Director, Medical Affairs MSL - Nephrology (West)

Role Summary

The Regional Director(s), Medical Affairs Medical Science Liaison (MSL) leads the field medical organization in the US to support Vertex’s nephrology portfolio, including Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy (IgAN). They report to the National Executive Director, Medical Affairs MSLs and direct the strategic vision and execution of field teams to align portfolio priorities with external stakeholders. The role involves identifying healthcare trends, engaging cross-functional partners, and advancing scientific understanding of Vertex science while maintaining the highest compliance standards.

Responsibilities

• Attract, hire, develop and retain top field medical talent; oversee team operational activities including personnel, financial resources, and training requirements.
• Lead, manage, coach and develop therapeutic field leadership team including Medical Science Liaison Directors, Field Medical Strategy and Operations and MSLs.
• Engage internal leaders across Vertex and external stakeholders to ensure that field medical addresses the pressing needs of the healthcare community through continuous innovation while maintaining the highest compliance standards.
• Ensure operational translation of corporate and medical strategic priorities into objectives, KPIs, and clear engagement guidance based on region and country specific needs for the field medical organization.
• Develop mutually collaborative partnerships with internal stakeholder groups such as USMA Strategy Team, Global Strategy, Med Comms, Medical Information and Medical Excellence, Clinical Development, RWE, HEOR and Commercial.
• Collaborate with Field Medical Operations and Medical Excellence to identify gaps and develop solution-oriented tools, technology infrastructure and training requirements necessary to fulfill field medical activities.
• Partner effectively with the USMA Therapeutics Area Head to deliver the tools, resources and materials needed by the field teams to create meaningful scientific exchange.
• Lead and encourage innovative approaches in field medical by staying abreast of industry benchmarks and evolving field models to maximize customer value and impact.
• Implement strategies to build team capabilities in anticipation of and in response to the evolving internal and external environment.

Qualifications

• Required: 7+ years of pharmaceutical Medical Affairs experience and 3+ years of supervisory/management experience.
• Preferred: Strong nephrology and/or immunology background.
• Required: Proven track record of strategic leadership, teamwork, project management, and demonstrated ability to manage, lead and mentor individuals.
• Required: Demonstrated in-depth understanding of legal and regulatory guidelines of the pharmaceutical industry.
• Required: Excellent clinical and business acumen with a patient-centric attitude and strong customer service orientation.
• Required: Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills.

Education

• Requires advanced degree in health sciences or related field, such as PharmD, PhD or MD degree.
• Strong nephrology and/or immunology background preferred, as the role will focus on Nephrology and Kidney programs.

Skills

• Demonstrated ability to manage, lead and mentor individuals.
• Ability to translate corporate and medical strategy into actionable objectives and engagement plans.
• Ability to collaborate with cross-functional internal teams and external stakeholders to deliver scientific exchange and evidence generation.
• Strong communication, influence, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong clinical and business acumen to drive improvements and bottom-line results.

Additional Requirements

• Travel: 50-60% of the time.