[Hiring] U.S. Director of Medical Affairs @MSD

Role Description

The U.S. Director of Medical Affairs (US DMA) - Ophthalmology position resides in the Value & Implementation (V&I) organization, which includes Global Medical and Scientific Affairs as well as Outcomes Research. The US DMA is a regionally based position within U.S. Medical Affairs (USMA). This position strategically drives scientific excellence across in-line business and our company pipeline while optimizing field readiness across the USMA strategic pillars:

• Scientific Exchange
• Company Trials
• Investigator-Sponsored Programs
• Congresses
• Scientific Insights

The US DMA is an experienced therapeutic area (TA) leader and subject-matter expert (SME) with relevant medical affairs and field medical experience. This role is also responsible for driving execution of scientific and medical affairs plans for assigned TAs within their region, engaging with regional cross-functional teams, and providing U.S. input to the relevant cross-functional team meetings, e.g., U.S. Medical Affairs Team (MAT), Payor Access Team (PAT), Management Team (MT) and V&I Plans.

As a core member (or co-lead) of the U.S. MAT, the US DMA collaborates with the Global TA team and cross-functional partners to enable U.S. regional implementation of V&I Planning by:

• Integrating local insights into Global Scientific Value Content (GSVC) and Center of Scientific Exchange Excellence (CSEE) plans.
• Facilitating local adoption of GSVC and CSEE initiatives.
• Leading development and execution of aligned local training programs.
• Evaluating training effectiveness and application in the field.

Qualifications

• An advanced degree (e.g., MD, PhD, PharmD) relevant to the TA-specific disease area and recognized medical expertise in the TA (ophthalmology).
• A minimum of five years of medical affairs experience or equivalent clinical/research experience.
• A minimum of three years of working in TA (clinical, research or pharmaceutical environment) or within a highly relevant TA with demonstrated scientific acumen.
• Proven ability in strategic decision-making and planning, including helping the U.S. Executive Director prioritize initiatives across the portfolio.
• Demonstrated execution excellence with a track record of leading complex projects, managing multiple priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Embraces an AI-first mindset by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) tools and demonstrating a willingness to learn and implement new approaches, without requiring deep technical expertise.
• Strong emotional intelligence to foster trust and respect within a complex, matrixed organizational structure.
• Exceptional networking and partnerships skills to collaborate effectively across teams and stakeholders.
• Agile mindset as a change catalyst, committed to experimenting, learning and adapting in response to evolving business needs, and capable of driving continuous improvement.
• Expertise in interpreting and communicating complex scientific concepts clearly in both one-on-one and group settings.
• Deep knowledge of the U.S. health-care system, including national treatment guidelines, clinical research processes, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, and Office of Inspector General (OIG) compliance.
• The ability to travel up to 40% (e.g., congresses).

Requirements

• Field Medical Affairs experience.
• University-level teaching experience and understanding of adult learning principles.
• Experience with innovative pharmaceutical training platforms.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Ability to quickly assimilate new subject areas and work independently on complex problems.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family).
• Retirement benefits, including 401(k).
• Paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days.