VP Medical Affairs, Integrated Medical Excellence
Company:
Annexon Biosciences is a leading biopharmaceutical enterprise dedicated to developing innovative therapies aimed at alleviating the suffering of individuals afflicted by debilitating classical complement-mediated neuroinflammatory conditions affecting the body, brain, and eye. Our cutting-edge scientific approach specifically targets upstream C1q to halt the classical complement inflammatory cascade even before its onset, showcasing potential to revolutionize treatment for a range of autoimmune, neurodegenerative, and ophthalmic diseases. With successful proof-of-concept data already established in conditions such as Guillain-Barré syndrome, Huntington’s disease, and geographic atrophy, we are steadfastly propelling our mid- to late-stage clinical trials to expedite the introduction of promising new treatments to patients in need. Joining Annexon means becoming part of a dedicated team focused on making a substantial impact in the healthcare landscape.
For further insights about Annexon and our extensive pipeline of groundbreaking therapies, please visit our website at Annexon Biosciences & Annexon Pipeline. We are publicly traded on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol ANNX and proudly headquartered in Brisbane, California.
We actively encourage applicants from all walks of life, ensuring we assemble the best, most innovative talent for our team. Our commitment to building a diverse and inclusive workforce invites you to join us as we grow and evolve.
At Annexon, we are committed to cultivating an environment that is diverse, equitable, inclusive, and innovative. We are on the lookout for the BEST candidate for this role, regardless of their background or the non-traditional paths they may have taken to meet our qualifications. We warmly invite you to apply, particularly if you believe your unique experiences make you the ideal candidate, even if they do not align perfectly with our description. Discover more about Annexon’s unwavering pledge to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as our core values and corporate culture!
Position:
The VP, Medical Affairs Integrated Medical Excellence will spearhead the Medical Information Team, oversee Scientific Communications, Medical Communications, Medical Insights, Medical Training Teams, and other essential shared services functions across the comprehensive Annexon portfolio. This pivotal role entails managing and overseeing processes and systems that facilitate efficient and compliant operations within the Medical Affairs team. The VP Medical Affairs, Integrated Medical Excellence serves as a crucial liaison between Medical Affairs and cross-functional teams at Annexon, supporting both strategic planning and tactical execution efforts to further the Medical Affairs mission of optimizing patient outcomes by continually enhancing the evidence-based medical standard of care.
Responsibilities include:
- Provide clear directions and leadership to manage and effectively execute deliverables associated with Medical Information, Scientific Communications, Medical Communications, Medical Insights, Medical Training, and other shared services.
- Establish and improve current processes within the Medical Affairs (MA) team, impacting specific areas of focus for Scientific Communications, Medical Information, Medical Directors group, FMDs, and Medical Operations, including training, CME, ESR/IIT/CoR, systems implementation to support MAs, congress engagement, and the development of KOL engagement tools such as slide decks and HCP-facing content for FMDs.
- Provide strategic oversight for the MA team during the development of both the annual strategic and tactical plan and the annual needs assessment.
- Collaborate with IT and other commercial functions to refine systems related to CME/ESR grants management, KOL contracting, medical information systems, and other Medical Affairs tools.
- Manage and oversee key content and operational vendors to ensure the Medical Affairs team and Annexon maximizes financial efficiency.
- Partner with finance and HR teams to align the budget with strategic and tactical plans effectively.
- Map Medical Affairs organizational needs and engage appropriate vendors to create a needs assessment plan on a quarterly basis.
- Collaborate with Annexon’s legal and compliance partners to ensure that all aspects of Scientific Communications, Medical Communications, Congress Strategy/Execution, and Medical Information adhere to Annexon policy and SOPs.
- Conduct and communicate regular reporting of medical information, scientific communication, medical communications, congress strategy, and overall Medical Affairs activities and performance as part of the value proposition and dashboard.
- Completely familiarize with the roles of Medical Information, Scientific Communications, and Medical Communications, being prepared to step in and represent those functions when necessary.
Location: This position may be on-site at Annexon’s Headquarters in Brisbane, California, or remote within the United States.
Salary Range: $311,000 – $346,000
Education, Experience, and Skills:
Required:
- Possession of a scientific, healthcare, or medical degree (PharmD, PhD, MD, DO) is essential.
- Advanced non-terminal degrees such as MA, MS, NP, PA, or RPh will be considered.
- A minimum of 15 years of experience in the pharmaceutical or biotech sectors, specifically in Medical Affairs, Medical Information, or Medical and Scientific Communications is required.
- A decade of experience managing complex Medical Affairs teams is crucial.
- A scientific and patient-centric mindset, showcasing a successful track record of exceeding results aligned with Medical Affairs and Annexon strategies.
- Demonstrated proficiency in communication and presentation skills, evidenced by the ability to rapidly analyze and distill complex scientific and medical data into effective communication for diverse audiences.
- Able to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
- Thorough knowledge of the healthcare landscape, including hospital systems, various points of care, and the roles of Healthcare Professionals (HCPs) in targeted therapeutic areas.
- In-depth understanding of the drug development process and the role of various internal and external stakeholders throughout different phases of research and development.
- Demonstrated capacity to work independently, prioritizing tasks, developing and executing action plans, while making compliant decisions.
- Comprehensive understanding of compliance, as well as the legal and regulatory landscape related to HCP interactions.
- Willingness to travel flexibly based on business needs, both nationally and internationally.
Preferred:
- Experience in medical affairs and/or clinical research and development is preferred.
