The Medical Affairs Medical Director will provide medical leadership for the Canadian Heme Team. This role will be accountable for the development and implementation of the Canadian medical strategy and plans and will work in partnership with other cross functional team colleagues to ensure access to company’s products, develop and implement cross functional country plans aligned with patient, HCPs’ and broader corporate needs.  

This role is responsible for building and encouraging scientific excellence within the team and engaging in close partnerships with HCPs and scientific societies. This role will also be responsible for financial planning and budgetary adherence of medical affairs activities. This role will work closely with a cross-functional group that includes Commercial, Market Access, Global, International Medical Affairs Organizations, Government Affairs, Patients Engagement and Corporate Communications, Legal, Compliance (OBIE), Regulatory, Research & Development, HRBP and Finance.  

The Medical Affairs Medical Director will lead and develop a team of MSLs responsible for engaging in scientific exchange with thought leaders in Hemoglobinopathies and Bone Marrow Transplant. The Director will establish the long‐term vision, strategy, plans, objectives, and infrastructure for the MSL team. This role will be accountable for  execution of the medical affairs program strategy, and assuring Medical Science Liaison activity execution within expected scope, budget and timelines. 

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

• Provides comprehensive expertise and guidance in the Hematology and Gene Therapy Areas   

• Develops and maintains professional relationships with local Health Care Professionals, and with local Professional Societies  

 • Establishes relationships with Thought Leaders to expand research opportunities for Vertex and develops, at local level, advisory, collaborative and/or educational activities aligned to the Vertex strategy

 • Establishes and ensures flawless execution of the Canadian Medical Operational Plan, in accordance with corporate policies and procedures and applicable local laws and regulations

 • Serves as the reference person for medical input and support to the local operations; supports other Vertex functions so that the appropriate patients in Canada may have access in a safe manner to the benefit of Vertex pain product(s)

 • Ensures that the scientific data provided locally to Health Care Professionals and Health Care Authorities is provided with a fair and balanced view

• Acts as the local medical contributor and reviewer/approver of Field Medical Material (proactive and reactive), Promotional Material, Access Material and Medical Information Material for local use 

• Maintains a seamless flow of information within and between the local structure, and communicates medical insights obtained locally from appropriate field interactions to inform local and regional strategy/tactics

 • Develops and maintains high level of industry, regulatory, clinical and scientific knowledge

 • Leads a field team of scientific professionals

 • Manages a team of MSLs to implement field initiatives ensuring the development of best practices and through partnership with Vertex's brand medical colleagues, deliver scientifically-based materials that are compliant with all legal, regulatory, and company guidelines

 • Leads the development and execution of Vertex’s external engagement and educational strategies for centers of excellence, HCP’s, and thought leaders

 • Identifies key deliverables, insights, and metrics that highlight the value of the MSL organization, the impact to HCPs/Thought Leaders, and to the Vertex organization while ensuring goal achievement

 • Collaborates with Field Medical Operations and Medical Excellence to lead the identification of gaps and develops solution-oriented tools, technology infrastructure and training requirements necessary to fulfil field medical activities. 

Required Education Level

• MD, Pharm D or PhD 

Required Knowledge/Skills  

• Experience in Medical Affairs within the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry 

 • Ability to work across a complex matrix organization and influence at all levels 

 • Maintains a high level of expertise and judgment in relation to both technical and ethical aspects of a medical director role and responsibilities 

 • Ability to both anticipate issues and be flexible and reactive to situations 

 • Experience in Haematology, Gene Therapy and people management 

 • Knowledge of national healthcare and regulatory environments indispensable, previous interactions with TGA an advantage 

 • Excellent understanding of the reimbursement mechanisms in location and of the acceptability of PE models and PRO research by national payers  

• Experience in scientific interactions with payer bodies is essential