[Hiring] Director, Medical & Scientific Affairs @ICON plc

Role Description

We are currently seeking a Director, Medical & Scientific Affairs - Metabolic Disease Imaging to join our team. In this strategic leadership role, you will provide scientific and clinical imaging expertise across business development, project delivery, and innovation initiatives. You will serve as a key scientific advisor to internal stakeholders and external clients, helping to shape imaging strategies, support study design, and ensure the successful implementation of imaging endpoints across clinical trials.

A primary focus of this role will be supporting imaging solutions and scientific strategy within MASH (Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis), obesity, diabetes, and related metabolic disease programs. Working in close partnership with Commercial Development, Operations, Product Development, and Marketing teams, you will help drive business growth, advance imaging innovation, and strengthen ICON's leadership position in metabolic disease imaging research.

What You Will Do

• Provide scientific and medical imaging expertise to Commercial Development, Operations, and project teams throughout the clinical trial lifecycle.
• Serve as a scientific subject matter expert and trusted advisor for sponsors, supporting study design, protocol review, imaging endpoint strategy, and solution development.
• Provide scientific leadership and strategic guidance for imaging components of clinical trials focused on MASH, obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic diseases.
• Advise sponsors and internal teams on the application of imaging biomarkers, quantitative imaging methods, and emerging technologies relevant to metabolic disease research.
• Review and provide scientific oversight for imaging charters, image review manuals, site-facing materials, sponsor deliverables, and study reports.
• Ensure imaging methodologies, endpoints, and operational approaches are aligned with protocol objectives, regulatory expectations, and industry best practices.
• Contribute to the advancement of imaging methodologies and endpoint strategies that support the assessment of metabolic disease progression, treatment response, and clinical outcomes.
• Support business development activities by participating in client meetings, capabilities presentations, bid defense meetings, RFPs, RFIs, and proposal development.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with sponsors and key stakeholders, providing scientific consultation throughout the sales and study execution process.
• Represent ICON at scientific conferences, industry forums, and working groups through presentations, publications, and participation in imaging standardization initiatives.
• Partner with Marketing and Commercial teams to communicate ICON's scientific differentiators and support thought leadership activities.
• Provide scientific training, mentorship, and consultation to internal teams, fostering continued development of imaging expertise across the organization.
• Collaborate with Product Development and Technology teams to define scientific requirements and support the enhancement of innovative imaging solutions and proprietary software platforms.
• Stay informed of emerging scientific, clinical, and regulatory developments related to metabolic diseases and their associated imaging applications.
• Travel domestically and internationally as required (approximately 10%).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• PhD required in a relevant scientific or technical discipline, preferably Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Medical Physics, Physics, Imaging Sciences, or a closely related quantitative imaging field.
• Significant experience within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, CRO, or clinical research industry supporting imaging components of clinical trials.
• Direct experience supporting imaging studies and imaging biomarkers in MASH, obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic disease indications is required.
• Deep understanding of imaging biomarker development, quantitative image analysis, imaging endpoint strategy, and clinical trial design.
• Experience in applying advanced imaging technologies, image analysis methodologies, and emerging imaging techniques in metabolic disease research.
• Demonstrated expertise in imaging modalities commonly utilized in metabolic disease clinical trials, including the assessment of liver fat, fibrosis, body composition, and related metabolic endpoints.
• Experience supporting business development activities, including client interactions, scientific consultation, proposal development, and bid defense meetings.
• Strong leadership and collaboration skills with the ability to influence and work effectively across global, cross-functional teams.
• Excellent scientific communication, presentation, and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex scientific concepts into practical, client-focused solutions.
• Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Commitment to quality, innovation, and delivering exceptional customer experiences.
• US location strongly preferred; will consider applicants from Mexico City, Mexico, Ireland, or UK.
• Ability to travel (10%).

Benefits

• Competitive base salary and performance related incentives.
• Health and wellbeing programmes including medical, dental, and vision coverage where applicable.
• Retirement and pension plans.
• Life assurance and disability coverage.
• Employee assistance programmes and wellbeing resources.
• Learning and development opportunities through structured training and career pathways.
• Benefits may vary depending on role and location.