Regional Director, Field Medical Affairs - East (Irvine)

About the jobWe are seeking an experienced and strategic Regional Director, Field Medical Affairs, to lead our East region. This newly created role will oversee a team of Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs) and serve as a key driver of scientific engagement, medical operations strategy, and cross-functional collaboration.The ideal candidate brings expertise in Eyecare, strong leadership experience within Medical Affairs, and a demonstrated ability to build meaningful relationships with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) and Eye Care Practitioners (ECPs). The role plays a critical part in advancing the organization’s medical strategy and supporting cross-functional collaboration across teams. The successful candidate will combine scientific acumen with strong leadership and strategic thinking, driving excellence in field medical execution while contributing to the broader goals of the Medical Affairs organization.Let’s talk about some of the key responsibilities of the role:Leadership & Team Management:Lead, mentor, and manage a team of MSLs (N=6), fostering a collaborative, high-performing, and scientifically rigorous culture.Set clear expectations on the development and execution of territory plans, objectives, and key performance indicators (KPIs) for each MSL.Conduct regular performance evaluations, identify skill gaps, and support MSL development through coaching, training, and career growth opportunities.Collaborate with the Medical Affairs Operations leadership team to align MSL activities with organizational priorities and strategic initiatives.Strategic Planning & Execution:Serve as a disease state and product expert, providing strategic input into MSL educational initiatives and product launch planning.Contribute to the development of Field Medical Strategy and Tactics in line with corporate and medical strategic goals.Ensure MSLs are equipped with the latest scientific data and clinical information and support their integration into both regional and national-level initiatives.Partner with Medical Affairs Strategy Leads to oversee the Medical Strategy Tactical Team (MSTT), ensuring medical affairs insights are synthesized and translated into actionable plans.Collaborate with Field Medical Trainer and Medical Operations Leadership to develop and partake in field medical training and being a resource for our field team.Support medical conference strategy and planning, attend conferences to provide scientific expertise and collaborate with ECPs.Identify gaps in ECP education and clinical evidence; propose ideas on how to address unmet educational and evidence needs and collaborate with medical experts on disease state and product related education.Scientific Exchange & KOL Relationship Management:Provide strategic oversight of MSL-led engagement with KOLs, ECPs, clinician scientists and researchers, and key stakeholders across the region to ensure consistent, high-quality scientific exchange.Oversee team participation in scientific congresses, advisory boards, and other external engagements to strengthen relationships and advance scientific understanding.Stay current on scientific literature and market and keep tabs on KOL engagement and opportunities for disease state education and awareness.Cross-Functional Collaboration:Oversee team adherence to pharmacovigilance and safety requirements, ensuring accurate and timely adverse event reporting.Compliantly partner with regional Sales leadership (RDLs) for field related needs and solutions.Compliance & Reporting:Ensure all MSL activities comply with regulatory, ethical, and company standards, including GxP (Good Clinical Practice) and HIPAA regulations.Provide regular updates to Medical Affairs VP and Operations on MSL team progress, KOL engagement, and key initiatives, incorporating metrics on impact and outcomes, as well as feedback, identified opportunities, and potential solutions.Stay abreast of the competitive landscape and emerging trends in ophthalmology, ensuring MSL activities reflect the latest scientific advancements.Leadership Competencies - This role requires mastery of the Tarsus Leadership Competencies for Leading People, including:Decision Making - Demonstrates strong decision-making by applying structured analysis to complex challenges, balancing competing priorities and long-term impacts while engaging stakeholders and driving solutions aligned with organizational goals.Collaboration and Team Building - Promotes collaboration by aligning diverse teams around shared goals, fostering healthy debate to advance outcomes, and building strong networks that strengthen organizational effectiveness and cross-team learning.Outcome Driven - Demonstrates strong outcomes focus by aligning teams around shared priorities, proactively addressing risks and dependencies, and driving cross-functional accountability to sustain progress and deliver results.Empowering Others - Fosters empowerment by aligning authority with accountability, developing leaders’ decision-making capability, and creating systems that support performance and growth.Emotional Intelligence - Foster trust and psychological safety, navigating complex interpersonal dynamics with compassion and accountability, and adapting leadership style to support others while maintaining composure under pressure.Factors for Success:OD, PhD, PharmD, MD, or other advanced degree in a relevant scientific discipline with experience in Eyecare.Minimum of 10 years of experience in Medical Affairs or related scientific roles, with at least 5 years of leadership experience in managing a team of MSLs.In-depth knowledge of Eye Care/Ophthalmology/Optometry (preferred).Previous experience leading a Field Medical Team within a biopharmaceutical company (preferred).Proven track record of successful relationship-building with KOLs, ECPs, and key stakeholders within the medical community.Experience working in cross-functional teams, with a demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with commercial, clinical, regulatory, and other business functions.Strong leadership skills, ability to inspire and motivate others, and collaborate cross-functionally.A Few Other Details Worth Mentioning:This position is primarily remote with required travel at approximately (50-75% for KOL engagement, field rides, scientific meetings, and team management activities.We are passionate about our culture! Our Tarsans live our values of commitment to patients, empowerment to champion innovation, and teamwork to amplify impact!This position reports directly to our Vice President, Medical Affairs Operations.At Tarsus, we understand the importance of attracting and retaining top talent. The expected base pay range for this position is $203,200 - $284,600 plus bonus, stock equity, and comprehensive benefits. The base pay range reflects the target range for this position, but individual pay will be determined by additional factors such as job-related skills, experience and relevant education or training. Our benefits include health, dental and vision insurance benefits to ensure your well-being. We believe in work-life balance and offer generous paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and personal days. For more details regarding Tarsus benefits, please visit: .#LI-RemoteTarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.