Medical strategy associate director

Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., is a global pharmaceutical company based in Japan with operations in the U.S. (Sumitomo Pharma America, Inc.), focused on addressing patient needs in oncology, urology, women's health, rare diseases, cell & gene therapies and CNS. With several marketed products and a diverse pipeline of early- to late-stage investigational assets, we aim to accelerate discovery, research, and development to bring novel therapies to patients sooner. For more information on SMPA, visit our website https://www.us.sumitomo-pharma.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

Job Overview

The Associate Director, Medical Strategy (Prostate Cancer) will be a key member of the Medical Affairs team and will report to the Medical Affairs Director, Solid Tumors TA Lead. The position will serve as the medical director for assigned prostate cancer projects, providing medical and scientific leadership and partnering with the TA Lead to develop and execute Medical Affairs strategy for internal programs and external-facing interactions. The role will work in close, ongoing partnership with the TA Lead, with regular alignment on priorities, strategic direction, execution, and escalation of key issues. This position will lead and communicate effectively with cross-functional team members to support project execution. The role will also collaborate with cross-functional partners, as appropriate, on strategic initiatives. As business needs arise, the role may also provide Medical Affairs support for other investigational programs in collaboration with the TA Lead.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Serves as the medical director for assigned prostate cancer projects, providing medical and scientific leadership in collaboration with the Medical Affairs Director, Solid Tumors TA Lead.
• Collaborates with the Medical Affairs Director, Solid Tumors TA Lead to develop Medical Affairs strategic plans aligned with brand strategic imperatives and informed by external engagement, MSL and cross-functional input, and actionable insights, supporting data generation, scientific communication, education, and stakeholder awareness.
• Supports the Medical Affairs Director, Solid Tumors TA Lead in ensuring coordination and alignment of Medical Affairs activities with external alliance partners for assigned prostate cancer projects.
• Provides medical and scientific input into the development and execution of Medical Affairs plans and scientific platforms.
• Partners with the U.S. Field Medical team, Medical Communications & Operations, RWE & HEOR, and ex-U.S. colleagues to support cross-functional medical alignment.
• Supports implementation of plans through multimodal medical education channels, including publications, presentations, congresses, advisory boards, independent medical education, medical symposia, and other channels.
• Contributes to the development and implementation of detailed scientific publication plans.
• Engages externally within the medical/scientific community and develops relationships with scientific key opinion leaders, as appropriate to assigned projects.
• Works with internal cross-functional stakeholders, as appropriate, to bring the medical perspective to internal strategies and tactics.
• May partner with the Research & Development organization for ongoing and post-development activities and may provide Medical Affairs input to R&D for assigned projects.
• Attends relevant medical and scientific conferences to support speakers and presenters, publication/communication goals, and the collection and reporting of competitive intelligence within company guidelines.
• Supports the development of investigator-initiated and collaborative research programs for assigned projects.
• Contributes to Medical Affairs budget planning and manages assigned project budgets, as appropriate.
• Ensures that all interactions and activities in the U.S. adhere to corporate and healthcare compliance guidance.
• As business needs arise, provides Medical Affairs support for other investigational programs in collaboration with the Medical Affairs Director, Solid Tumors TA Lead.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (general & technical)

• Strong understanding of Medical Affairs strategy, scientific communications, publication planning, evidence generation, congress planning, advisory boards, and external expert engagement.
• Scientific and medical knowledge in oncology.
• Ability to translate complex scientific and clinical information into clear, actionable medical strategy and communications for internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional projects, manage competing priorities, and influence without direct authority in a matrixed environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present scientific and strategic information to peers, leadership, and cross-functional partners.
• Sound judgment, integrity, and strong understanding of healthcare compliance, promotional review, and appropriate scientific exchange.

Education & Experience Requirements

• Advanced degree in a scientific or healthcare-related field required; PharmD, PhD, MD, DO, or equivalent strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, healthcare, or related life sciences industry required.
• Medical Affairs experience required; oncology experience strongly preferred.
• Experience supporting medical strategy, scientific communications, publication planning, evidence generation, or field medical collaboration preferred.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams and external scientific experts in a compliant, highly regulated environment preferred.

Other Requirements (licenses, certifications, specialized training, and physical or mental abilities required)

• Completion of company-required compliance training is required.
• The role requires the ability to exercise independent judgment, handle confidential information, communicate scientific information accurately and in compliance with applicable policies, and operate effectively in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.

Travel Requirements

Ability to travel domestically and internationally to attend scientific congresses, internal meetings, external stakeholder engagements, and alliance or cross-functional meetings, as business needs require. Travel is expected to be up to 25%.

Mental/Physical Requirements

This position is office-based and requires the ability to sit or stand for extended periods, use a computer and standard office equipment, participate in virtual and in-person meetings, read and interpret complex scientific and business documents, and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

People Management

This role does not have direct people-management responsibilities. The position is expected to provide medical and scientific leadership for assigned projects, collaborate with cross-functional partners, and lead project teams or workstreams through collaboration and matrix leadership.

Travel Requirements:

Primarily remote role with periodic on-site meetings in office. Must be able to travel domestically and internationally as needed.

Mental/Physical Requirements:

Fast-paced environment handling multiple demands is involved. Must be able to exercise appropriate judgment as necessary. Requires a high level of initiative and independence. Excellent written and oral communication skills required. Requires ability to use a personal computer for extended periods of time.

The base salary range for this role is $191,100.00 - $238,900.00. Base salary is part of our total rewards package which also includes the opportunity for merit-based salary increases, short incentive plan participation, eligibility for our 401(k) plan, medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurances and leaves provided in line with your work state. Our robust time-off policy includes flexible paid time off, 11 paid holidays plus additional time off for a shut-down period during the last week of December, 80 hours of paid sick time upon hire and each year thereafter. Total compensation, including base salary to be offered, will depend on elements unique to each candidate, including candidate experience, skills, education and other factors permitted by law.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Confidential Data: All information (written, verbal, electronic, etc.) that an employee encounters is considered confidential, in accordance with applicable law.

Compliance: Achieve and maintain Compliance with all applicable regulatory, legal and operational rules and procedures, by ensuring that all plans and activities for and on behalf of Sumitomo Pharma America (SMPA) and affiliates are carried out with the "best" industry practices and the highest ethical standards.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Drug Screening Requirements

Applicants for sales/field, manufacturing, or other designated roles will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug test.

Sumitomo Pharma America (SMPA) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; creed; religion; national origin; age; ancestry; nationality; marital, domestic partnership or civil union status; sex, gender; affectional or sexual orientation; disability; veteran or military status or liability for military status; domestic violence victim status; atypical cellular or blood trait; genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing) or any other characteristic protected by law.

Sumitomo Pharma America (SMPA) endeavors to make its application process accessible to all. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact SMPA at reasonableaccomodations@us.sumitomo-pharma.com. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.