs Department. This player/coach role will be responsible for leading a national team of MSLs in rare disease and acting as a liaison to the medical and scientific community on behalf of Kyowa Kirin. Responsibilities include guiding and assisting MSL in identification of and relationship building with patient advocacy groups, Key Opinion Leaders (KOL), and other Health Care Professionals (HCP). The Director will engage in scientific exchange during field ride-a-longs and while at medical conferences and advisory board meetings. The Director may also temporarily cover territories that are vacant due to vacation, illness, FMLA, pregnancy leave, resignation/termination, etc., and perform the functions of the MSL during that time

Essential Functions: 

• Acts as a role model to lead US Medical Science Liaison (MSL) Rare Disease program:

  • Become well-versed in relevant disease state, related literature, and KK rare-disease focused products.
  • Participate in and contribute to annual strategic medical planning.
  • Lead development and execution of KOL engagement plan.
  • Contribute to the development of MSL training plan.
  • Hire, train, develop, inspire and mentor field based MSL team members.
  • Create and execute a strategic MSL plan.
  • Develop team goals and coach team members.
  • Manage performance and compliance of MSL team.
  • Compile, organize, collate, and synthesize insights gathered by the MSL team.
  • Coordinate with relevant internal partners to identify educational gaps and organize team and/or individual training.
  • Work in the field (territory or conference) regularly with each MSL on the team
  • Assist MSL team members on guiding healthcare professionals to submit IIS proposals through on-line portal.
  • Support MSLs in educating healthcare professionals and managed market decision-makers on Kyowa Kirin’s product portfolio
  • Through observation and together with MSLs, identify team educational needs and present them to the training team
  • Ensure the appropriate dissemination of transparent, fair- balanced scientific and clinical information, knowledge, and services in a timely, ethical, and customer-focused manner.
  • Facilitate speaker development and training.
  • Attend and provide scientific backup support at select national, regional, and local medical conferences
  • Actively participate in advisory boards and clinical investigator meetings when space is available.
  • Recognizes the value of MSL Insights and can provide quality and appropriate insights reports to manager and Medical Affairs colleagues based on synthesizing information gained in field interactions with healthcare thought leaders.
  • Identify team members’ strengths, weaknesses, and interests, and develop Individual Development Plans for MSL team and/or share projects to use strengths to benefit the company and showcase team members’ skills and/or enhance skillsets.
  • Assign projects to develop team members’ weaknesses and knowledge/skills gaps.
  • Adhere to all company regulatory and compliance policies.

   

Job Requirements:

Education

• Advanced degree in medical science (MD, PharmD, or PhD) or healthcare professional credentials.

Experience

• Minimum four (4) years field medical or MSL experience, with at least two (2) years of management experience in a related discipline.

Technical Skills

• Outstanding leadership abilities including a demonstrated capacity to lead, inspire and build collaborative relationships, and manage/resolve conflicts effectively. Results-driven with a collaborative, team-oriented mindset  Demonstrated success in working well cross-functionally. Deep understanding of drug development, legal and regulatory compliance guidelines. Excellent communication skills (written, verbal, listening, and presentation).  Strong experience using Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, and Power Point. Commitment to the highest ethical, legal, regulatory, a