Your day-to-day as a Rare Disease SpecialistAbeona Therapeutics is seeking a highly motivated and collaborative Rare Disease Specialists to support the identification and referral of patients living with Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa (RDEB). The Rare Disease Specialists will serve as a strategic field partner responsible for engaging healthcare providers, Centers of Excellence (COEs), referral institutions, and other key stakeholders to increase disease awareness, facilitate patient identification, and strengthen referral pathways.
The Rare Disease Specialists will develop and execute territory account plans designed to support appropriate patient referrals to Qualified Treatment Centers (QTCs). This individual will work closely with healthcare professionals and institutional stakeholders across the RDEB care continuum while collaborating with internal cross-functional partners to support commercial objectives and improve patient journey.
This role is ideal for a strategic, relationship-focused professional who thrives in complex healthcare environments and is passionate about making a meaningful impact in the rare disease community.
ScheduleThe general working hours for this role are Monday to Friday (some late or weekend work may be required) from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (start and end times may vary) (with some late night or weekend work on occasion).
Does this sound like you?To thrive as a Rare Disease Specialist, the right combination of experience, education, skills, and attitude is essential.
The ideal candidate is a strategic, relationship-focused professional with a bachelor's degree in a related field and 5+ years of biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or healthcare experience. They have a proven record in account management, strategic sales, or stakeholder engagement, and know how to build trusted relationships with providers and Centers of Excellence in complex healthcare systems. Rare disease, dermatology, or gene therapy experience is a strong plus. Organized, collaborative, and compliance-minded, they are ready to travel 50-70% and are passionate about improving the patient journey for the RDEB community.
Essential Responsibilities and DutiesStrategic Account Management & Referral Development- Develop and execute strategic territory account plans focused on patient identification, referral pathway development, and stakeholder engagement.
- Establish and maintain relationships with dermatologists, pediatric dermatologists, pediatricians, geneticists, wound care specialists, nurse coordinators, and other healthcare professionals involved in the care of RDEB patients.
- Identify opportunities to increase awareness of RDEB and facilitate the recognition of appropriate patients for treatment evaluation.
- Engage Centers of Excellence, referral institutions, and community providers to strengthen referral networks and improve patient access to Qualified Treatment Centers.
- Partner with healthcare providers to understand referral processes and identify opportunities to improve patient flow and coordination.
- Maintain a deep understanding of the RDEB patient journey and the healthcare ecosystem supporting patients and caregivers.
- Analyze territory opportunities and develop action plans to maximize stakeholder engagement and referral activity.
- Maintain accurate account profiles, territory plans, and engagement records.
Stakeholder Engagement & Education- Deliver compliant and impactful educational presentations to healthcare professionals and institutional stakeholders.
- Support local and regional educational programs designed to increase disease awareness and improve patient identification.
- Foster collaborative relationships with key opinion leaders and influential stakeholders within the EB community.
- Facilitate meaningful discussions around referral pathways and patient access considerations.
- Gather customer insights and market feedback to inform commercial strategy and identify emerging opportunities.
Cross-Functional Collaboration- Partner closely with Strategic Accounts, Medical Affairs, and Commercial colleagues to support coordinated customer engagement.
- Communicate account insights, referral trends, and stakeholder needs to internal teams.
- Participate in strategic business planning and territory review discussions.
- Collaborate on initiatives designed to support patient identification and referral objectives.
- Conference & Meeting Support
- Represent Abeona at regional and national medical, scientific, and industry conferences.
- Support stakeholder engagement activities associated with congresses and meetings.
- Identify opportunities for educational programs and thought-leader engagement within the territory.
- Leverage conference insights to enhance territory planning and stakeholder engagement strategies.
Required QualificationsThe background, knowledge, and skills required to be successful in the role are:
- Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Healthcare, Business, or a related field required.
- Minimum of 5 years of biotechnology, pharmaceutical, specialty therapeutics, or healthcare experience.
- Demonstrated success in account management, strategic sales, market development, provider relations, or healthcare stakeholder engagement roles.
- Experience working with complex healthcare systems, academic institutions, and multidisciplinary provider networks.
- Proven ability to build trusted relationships with healthcare professionals and institutional stakeholders.
- Strong business planning, communication, and presentation skills.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills with a collaborative and customer-focused approach.
- Ability to analyze territory opportunities and develop strategic action plans.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
- Working knowledge of applicable regulatory, legal, and compliance requirements.
- Ability to travel approximately 50-70%, including overnight travel and conference
Preferred Qualifications- Experience in rare disease, dermatology, specialty biologics, genetic disease, or gene therapy strongly preferred.
Compensation and Benefits- The anticipated base salary range for this position is $175,000 - $200,000 (Actual compensation will depend on experience, qualifications, and work location)
- Annual Incentive Compensation Bonus
- Equity opportunities
- Robust health coverage options
- FSA/HSA options
- Company-paid basic dental and vision plans
- Lifestyle spending account (wellness reimbursements)
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Up to 160 hours of paid time off accrual per calendar year (prorated based on date of hire)
Physical DemandsThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to experience prolonged sitting, some bending, stooping, and stretching. Hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity sufficient to operate a keyboard, photocopier, telephone, calculator, and other office equipment is required. A normal range of hearing and vision correctable to 20/20 is required. Occasional work in laboratory, cleanroom, or manufacturing environments may be required. Occasional lifting up to 25 pounds is required. May require wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when entering GMP or lab areas. Occasional walking, standing, or climbing stairs within office or facility settings. Must be able to travel between company sites or to vendor locations, if needed.
Important Notes for Candidates:Visa Sponsorship Not Currently Available- Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
- This is a career-path role that is not suitable for someone whose work authorization is temporary and based on optional practical training (OPT).
- Current or future H-1B sponsorship is not available for this role.
Additional Notes to Applicants:- Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to respond to every applicant. Only candidates whose qualifications most closely match the requirements of the position and who successfully complete the initial stages of the selection process will be contacted.
- All applications will be reviewed in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws.
Connect with our team today!If you're ready to take your career to the next level and join a team that values hard work and changing lives - complete our application today!
