Job Description
The US Director Medical Affairs is a US centric country medical director role focused on Medical Affairs strategy in the Rheumatology and Dermatology space.
Role Summary
The US DMA is a regionally based position within our company's Research Laboratories, US Medical Affairs. This position strategically drives scientific excellence across in-line business and the One of our company's Pipeline while optimizing field readiness across the USMA strategic pillars: 1.) Scientific Exchange 2.) Company Trials 3.) Investigator-Sponsored Programs 4.) Congresses 5.) Insights
The US DMA is an experienced therapeutic area (TA) leader and subject matter expert (SME) with relevant medical affairs and field medical experience. This role is also responsible for driving execution of scientific and medical affairs plans for assigned Therapy Areas within their region, engaging with regional cross-functional teams, and providing US input to the relevant cross-functional team meetings, e.g., US MAT, PAT, MT and V&I Plans.
As a core member (or co-lead) of the US Medical Affairs Team (MAT), the US DMA collaborates with the Global TA team and cross-functional partners to enable US regional implementation of Value & Implementation (V&I) Planning by: 1) Integrating local insights into Global Scientific Value Content (GSVC) and Center of Scientific Exchange Excellence (CSEE) plans 2) Facilitating local adoption of GSVC and CSEE initiatives 3) Leading development and execution of aligned local training programs 4) Evaluating training effectiveness and application in the field.
Primary Responsibilities
In collaboration with USMA Executive Director (ED) and Health Systems PASL, conduct development and implementation of regional strategies aligned with headquarters V&I goals including defining a prioritized USMA Field strategy and implementation goals.
Contribute to the integrated US Country Medical Affairs Plan (CMAP), including the US Field Medical Plan (FMP)/Field Engagement Plan (FEP) and field training plan for assigned TA as a member of the USMA TA Leadership Team
Identifies and prioritizes US field resources, training needs and activities; and in collaboration with GMVC, ensures strategically aligned content and training and any other needed adult learning activities across the portfolio. This would also include the pull-through of pre- and post-congress regional training and content.
Develop a strategic and comprehensive scientific engagement plan and ensure scientific exchange aligns with the global scientific communications platform.
Ensure insights from advisory boards and field medical activities are actioned with relevant stakeholders, aligned with Country Medical Affairs priorities, and monitored for trends impacting future strategy.
In collaboration with relevant USMA stakeholders (e.g. HS PASL), organize expert input events (e.g., advisory boards, forums) with contracted Scientific Leaders and key stakeholders to address new indication implementation and/or emerging science.
Manage programs (i.e. patient support, education, risk management) as needed for appropriate and safe utilization of company medicines.
Partner with GSVC, CSEE, US Global Clinical Trial Organization (GCTO), Global Medical and Scientific Affairs (GMSA) TA leads, and internal/external SMEs to orchestrate and deliver regional training as needed.
Participate in bi-directional information exchange and sharing of best practices across USMA roles and teams, including Health Systems.
Collaborate with the USMA Field Medical Alignment Director (FMAD) to ensure consistent standards, processes, and harmonization for training activities (e.g., clinical immersions, verbalizations, journal clubs).
Provide input into strategic congress priorities and participate in planning at key scientific congresses.
Continuously monitor healthcare environment and emerging trends to optimize CMAPs and field execution plans.
Additional Responsibilities (as applicable)
Serve as a point of contact for development and maintenance of US new-hire scientific foundational onboarding in collaboration with leadership and SMEs.
Work with USMA Leadership and GMVC stakeholders to ensure consistent verbalization processes for new hires and tenured RMSDs regarding new data, indications, and disease areas.
Provide support for the Investigator Studies Program (ISP) for assigned TA, including Areas of Interest consultation, dissemination, data highlights, training, and scientific review as requested by the GMSA ED.
Required Qualifications, Skills & Experience
An advanced degree (e.g., MD, PhD, PharmD) relevant to the TA-specific disease area and recognized medical expertise in the TA (rheumatology/dermatology)
A minimum of 5 years of medical affairs experience or equivalent clinical/research experience
A minimum of 3 years of working in TA (clinical, research, or pharmaceutical environment) or within a highly relevant TA with demonstrated scientific acumen
Proven ability in Strategic Decision Making & Planning, including helping the US Executive Director prioritize initiatives across the portfolio.
Demonstrated Execution Excellence with a track record of leading complex projects, managing multiple priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
Strong Emotional Intelligence to foster trust and respect within a complex, matrixed organizational structure.
Exceptional Networking & Partnerships skills to collaborate effectively across diverse teams and stakeholders.
Agile mindset as a Change Catalyst, committed to experimenting, learning, and adapting in response to evolving business needs, and capable of driving continuous improvement.
Expertise in interpreting and communicating complex scientific concepts clearly in both one-on-one and group settings.
Deep knowledge of the US healthcare system, including national treatment guidelines, clinical research processes, FDA regulations, and OIG compliance.
The ability to travel up to 40% (i.e.: Congresses)
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
Preferred
#eligibleforERP
Required Skills:
Clinical Affairs, Clinical Research, Dermatology, Medical Affairs, Pharmaceutical Industry, Pharmaceutical Research, Rheumatology, Scientific Leadership
Preferred Skills:
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Current Contingent Workers apply HERE
San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance
Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.
Employee Status:
Regular
Relocation:
No relocation
VISA Sponsorship:
No
Travel Requirements:
50%
Flexible Work Arrangements:
Remote
Shift:
Not Indicated
Valid Driving License:
No
Hazardous Material(s):
n/a
Job Posting End Date:
07/23/2026
*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.
