Scientific Director, Medical Affairs

Company Profile:

At Verastem Oncology, we're advancing innovation and addressing the urgent needs of patients living with cancers driven by RAS/MAPK pathway mutations, a key driver of tumor growth and treatment resistance. The FDA approval of AVMAPKI FAKZYNJA CO-PACK delivered the first therapy specifically for women living with recurrent KRAS-mutated low-grade serous ovarian cancer, a rare cancer with significant unmet need. We’ve successfully launched this innovative combination therapy in the U.S. and are exploring regulatory pathways for Europe and Japan. We are continuing to advance our pipeline of drugs that we believe will help block cancer cell survival, inhibit tumor growth, and overcome treatment resistance. With clinical trials underway, we have an exciting opportunity to shape the future of cancer care and make a meaningful impact in the lives of patients

Role Summary:

We are seeking a Scientific Director, Medical Affairs to lead various initiatives within the Medical Affairs organization for Verastem’s potentially best-in-class KRAS G12D ON/OFF inhibitor: VS-7375. Reporting to the Head of Medical Communications, this individual will drive the planning and development of medical communications including publications, field medical resources, and advisory board content. Additionally, this individual will partner cross functionally to facilitate the review of independent research proposals.

Responsibilities:

• Lead/co-lead the strategic publication plan across indications for VS-7375, aligned with the Clinical Development and Medical Affairs strategy and objectives
• Interact and lead discussions with external authors and internal collaborators to develop publication content related to ongoing and planned studies.
• Write and edit publications as needed including manuscripts, congress abstracts, slide presentations, and posters. Manage external agencies and freelancers
• Lead/Contribute to the development of scientific platforms
• Drive a cohesive advisory committee and advisory board plan, working closely with Medical Affairs leadership and cross-functional partners in Clinical Development and Executive Leadership
• Develop content (including oversight of vendors) to support Advisory Committees / Advisory Boards; work with Medical Affairs Operations to ensure smooth execution of these events
• Assist in the development of training materials / resources (eg, slide decks) to support scientific exchange
• Support congress coverage / CI activities (planning and reports covering key sessions at major meetings).Review proposals for independent research (eg, ISTs) and lead independent research review meetings with cross-functional medical and scientific leads
• Work with corporate communications / investor relations and other internal teams to ensure the scientific accuracy of external messages
• Ensure that activities are within company policies, procedures and good publications practices

 

Qualifications:

• Degree in a scientific discipline. Advanced degree is preferred (MS, MPH, PharmD. or PhD)
• Minimum 8 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry (eg, Clinical Development, Medical Writing, or Medical Affairs), a consulting organization, or medical communications company. Medical Affairs / Medical Communications experience preferred.
• Experience in oncology
• Ability to critically appraise and apply knowledge gained from the medical/scientific literature

• Ability to communicate in a clear and targeted way to different audiences including senior and executive team leadership

• Ability to effectively communicate complex medical/scientific information to external audiences

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with a flexible mindset

• Understand the clinical development process, especially clinical study data and outcomes measures in oncology
• Familiar with publication guidelines  and good publication practices (eg, GPP, ICMJE)
• Strong interpersonal skills for effective professional communications, aiming to cultivate strong working relationships with both internal and external groups
• Ability to travel up to 20% of the time