- Specific therapeutic area expertise in neurology, neuromuscular diseases, and immunology is highly desirable.
Benefits:
- A stimulating and rewarding workplace, featuring flexible work schedules, remote work opportunities, and a strong emphasis on achieving work-life balance.
- Our headquarters in Brisbane, CA, is conveniently located with shuttle service from BART, CalTrain, and the Ferry.
- Annexon offers a competitive base salary, equity participation, an employee stock purchase plan, and a comprehensive health benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, 401(k), flexible spending plans, along with additional perks.
Annexon Biosciences is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, prohibiting any form of discrimination or harassment. We strive to create an environment where ALL individuals feel welcomed and supported. We cultivate a culture of inclusion for all employees that honors their unique strengths, perspectives, and experiences. Embracing our differences allows us to become a stronger team, leading to superior decision-making, innovation, and positive business outcomes. An atmosphere of openness, inclusion, and mutual respect is essential for fostering creativity and innovation.
Staffing Agencies:
Annexon Biosciences does not accept unsolicited agency resumes and will not compensate third-party agencies or firms that lack a signed agreement with Annexon Biosciences. We respectfully request that agency CVs or resumes not be submitted through Annexon’s website or by Annexon Employees. Inquiries should be directed to talentacquisition@annexonbio.com with the subject line: Staffing Agency Request.
Interview with Dr. Jane Smith, VP of Medical Affairs, Integrated Medical Excellence at Annexon Biosciences
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Smith. Annexon Biosciences is known for its innovative approach to treating neuroinflammatory conditions. Can you explain how your focus on upstream C1q is changing the landscape of treatment for these diseases?
Dr. Smith: Absolutely, and thank you for having me. Our approach targets C1q, a key component in the classical complement cascade, which is often activated in various autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases. By intervening at this early stage, we aim to halt the inflammatory process before it escalates, potentially revolutionizing treatment for conditions like Guillain-Barré syndrome and Huntington’s disease. This could lead to better patient outcomes and significantly reduce the burden of these diseases.
Editor: That’s fascinating. You mentioned successful proof-of-concept data in your clinical trials. How is Annexon planning to expedite the development of new therapies based on these promising results?
Dr. Smith: Our focus now is on advancing our mid- to late-stage clinical trials as quickly and efficiently as possible. We’ve assembled a dedicated team in the Medical Affairs department, which I lead, to ensure streamlined operations and compliance, allowing us to maximize the effectiveness of our resources. Additionally, we are collaborating with various internal and external stakeholders to refine our trial processes and enhance our communication strategies, ensuring that we bring these therapies to market swiftly.
Editor: As a leader in Medical Affairs, diversity and inclusion must be important to you. Can you share how Annexon is fostering a diverse workforce?
Dr. Smith: Absolutely, diversity and inclusion are at the core of our values at Annexon. We believe that diverse teams drive innovation and bring a variety of perspectives to problem-solving. That’s why we are actively encouraging applicants from all backgrounds to join us. We understand that non-traditional paths can provide unique insights and experiences that can benefit our mission. We’re committed to creating an environment that celebrates differences and supports every team member in contributing to our shared goals.
Editor: With such a comprehensive role, what skills or experiences do you find most critical for someone stepping into the VP, Medical Affairs position?
Dr. Smith: A successful candidate for this role should possess a deep understanding of both the scientific and patient care landscapes. Experience in Medical Affairs is crucial, especially in managing complex teams and developing strategic communications. Proficiency in translating complex scientific data into clear insights for diverse audiences is also key. We look for candidates who can navigate the regulatory environment adeptly while being able to prioritize and execute multiple tasks seamlessly. An innovative mindset paired with strong collaboration skills across departments will be invaluable as well.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights, Dr. Smith. It seems like an exciting time for both Annexon and the larger biopharmaceutical community.
Dr. Smith: Thank you! We’re truly excited about the future and the potential impact of our research. We appreciate the opportunity to share our vision, and we look forward to continuing to make strides in improving patient outcomes.
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, and best of luck with your ongoing efforts at Annexon Biosciences!
Dr. Smith: Thank you! It was my pleasure.
Think are most critical for someone aspiring to join your team in the VP, Medical Affairs position?
Dr. Smith: A successful candidate must possess a strong scientific background, ideally with a degree in a healthcare or medical field. Experience in the pharmaceutical or biotech sectors is crucial, especially in Medical Affairs or Medical Communications. Given the complexity of the role, leadership qualities, effective communication skills, and the ability to collaborate across various functions are essential. Additionally, familiarity with the drug development process and an understanding of compliance are vital to ensure we navigate the regulatory landscape effectively. We’re looking for individuals who are not only experts in their field but also passionate about making a difference in patient care.
Editor: It sounds like a challenging yet rewarding role. what message would you like to convey to potential applicants who are considering joining Annexon Biosciences?
Dr. Smith: I would say, if you’re driven by a desire to innovate and improve patient outcomes, we encourage you to apply! At Annexon, you’re joining a team that is deeply committed to making a meaningful impact in the healthcare landscape. We value creativity, compassion, and diverse perspectives, and we’re looking for passionate individuals willing to challenge the status quo and contribute their unique talents to our mission. Together, we can drive the change that will help countless individuals suffering from debilitating diseases.
Editor: Thank you so much, Dr. Smith. Your insights into Annexon Biosciences’ mission and vision are truly inspiring. We wish you and your team the best of luck in your ongoing work and clinical trials!
Dr. Smith: Thank you for having me! It was a pleasure to share our work and vision with your audience.
