Medical Affairs Director

Boston, MA, United States

Ironwood Pharmaceuticals is a leading global gastrointestinal (GI) healthcare company on a mission to advance the treatment of GI diseases and redefine the standard of care for GI patients. We are pioneers in the development of LINZESS (linaclotide), the U.S. branded prescription market leader for adults with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation or chronic idiopathic constipation. Ironwood is also advancing apraglutide, a next-generation, long-acting synthetic GLP-2 analog being developed for rare gastrointestinal diseases, including short bowel syndrome with intestinal failure, as well as several earlier stage assets. Building upon our history of GI innovation, we keep patients at the heart of our R&D and commercialization efforts to reduce the burden of GI diseases and address significant unmet needs.

Position Summary:

As Medical Affairs Director, this position will serve as a medical scientific representative to health care professionals and basic science and clinical investigators, building stakeholder relationships through scientific exchange. In this role, you will contribute to Ironwood’s mission by providing development of the medical strategy for assigned assets within medical affairs. Internally the individual in this role serves as a medical scientific expert, expanding Ironwood’s knowledge and capabilities through training, translation and communication of medical scientific evidence and by contributing to R&D and commercial strategies which foster innovation through identification of unmet medical needs.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead and direct relevant medical responsibilities by providing scientific insight and development of strategy for assigned compounds by participating and leading committees to realize Ironwood’s overall vision.

Committees may include: Planning Teams, Commercial Planning Teams, Product Strategy Teams, various development committees, Medical-Regulatory-Legal (MRL) Teams, IIR Committees, etc. and other teams as designated or as the compounds evolve and progress in development.

Develop and maintain relationships externally through Advisory Boards, Professional Associations, Professional Meetings and Conferences, etc. to achieve Ironwood’s scientific objectives.

Manage budget for specific Cost Center and provide direction and oversight for the overall therapeutic area budget.

Identify and build relationships with opinion leaders in designated disease areas (with emphasis on functional GI disease) on a national, regional and local level.

Work to expand research, advisory and educational partnerships with opinion leaders.

Promote scientific exchange with health care professionals and investigators through robust and balanced communication of leading disease state and treatment information for designated disease areas (with emphasis on functional GI disease).

Present medical scientific information on Ironwood’s marketed and pipeline products in various settings including advisory boards and presentations to payers, formulary decision makers, and other health care professionals.

Represent Ironwood at medical congresses and meetings including contributing to meeting planning efforts

Expand Ironwood’s capabilities through training and communication of medical scientific evidence generated within Ironwood and by external investigators.

Contribute to Ironwood’s strategic business initiatives in the areas of society collaborations, publications, investigator initiated trials, and educational grants.

Key Performance Indicators:

Establishes and continually evolves opinion leaders by identifying their specific areas of knowledge, experience and interest as a foundation for collaboration.

Advances clinical practice through opinion leader interaction. Able to network and partner with important external customers in academic, institutional, managed care, key account and governmental settings.

Ensures appropriate scientific exchange regarding Ironwood’s marketed and pipeline products in a timely, ethical, and customer focused manner.

Internally, enhances corporate knowledge by proactively providing clinical and competitive information. Gains customer insights, opinions, and feedback, and engages with headquarters to connect business opportunities with internal resources.

Effectively balances field and headquarters responsibilities; maximizes strategic and tactical impact by contributing to and integrating key efforts between Commercial Operations / Marketing and R&D.

Ideal Background:

MD, Pharm D, PhD, or equivalent with a background in gastrointestinal (GI) diseases and rare disease, and established expertise demonstrated by 5+ years pharmaceutical industry experience.

Clinical research, publication activities, congress presentations, and public speaking

Knowledge of the legal and regulatory guidelines affecting the dissemination of medical information and product promotion. Demonstrated familiarity with US FDA, and Department of Justice enforcement activities regarding industry marketing practices.

Track record of success establishing and managing opinion leader relationships.

Understanding of the leading science in designated disease areas (with emphasis on GI functional disease and pain disorders).

Superior written and verbal communication skills. Able to clearly articulate complex scientific concepts to any audience.

Excellent interpersonal skills with established competencies in relationship management and working with cross-functional teams.

Self-motivated and self-directed with strong time management and prioritization abilities

Open to significant travel

Ironwood Pharmaceuticals is an equal opportunity employer welcoming diversity in our workforce.

Ironwood currently anticipates that the initial base salary for this position could range from between $202,000 to $236,040. The actual base salary will depend, in part, on the successful candidate’s qualifications for the role, including education and experience. Ironwood offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits program to eligible employees, including Restricted Stock Unit awards; eligibility to participate in either a bonus or sales incentive program; company-sponsored 401(k) with matching contributions; eligibility for medical, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; wellness stipends; and a generous vacation/holiday schedule.

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