Senior Director, US Medical Affairs

Encoded Therapeutics is a biotechnology company combining the precision of gene regulation with the versatility of gene therapies to create breakthrough treatments for individuals living with severe genetic diseases. For more information, please visit www.Encoded.com.

Reporting to the VP Clinical/Medical Affairs, the Senior Director of US Medical Affairs is a high-impact leadership role responsible for building and executing the US Medical Affairs strategy as Encoded prepares for BLA and commercial launch.

This individual will provide critical input across the product lifecycle and must be a creative thinker capable of producing and executing rapid, high-quality strategic plans. Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, this is a highly visible internal and externally-facing position to ensure appropriate education, insights, and launch excellence.

Responsibilities:

US Launch Strategy & Execution

• Drive the development and execution of the integrated US Medical Affairs strategy, ensuring alignment between clinical development and commercial launch requirements.
• Design US Field Medical strategy and planning, defining engagement models and territory mapping across US treatment centers, as well as performing field-based engagement and research, as needed.
• Remain at the forefront of gene therapy science and the competitive landscape to inform internal strategy and external positioning. Provide clinical and competitive insights to shape launch needs and market entry.

External Engagement & Execution

• Cultivate and maintain deep professional relationships with US Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), healthcare professionals, and industry experts to exchange scientific knowledge, identify clinical trial opportunities, and understand commercial needs.
• Represent Encoded at major medical congresses, advisory boards, and investigator meetings, presenting complex data with clarity

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate closely with Scientific Communications to ensure medical messages, publication plans, and educational materials are scientifically rigorous and strategically aligned with US regulatory standards.
• Work in lockstep with Patient Advocacy to ensure the patient voice is integrated into clinical trial design and commercial planning.
• Support development of a comprehensive US HEOR and outcomes research plan to support market access, PBM negotiations, and reimbursement.
• Partner with Clinical and HEOR teams to design evidence generation activities, including Investigator Sponsored Studies (ISS) and observational research to support regulatory approval and endpoint validation.
• Partner with Commercial, Regulatory, and Clinical to ensure a seamless transition from development to market.
• Lead US-specific initiatives, including payer/HTA research and value messaging, launch roadmaps, and center of excellence and patient journey mapping to ensure development of approaches that address the unique opportunities and challenges of gene therapy.
• Develop and manage long-range budget forecasts and oversee vendors to ensure timely delivery of US medical materials.

Requirements

• Educational Background: MD, PhD, PharmD or MD/PhD.

• Experience: A minimum of 10–12 years in Medical Affairs, including at least 3–5 years specifically supporting Phase 1–3 clinical development and a proven track record in US pre-commercial planning and building US Medical Affairs functions.

• Strong familiarity with US payer and/or PBM requirements for value demonstration and reimbursement.
• Prior expertise in gene therapy (ATMPs), neuroscience (e.g., epilepsy/CNS), and/or pediatric rare diseases.
• Deep understanding of FDA guidelines, OIG compliance, and US-specific requirements for scientific exchange.
• Strategic thinker while maintaining tactical execution excellence; a self-starter who can produce complex plans and adapt rapidly. Exemplary organizational skills.
• Exceptional ability to build collaborative partnerships in a matrixed, small-team environment, and to forge strong external relationships with external subject matter experts.
• Strong skills in interpreting scientific/clinical research and translating it into actionable medical strategy to support treatment access and adoption.
• Proven success in a startup environment, with the ability to build functions from the ground up and manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Direct experience identifying, managing, and maintaining relationships with high-performing external consultants and partner agencies.
• Travel: Ability to travel up to 40%, including international trips for conferences and KOL engagements.

For candidates based in the SFBA area, the salary range for this position is: $258,000 to $280,000.

For candidates based outside the SFBA area, the salary range is 233,000 to 263,000.

Encoded considers a variety of factors when determining base compensation, including experience, qualifications, internal equity and geographic location. This position may also be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, discretionary stock-based long-term incentives, paid time off, and a benefits package.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package, including competitive employer premium contributions
• Meaningful stock option grants
• PTO, sick time, and holiday pay
• Generous Parental Leave program
• Pre-tax medical and dependent care programs
• STD, LTD, Life and AD&D
• Professional development opportunities
• Team-building events
• Fully stocked kitchen
• Fitness center at our San Francisco office

Employees (and their families) may obtain medical, dental, vision and basic life insurance benefits through the company and enroll in our company's 401k plan. Employees will also accrue vacation time off and paid sick time off and may become eligible for paid parental leave. Employees will also enjoy designated paid holidays throughout the calendar year.

Encoded is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. Encoded is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at Encoded are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, religion or belief, color, national origin, gender, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the location in which we operate. Encoded will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. Encoded encourages applicants of all ages.

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may call us at +1 650-491-0272.

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