Position SummaryThe
Medical Affairs Lead, Therapeutic Dermatology is a senior medical leadership role responsible for the strategic direction, execution, and
people leadership of Galderma's therapeutic dermatology, immunology medical affairs function in Canada. This role has overall accountability for the medical strategy and scientific leadership of Nemolizumab and future pipeline assets.
In addition to serving as the therapeutic area medical expert, this position provides direct leadership and
line management for the Medical Science Liaison (MSL) team, ensuring medical excellence, high-quality scientific exchange, and strong cross-functional integration. The role acts as a key partner to commercial, market access, regulatory, patient support programs, and global/regional medical teams, while upholding the highest standards of scientific integrity, compliance, and patient-centricity.
Essential FunctionsScientific and Clinical Leadership- Acts as the primary medical and scientific expert for Galderma, providing deep expertise in dermatology, specifically in immunology for atopic dermatitis (AD) andprurigo nodularis (PN),
- Provides strategic medical leadership across the full product lifecycle, including pre-launch, launch, and post-launch phases.
- Translates complex clinical, immunological, and real-world data into clear, credible, and impactful scientific narratives for internal and external stakeholders.
Medical Strategy and Cross-Functional Integration- Leads creation and execution of the Canadian Medical Affairs plan in close collaboration with commercial, market access, regulatory, and Global/Regional Medical teams.
- Ensures strategic alignment with global medical priorities while tailoring execution to the Canadian market landscape and stakeholder needs.
- Drives scientific differentiation in competitive markets through data-driven narratives, publications, and educational initiatives.
- Contributes senior medical input to launch readiness, brand strategy, reimbursement submissions, and lifecycle planning.
People Leadership & Team Management- Provides direct line management, coaching, and development for the Medical Science Liaison (MSL) team.
- Builds, leads, and sustains a high-performing medical affairs team with clear objectives, performance metrics, and development plans.
- Fosters a culture of medical excellence, collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning.
- Supports talent development, succession planning, onboarding, and capability building within the medical affairs organization.
Medical Education Strategy- Provides strategic oversight of national medical education initiatives through leadership of the National Medical Education Manager.
- Ensures development and execution of high-quality, needs-based medical education programs aligned with disease-state and product strategies.
- Oversees scientific content development to ensure accuracy, balance, and compliance.
Scientific Exchange & External Engagement- Oversees and, where appropriate, personally leads high-level scientific exchange with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), investigators, scientific societies, and academic institutions.
- Ensures a strategic, insight-driven KOL engagement approach aligned with medical objectives and compliant with regulations.
- Leads and oversees medical advisory boards, MSL scientific roundtables, and other medical affairs led learning activities.
Evidence Generation and Data Strategy- Identifies data gaps and clinical questions relevant to Canadian practice and drives investigator-initiated trials (IITs), real-world evidence (RWE) studies, and post-hoc analyses to address them.
- Partners with global teams support local evidence dissemination and publications that strengthen product differentiation and reimbursement value stories.
Compliance and Scientific Governance- Ensures that all external and internal communications, activities, and materials comply with Health Canada regulations and internal governance standards
- Acts as a medical reviewer for promotional and educational materials, ensuring scientific accuracy and ethical standards.
Insight Generation and Strategic Decision Support- Oversees systematic collection, analysis, and communication of medical insights from the field, congresses, advisory boards, and scientific literature.
- Provides strategic medical insights to inform brand strategy, pipeline development, future indications, and organizational decision-making.
Requirements- Advanced degree in a relevant life sciences discipline (e.g., PhD, PharmD, MD).
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or medical devices industry, with a strong focus on medical affairs.
- Demonstrated track record of leading and managing medical affairs teams.
- Significant experience in dermatology and/or immunology, including biologics, is essential.
- Proven experience developing and executing medical strategies, leading launches, and partnering cross-functionally.
- Strong experience in scientific exchange, KOL engagement, advisory boards, and evidence generation.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills, with executive presence.
- Strong understanding of the Canadian regulatory and compliance environment.
- Bilingualism (English/French) is an asset.
- Ability to work flexibly, including occasional early/late meetings and attendance at scientific meetings on evenings or weekends.
- Travel is required 30-40%
The annual base salary for the role is 145,000 - 175,000 CAD. 
