Scholar Rock is a biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops, and delivers life-changing therapies for people with serious diseases that have high unmet need. As a global leader in the biology of the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) superfamily of cell proteins and named for the visual resemblance of a scholar rock to protein structures, the clinical-stage company is focused on advancing innovative treatments where protein growth factors are fundamental. Over the past decade, the company has created a pipeline with the potential to advance the standard of care for neuromuscular disease, cardiometabolic disorders, cancer, and other conditions where growth factor-targeted drugs can play a transformational role.
Scholar Rock is the only company to show clinical proof of concept for a muscle-targeted treatment in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). This commitment to unlocking fundamentally different therapeutic approaches is powered by broad application of a proprietary platform, which has developed novel monoclonal antibodies to modulate protein growth factors with extraordinary selectivity. By harnessing cutting-edge science in disease spaces that are historically under-addressed through traditional therapies, Scholar Rock works every day to create new possibilities for patients. Learn more about the company’s approach at ScholarRock.com and follow @ScholarRock and on LinkedIn. Summary of Position:
As Country Medical Director, this person will be a strategic thought partner providing expert medical leadership and contributing to the development and execution of the Country launch strategy. This person will lead content development, KOL education programs, and support our cross-functional teams in Germany. As a key member of the European Medical team, reporting to EU Head of Medical Affairs, this person will be accountable for advancing Scholar Rock’s scientific leadership in Rare Neuromuscular Diseases including SMA and other pipeline indications. This person will thrive in this role if he/she is a self-starter and a highly collaborative individual who cares to have impact on patients in the rare disease space.
Scholar Rock is in the process of building its team in Germany, and the location of the future German headquarter is currently under evaluation, with Munich and Frankfurt being the leading options.
Position Responsibilities
Provide scientific and medical leadership, including development of strategic country medical affairs (pre) launch plans, identifying specific unmet medical needs, and data gapsLead the country medical team including field Medical AdvisorsInterface, educate, and gain insights from external stakeholders, including government agencies, professional medical societies, guidance committees, key opinion leaders and key decision makers, on issues related to Scholar Rock’s assetsOversee gathering and reporting field medical insights through existing CRM system and in line with company rules and requirementsOrganize external expert advisory boards, support scientific symposia, and CME programsPull through medical insights across different areas to inform cross-functional strategies and tacticsEnsure cross-functional collaboration and input from key stakeholders to optimally manage relationships and ensure alignment and effective execution of the country’s medical strategyLead medical content development and other high impact strategic activities such as advisory boards and medical education with help of external vendor management to ensure timely delivery of medical materials and initiativesProvide medical expertise and editorial support in the data dissemination at conferences and in medical journalsOversee Medical activities related to review of promotional and scientific materialsCollaborate with functional groups as subject matter expert including Patient Advocacy, Commercial Operations, New Products, and many other internal stakeholders in support of pipeline productsProvide medical leadership to guide internal and external decision-making Establish and maintain strong knowledge in SMA to optimize clinical study protocols development and executionAssists in publication activities, including review and approval of abstracts and manuscripts, local publication strategy development and collaboration with authors as neededSupport the medical part of the market access dossiers and give strong input in the benefit assessment strategy during the processEstablish and maintain strong relationships with experts in the field, academics and professionals Ensure a patient-centric approach to development of clinical studies under your supervision Collaborate cross functionally to execute the clinical studies under your responsibility in alignment with the Brand plan and Global Medical PlanDevelops and maintains, together with Field Medical Advisors, close professional relationships with Key Opinion Leaders and emerging scientific leaders in the communityFoster strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to identify unique opportunities to improve and evolve educational and training contentManage budget for assigned projectsAccountable for understanding HCP needs and developing a strategic and tactical medical affairs plan designed to improve patient care and generate evidence of relevance for SMA in countrySupport in country Clinical Trials (CT) enrollment Travel required, comprising approximately 20-40%Other duties as assigned
Basic Qualifications and Requirements
MD, PharmD, PhD or equivalent scientific degree. MBA desirableMinimum 7 years’ experience in industry R&D or MedicalLine Management experienceExcellent written and communication skills, highly organized and able to manage supporting multiple initiativesSolid track record of achievement in Medical Affairs in the biotech/pharma industryNative or Business Fluent German SpeakerFluent in English
Preferred Qualifications
Scientific communication and presentation skills with the ability to present scientific data in a credible manner. Able to interface professionally with a wide spectrum of internal and external academicians, in the scientific/medical arenaLeadership skills: personal style that includes a sense of urgency, as well as flexibility and ability to respond to rapidly changing environments and circumstancesCollaborative and proactive, with a hands-on, roll-up-the sleeves style and attitudeHighest integrity; committed to ethics and scientific standardsIdeally have worked in the field of rare diseases; SMA experience would be advantageous.Demonstrated success in product launchesExperience in clinical trial design, especially phase IIIb-IVBe equipped to evaluate the pipeline of potential business development opportunitiesDemonstrated successful partnership with Commercial organization, developed KOL programs and relationships, offered field training, patient outreach programs and the likeA curious learner who is focused on patient outcomes and values collaboration and advancing scientific understandingTeam player willing to bring expertise to other departments as neededBe a critical thinker, able to share fact-based opinions without egoAble to make complex science understandable for a non-scientific audienceHave solid business acumen, may have spent time in a commercial roleResults-oriented, can embrace a fast-paced “can/will do” cultureHave scope for personal growth and developmentBe a mentor and develop line reports
Scholar Rock is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
