Senior Director, Medical Affairs, Therapeutic Head & National Field Lead, Ophthalmics, Princeton, NJ (Princeton)

Job Summary

The Senior Director, Medical Affairs, Therapeutic Head and National Field Lead – Ophthalmics serves as both a strategic medical leader and head of the field medical organization within the ophthalmology therapeutic area. This unique opportunity is to lead a key therapeutic area. The role is responsible for developing and executing medical strategy, while also leading, coaching, and overseeing a team of Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs) to ensure high‑quality scientific engagement with external stakeholders. The position ensures alignment between strategic priorities and frontline scientific exchange to improve patient outcomes and advance the ophthalmology portfolio.

Responsibilities

Medical Strategy & Portfolio Leadership

• Lead the development and execution of the integrated Medical Affairs strategy for ophthalmology (e.g., retina, glaucoma, ocular inflammation, dry eye disease).
• Provide medical leadership across the product lifecycle from early pipeline through post‑marketing.
• Partner with Clinical Development, Marketing, Professional Relations, Market Access, and Regulatory teams to shape product strategy and differentiation.
• Drive launch readiness and post‑launch optimization from a medical perspective.
• Translate field insights into actionable strategic recommendations.

Evidence Generation & Scientific Communication

• Oversee Investigator‑Initiated Studies (IIS), collaborative research, and real‑world evidence (RWE) initiatives.
• Guide development and execution of publication and communication plans.
• Ensure effective dissemination of clinical data and scientific insights to the field and internal stakeholders.
• Identify evidence gaps and research opportunities in ophthalmology.
• Establish systems to capture, analyze, and synthesize MSL insights from the field.
• Use insights to inform medical strategy, identify unmet patient needs, and guide clinical and sales decision‑making.

People Leadership Responsibilities

• Direct line management of Medical Science Liaisons.
• Onboard talent, coach, mentor, manage performance, and develop high‑performing, scientifically credible field teams.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.

Field Medical Science Liaison Team Leadership

• Lead, manage, and develop a team of MSLs.
• Establish clear objectives, KPIs, and performance standards for field medical activities.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and scientific guidance to enhance team effectiveness.

  KOL Engagement & External Scientific Leadership

  • Personally engage with top‑tier Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), academic centers, and investigators.
  • Build and maintain strategic partnerships with leaders in ophthalmology.
  • Represent the company at major scientific congresses (AAO, ARVO, ASRS, etc.) and advisory boards.
  • Lead and support advisory boards, expert panels, and scientific forums.

  Cross‑Functional Collaboration

  • Serve as a key medical voice in cross‑functional teams and governance forums.
  • Collaborate with Clinical Development (data interpretation), Sales and Professional Relations (with clear compliance boundaries), Market Access (value messaging), and Regulatory (labeling).
  • Contribute to training and capability building across the organization.

  Compliance & Governance

  • Ensure all medical and field activities adhere to PhRMA / ABPI / local compliance codes, internal SOPs, and ethical standards.
  • Maintain strict separation of medical and promotional activities.
  • Oversee appropriate documentation and reporting of field interactions.

  Education & Qualifications

  • MD, OD, PharmD, or PhD in life sciences required.
  • Clinical experience in ophthalmology required.
  • Board certification in ophthalmology or optometry preferred.
  • At least 10 years of experience in Pharmaceutical/biotech Medical Affairs, Field Medical (MSL leadership required).
  • Demonstrated success in strategic medical leadership, leading MSL teams, and managing people.
  • Strong background in ophthalmology therapeutic area.
  • Experience with product launches, lifecycle management, and evidence generation.
  • Hybrid minimum 3 days in office.
  • Travel up to 50% including field visits with MSLs, KOL engagements, and scientific congresses.

  Compensation & Benefits

  The present‑anticipated base compensation range for this position is $243,000 to $297,000, though actual base may vary by location and experience. The role is part of the Annual Performance Bonus Plan. Employees are eligible for benefits including medical, dental, vision coverage; life and disability insurance; 401(k) savings plan; flexible spending accounts; and an employee assistance program. Paid time off includes vacation and sick days.

  All compensation and benefits described are subject to the terms and conditions of any governing plans or policies in effect at the time of appointment.

  Employees will be in an at‑will position, and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary or any other compensation at its discretion.

  Equal Employment Opportunity

  We provide equal employment opportunities for all current employees and applicants for employment. This policy means that no one will be discriminated against because of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, nationality, citizenship, ancestry, sex, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

  Employment Eligibility

  The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed. It is not a comprehensive inventory of duties and may be changed. Nothing herein shall preclude the employer from changing duties or assigning comparable duties from time to time.