Medical Director, Rheumatology TA (Horsham)

Medical Director, Rheumatology Therapeutic Area – US Medical Affairs

We are searching for outstanding talent to join the Rheumatology TA team within the US Immunology Medical Affairs organization located in Horsham, PA as Medical Director, Rheumatology, US Medical Affairs.

About the Role

This role will be a key member of the Medical Affairs Rheumatology Therapeutic Area (TA) Team and will report to the Senior Director, Rheumatology TA Lead within the broader US Medical Affairs‑ Immunology organization. They will work closely with other Rheumatology Medical Directors and partners across US and Global Medical Affairs, Real World Value and Evidence, Population Health, Epidemiology, R&D, Biostatistics, and Commercial teams to create, shape, influence, and drive strategy for the Rheumatology pipeline and approved products, including evidence generation plans and subsequent execution, ensuring alignment with business objectives and regulatory standards. They will also lead and/or contribute to the development of related abstracts and manuscripts as either an author or reviewer.

The Medical Director, Rheumatology will also be responsible for leading the strategic development and execution of US Medical Affairs‑sponsored and supported clinical studies (e.g., Phase IIIb/IV trials, Post‑Marketing Requirement studies, and investigator‑initiated and collaborative studies) for company products in the Rheumatology TA. Partnering with other Rheumatology team members and other functional areas, they will shape the clinical and economic value narrative and lead Integrated Evidence Teams (IETs) to produce a strong scientific strategy and effective evidence generation and dissemination.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute Medical Affairs sponsored clinical study programs, including but not limited to Phase 3b/4 trials, registries, real‑world evidence studies, and investigator‑initiated or collaborative studies. Contribute to study design, protocol development, clinical study report, and publication development, and provide program leadership and medical oversight.
• Contribute to US Rheumatology Medical Affairs strategy by leading one or more approved and pipeline Rheumatology products/indications Integrated Evidence Teams (IETs) and working cross‑functionally with partners such as MSL team leaders, RWV&E, Field V&E, SCG, Marketing, and other global stakeholders.
• Contribute to the preparation of regulatory submissions and interactions with Health Authorities (particularly the FDA) ensuring regulatory post‑marketing commitments are efficiently satisfied.
• Lead or contribute to the development and maintenance of an Integrated Evidence Generation Plan (IEGP) for approved and pipeline Rheumatology products, supporting payer‑related materials and data needs for market access.
• Review and evaluate Investigator‑Initiated Study (IIS) concepts, champion prioritized concepts, and monitor study progress and milestones.
• Serve as a subject‑matter expert on data supporting US Immunology approved or planned drugs and indications, partnering with marketing and other commercial teams.
• Partner with cross‑functional teams to create Analysis Plans, safety data review for database locks, ensure compliance with study monitoring, and support audits.
• Support fulfillment of medical information requests and lead development of medical education content for the field medical team; partner with medical communications and scientific exchange teams.
• Develop abstracts and manuscripts related to J&J supported and sponsored studies, including safety experience.
• Identify new key opinion leaders and develop strong collaborations on clinical trial development and Medical Affairs activities; foster relations with medical societies and patient advocacy organizations.

Qualifications

• An advanced degree (MD/DO, PhD, PharmD, DNP, etc.) is required.
• Minimum of 8 years of combined relevant experience in academic clinical research, clinical practice, and/or pharmaceutical industry, with a history of accountability for key deliverables and timely successful execution.
• Rheumatology or Immunology Therapeutic Area expertise is strongly preferred.
• Prior industry/Medical Affairs experience, including commercial brand support, medical launch support, and clinical study, registry, or real‑world evidence study support and execution is preferred. Prior R&D experience with responsibility for clinical study planning and execution is also a strong asset.
• Excellent analytical and strategic thinking aptitude, scientific writing proficiency, and strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills, including effective and impactful scientific oral presentations.
• Strong leadership, teaming, and collaboration skills; ability to work in a matrix environment and lead cross‑functional teams to execute on deliverables.
• Up to 25% travel (primarily domestic & limited international) is required.
• This position is located in Horsham, PA and follows a hybrid schedule of three days in the office and two days remotely per week.

Required Skills

Analytical Reasoning, Clinical Research and Regulations, Clinical Trials Operations, Communication, Consulting, Customer Analytics, Design Mindset, Digital Culture, Digital Literacy, Healthcare Trends, Medical Affairs, Medical Communications, Medical Compliance, Mentorship, Product Strategies, Strategic Thinking, Tactical Thinking, Technical Credibility

Preferred Skills

Analytical Reasoning, Clinical Research and Regulations, Clinical Trials Operations, Communication, Consulting, Customer Analytics, Design Mindset, Digital Culture, Digital Literacy, Healthcare Trends, Medical Affairs, Medical Communications, Medical Compliance, Mentorship, Product Strategies, Strategic Thinking, Tactical Thinking, Technical Credibility

Johnson & Johnson is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.