Role Summary
Senior Medical Director, Oncology Physician Lead for palazestrant, reporting to the SVP of Clinical Development. Drive registration-enabling studies for Olema’s late-stage pipeline, shaping study design, evaluating clinical data, and engaging with regulators, investigators, and key opinion leaders. Based in San Francisco, CA or Cambridge, MA with up to 20% travel.
Responsibilities
- Lead registration-enabling studies for palazestrant in combination with other therapies, including study design, regulatory engagement, and investigator collaboration
- Partner across functions to define and implement clinical development strategies and plans for multiple programs
- Serve as the primary medical expert and point of contact for clinical and scientific questions across internal and external stakeholders
- Represent Olema in interactions with investigators, academic collaborators, thought leaders, and regulatory authorities
- Maintain strong clinical and scientific acumen through ongoing engagement with the oncology community and key scientific meetings
- Provide medical oversight and partner with CROs for Phase 3 programs and ensure alignment with Olema’s values, SOPs, and ethical standards
- Lead the development and execution of clinical protocols, amendments, investigator brochures, study reports, abstracts, and manuscripts
- Ensure scientific rigor and data integrity in partnership with cross-functional internal teams (i.e. Clinical Operations, Biostatistics, Safety) and CRO teams
- Evaluate safety, pharmacology, and efficacy data from ongoing and completed studies to inform program strategy and decision-making
- Contribute to regulatory submissions and communications
- Collaborate with preclinical and translational scientists to develop and integrate biomarker strategies
- Support data generation, publication planning, and external communication of study results
Qualifications
- MD required
- Board certification in Oncology, Hematology/Oncology, or related specialty; significant experience in breast cancer may substitute
- A minimum of 5+ years of direct biotech or pharmaceutical experience in clinical development, with leadership in late-phase studies
- Strong understanding of breast cancer treatment paradigms; experience with ER+/HER2- disease preferred
- Proven success in designing, leading, and managing late-phase (registrational) studies in oncology; experience as a PI or academic breast cancer expert is also valued
- Deep understanding of the drug development process and ability to translate strategy into action—meeting milestones, managing budgets, and adapting to change
- Strong knowledge of GCP, FDA, and EMA/CHMP regulations; familiarity with other global regulatory standards is advantageous
- Effective leadership in a matrixed environment, influencing without authority and driving cross-functional alignment
- Exceptional communication skills—able to convey complex clinical data with clarity and purpose to both scientific and non-scientific audiences
- Demonstrated problem-solving ability with urgency, focus, and creativity
- Proven record of building collaborative, high-performing teams and partnerships
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and adaptable to fast-paced, evolving priorities
- Strategic, decisive, and collaborative leader who inspires confidence and trust
- Strong communicator with credibility among internal teams and external stakeholders
- Relationship builder who thrives in a dynamic, mission-driven environment
- Committed to lifelong learning and continuous professional growth
Education
- MD
- Board certification in Oncology, Hematology/Oncology, or related specialty
Additional Requirements