Director, MEG Lead Neuroscience, Medical Evidence Generation

About the role

The Director of Medical Evidence Generation in Medical Affairs will lead the strategy, development, and execution of robust evidence generation strategies for the Neuroscience portfolio through Clinical Research Collaborations (CRCs), Medical Affairs Sponsored Studies (MAST), and Investigator-Sponsored Research Studies (ISRs). This role requires defining and driving an integrated evidence generation strategy (IEP) aligned with Medical Affairs and overall product strategy, providing hands-on scientific leadership in the design of clinical studies, and significantly contributing to protocol development.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive the integrated evidence generation strategy (IEP) aligned with Medical Affairs and overall product strategy.
• Provide leadership in Request for Proposal (RFP) process working with cross-functional team, including developing the Areas of Interest (AOI), reviewing and evaluating proposals, and presenting to governance for endorsement.
• Lead the preparation and delivery of evidence generation proposals and updates including results to internal governance bodies and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Significantly contribute to protocol development as applicable, including Study design, Study objectives and endpoints, Eligibility criteria, Statistical considerations (in collaboration with Biostatistics), Operational feasibility.
• Be accountable for delivering CRCs, ISRs, and MASTs from concept ideation to governance approval and throughout the study lifecycle.
• Serve as a thought leader on evidence generation methodologies to ensure evidence plans are fit-for-purpose and impactful.
• Partner with Clinical Operations and CROs to ensure studies are delivered on time, on budget, and with high data quality.
• Review and interpret clinical and real-world data to ensure medical relevance and scientific integrity.
• Engage with key opinion leaders (KOLs), academic investigators, and external research partners to co-develop high-impact evidence.
• Participate in advisory boards, steering committees, and scientific forums as necessary.
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners to ensure cohesive planning and execution of evidence generation activities across geographies and therapeutic areas.
• Oversee operational delivery of studies, ensuring scientific rigor, quality, compliance (GCP/SOP), timelines, and budgets.
• Act as a trusted internal advisor to global and regional Medical Affairs, Clinical Development, Access & Value, Regulatory, and Commercial teams on evidence gaps, opportunities, and study strategy.
• Contribute to scientific dissemination through publications, abstracts, congress presentations, and advisory boards.
• Contribute to the evolution of MEG therapeutic area strategy and value proposition.

Qualifications & Experience

• Advanced scientific degree (MD, PhD, PharmD, MS or the equivalent) required with extensive, relevant scientific, and/or strong clinical development experience.
• At least 5 years of experience in pharmaceutical clinical development, Medical Affairs, or relevant Commercial experience; previous customer-facing role experience highly desirable.
• Deep understanding of clinical research and evidence generation methodologies.
• Strong leadership presence and ability to influence in matrixed environments.
• Demonstrated ability to strategically analyze data generation opportunities with minimal supervision.
• Strategic thinker with strong execution discipline.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and sustain high-performing relationships with external thought leaders and internal matrix stakeholders.
• Adeptness at building credibility with external investigators and collaborative partners, balancing business and scientific acumen with strong leadership behaviors, authenticity, agility, and an enterprise mindset.
• Understanding of global healthcare systems and academic settings with a demonstrated ability to lead in ambiguous and changing healthcare/business environments.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to influence decision-making at all levels of the organization.
• Proven experience leading cross-functional study teams and governance interactions.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills appropriately flexing based on audience; expertly leverages effective communication and negotiation skills to influence decisions.