Senior Medical Director, Clinical Development

This position could also be based in Basel, Switzerland.

Ironwood Pharmaceuticals is a leading global gastrointestinal (GI) healthcare company on a mission to advance the treatment of GI diseases and redefine the standard of care for GI patients. We are pioneers in the development of LINZESS® (linaclotide), the U.S. branded prescription market leader for adults with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation or chronic idiopathic constipation. Ironwood is also advancing apraglutide, a next-generation, long-acting synthetic GLP-2 analog being developed for rare gastrointestinal diseases, including short bowel syndrome with intestinal failure, as well as several earlier stage assets. Building upon our history of GI innovation, we keep patients at the heart of our R&D and commercialization efforts to reduce the burden of GI diseases and address significant unmet needs. 

As a Senior Medical Director, Clinical Development, you will be a critical leader within Ironwood’s R&D organization. Reporting directly to the SVP of Research & Development, you will shape clinical strategy, design and execute clinical trials, and drive development of innovative therapies.

This role requires outstanding interpersonal skills, strong learning agility, creativity, and the ability to analyze precedents — even from other therapeutic areas — to generate innovative, patient‑centric solutions.

Essential Functions

Clinical Leadership & Strategic Planning

- Lead clinical development activities as both an individual contributor and cross‑functional leader.

- Develop and refine the Clinical Development Plan (CDP).

- Integrate regulatory, safety, and operational considerations.

- Apply creative, cross‑therapeutic analytical thinking.

Study Design, Execution & Oversight

- Lead preparation of clinical documents (protocols, SAPs, CSRs, etc.).

- Provide medical oversight ensuring safety and data quality.

- Analyze and interpret clinical data and present strategic implications.

- Train internal and external teams.

Scientific Leadership & External Engagement

- Support scientific publications and external collaborations.

- Participate in regulatory interactions.

- Represent Ironwood at scientific and strategic external meetings.

Cross‑Functional Partnership

- Build strong relationships across R&D.

- Use interpersonal influence to align complex stakeholder groups.

- Promote creativity and cross‑functional learning.

Key Qualifications

Education & Clinical Experience

- MD or MD‑PhD required.

- 8+ years of clinical drug development experience.

- Rare disease experience preferred.

- Gastroenterology experience preferred but not required.

- Academic PI experience may be considered.

Scientific & Technical Expertise

- Strong knowledge of clinical research methodology.

- Ability to analyze complex clinical data.

- Knowledge of regulatory requirements and competitive landscape.

Leadership & Interpersonal Skills

- Exceptional communication and influence skills.

- Proven leadership guiding cross‑functional teams.

- Ability to build trust, navigate ambiguity, and drive alignment.

Learning Agility & Creativity

- Ability to learn new therapeutic areas quickly.

- Creative problem‑solver.

- Able to apply cross‑therapeutic insights.

Operational Excellence

- Experience overseeing CROs and vendors.

- Strong project management and execution discipline.

- Excellent written and oral scientific communication.

Ironwood is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Ironwood currently anticipates that the initial base salary for this position could range from between $264,000 to $277,200.  The actual base salary will depend, in part, on the successful candidate’s qualifications for the role, including education and experience.  Ironwood offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits program to eligible employees, including Restricted Stock Unit awards; eligibility to participate in either a bonus or sales incentive program; company-sponsored 401(k) with matching contributions; eligibility for medical, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; wellness stipends; and a generous vacation/holiday schedule.

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