Job summary
Job post source
This job is from a recruiting firm hiring for a separate company as indicated by the phrasing 'I'm currently partnering with a clinical-stage biotech company' rather than direct company language.
Job overview
The Head of Medical Affairs role leads medical strategy for a clinical-stage biotech advancing late-stage development and pre-launch activities in ophthalmology and rare diseases.
Responsibilities and impact
The role involves strategic ownership of Medical Affairs across late-stage clinical programs, cross-functional partnership with Clinical Development, Regulatory, and Commercial teams, building a Medical Affairs team, and serving as an external leader with KOLs and patient groups to shape scientific narratives and support launch planning.
Experience and skills
Candidates need an advanced scientific or clinical degree (MD, PhD, PharmD) with significant Medical Affairs experience, strong background in ophthalmology or rare diseases, experience with gene therapy or biologics preferred, and proven success in late-stage clinical programs and BLA preparation.
Work environment and culture
The role is based in the US, ideally East Coast, with flexibility for a hybrid work environment, suggesting a modern, flexible work culture in a smaller or mid-sized biotech setting.
Company information
The company is a clinical-stage biotech focused on transformative therapies in ophthalmology and rare diseases, advancing toward pivotal milestones including late-stage development and BLA submission.
Team overview
The candidate will build and lead a lean, high-impact Medical Affairs team including MSL deployment, medical communications, and external engagement strategy.
Job location and travel
The position is US-based, ideally on the East Coast, with a hybrid work environment.
Unique job features
This leadership role uniquely combines strategic medical affairs ownership with cross-functional collaboration and external scientific engagement ahead of a first product launch.
Company overview
Hlx Life Sciences is a specialized talent consultancy that focuses on addressing the global shortage of skilled professionals in the life sciences sector. The company is revolutionizing recruitment by connecting top talent with leading organizations in the industry, supported by industry experts and prominent life science investors. Founded in 2024 and headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Hlx Life Sciences operates under the leadership of key figures such as CEO Navid Gholampour and COO Max Eldridge. The company plays a critical role in scaling businesses by providing tailored staffing solutions and is actively expanding its presence in major life sciences hubs worldwide.
How to land this job
Position your resume to emphasize leadership in Medical Affairs, focusing on your strategic oversight of late-stage clinical programs, especially in ophthalmology and rare diseases.
Highlight your experience in cross-functional collaboration with Clinical Development, Regulatory, and Commercial teams, showcasing your role in pre-launch activities and BLA submissions.
Demonstrate your ability to build and lead high-impact teams, including MSL deployment and medical communications, reflecting the lean team environment described.
Showcase your experience engaging with KOLs, investigators, and patient advocacy groups, emphasizing your role in shaping scientific narratives and external communications.
Apply through multiple channels such as Hlx Life Sciences' corporate career site and LinkedIn to maximize your application visibility.
Connect with current Medical Affairs leaders and team members at Hlx Life Sciences on LinkedIn; initiate conversations by referencing recent company milestones or expressing interest in their work on ophthalmology or rare diseases.
Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords from the job description like 'Medical Affairs leadership,' 'late-stage clinical programs,' 'BLA submission,' 'ophthalmology,' 'rare disease,' and 'cross-functional collaboration.'
Consider using Jennie Johnson's Power Apply feature to automate tailored applications, discover multiple relevant job portals, and identify LinkedIn contacts, allowing you to focus your time on strategic networking and interview preparation.
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