Are you ready to step into regional leadership across the APAC region? Do you thrive at the intersection of science, partner collaboration, and medical affairs? Would you like to play a key role in launching innovative treatments while expanding your leadership impact in a multicultural, fast-paced environment? Then join Ascendis Pharma and help bring innovation to life across international markets

Ascendis Pharma is a fast-growing global biopharmaceutical company committed to making a meaningful difference in patient’s lives. We have locations in Denmark, Germany, the United States, the UK, Italy, Spain, and France.

Guided by our core values of Patients, Science, and Passion, we use our TransCon® drug development platform to fulfill our mission of developing new therapies, selecting only those that demonstrate best-in-class potential to address unmet medical needs.

Today, we are advancing programs in Endocrinology Rare Disease and Oncology. In addition, we collaborate with partners around the world on the development of TransCon-based products for other therapeutic areas and markets.

This position will be placed in the International Markets region, which is a key strategic endeavour by Ascendis to expand our global footprint in partnership with indirect affiliates across the globe but focussing on China, Japan, Australia, South Korea and South East Asia.

We are seeking a passionate Associate Director to play a high-impact role within the International Markets team, primarily supporting APAC partners.  This regional leader will build and manage long term relationships with key physicians, sites and partners while also leading medical strategy and tactics across APAC.  This individual will be a strategic partner to indirect affiliates as well as internal teams across Ascendis pharma ensuring that the international markets medical perspective is reflected.

You will report to the Head of International Medical Affairs and work closely with the respective medical directors in IM for Hypoparathyroidism and Growth Disorders and the APAC commercial manager as well as other internal teams across Ascendis. The role should be based in APAC in a large hub with preference to Hong Kong, Singapore or Malaysia. This is expected to be a remote role that may require some travel (~25%). Flexibility in work hours will be necessary to accommodate global time zones.

Your key responsibilities will be:

Regional Leadership

• Serve as the scientific expert for medical affairs across APAC
• Design and implement medical strategies and tactical plans
• Support the development of clinical and real-world evidence
• Input into lifecycle management activities as needed
• Oversee compassionate use programs and grants as needed
• Deep understanding of compliance in APAC markets

External engagement

• Establish and nurture relationships with KOLs and key centres in international markets
• Stay up to date on competitive landscape, new therapies, clinical trend
• Lead medical education programs target to the APAC region in collaboration with the therapeutic area medical leads

Cross-functional and Global Collaboration

• Collaborate with IM medical, commercial and business operations and other functions as needed
• Manage relationships with key external vendors and agencies to ensure optimal delivery

Team leadership

• Provide mentorship and functional leadership to medical teams and other stakeholders, fostering a culture of functional excellence

Qualifications and Skills

• Advanced degree (MD / PhD / PharmD) in life sciences with 7+ years of experience in medical affairs
• Substantial knowledge / experience in rare diseases
• Must speak English and Mandarin
• Demonstrated leadership and stakeholder management skills as well as the ability to perform effectively in a dynamic environment
• Proven strategic and critical thinking
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written) and proven organizational skills
• Ability to lead directly and indirectly by influence, including strong problem solving, conflict resolution and analysis
• Flexibility to adapt culturally

Key competencies

You are a highly motivated self-starter with a strong foundation in scientific communication and a natural ability to collaborate across cultures and functions. You bring a clear customer focus and thrive on working in a complex, matrixed environment where attention to detail and a can-do attitude are key.

You are able to communicate technical information effectively to a broad audience and adapt your approach depending on the stakeholder. Whether working independently or as part of a team, you perform well in a dynamic, fast-paced setting.

You have strong leadership and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to identify business opportunities and take initiative. With an entrepreneurial mindset, you’re excited by innovation and comfortable navigating a multicultural environment.

Your excellent interpersonal skills enable you to work efficiently with colleagues at all levels of the organization, supporting both urgent priorities and long-term goals

Apply now

Applications will be evaluated when received, so please apply as soon as possible.

If you are passionate about contributing to the field of rare diseases and eager to make a difference at Ascendis Pharma, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Join us in our mission to advance therapeutic innovations and improve patient lives worldwide.