Scholar Rock is a biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops, and delivers life-changing therapies for people with serious diseases that have high unmet need. As a global leader in the biology of the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) superfamily of cell proteins and named for the visual resemblance of a scholar rock to protein structures, the clinical-stage company is focused on advancing innovative treatments where protein growth factors are fundamental. Over the past decade, the company has created a pipeline with the potential to advance the standard of care for neuromuscular disease, cardiometabolic disorders, cancer, and other conditions where growth factor-targeted drugs can play a transformational role.
Scholar Rock is the only company to show clinical proof of concept for a muscle-targeted treatment in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). This commitment to unlocking fundamentally different therapeutic approaches is powered by broad application of a proprietary platform, which has developed novel monoclonal antibodies to modulate protein growth factors with extraordinary selectivity. By harnessing cutting-edge science in disease spaces that are historically under-addressed through traditional therapies, Scholar Rock works every day to create new possibilities for patients. Learn more about the company’s approach at ScholarRock.com and follow @ScholarRock and on LinkedIn.
Summary of Position:
Reporting to the SVP of Medical Affairs, the Global Head, Scientific Communication will manage a team of publication/medical communication leads to drive and oversee the development and execution of our medical, clinical, and scientific data dissemination strategy. The strategy includes tactics for external communications through publications including abstract submissions to medical and scientific congresses, posters, platform presentations, manuscripts (primary and secondary) and medical education tools (approved slide decks, medical booth resources, symposia and advisory board content). Internal communication tactics include development of the scientific platform, lexicon, FAQs/backgrounders and annotations.
Tactical implementation will involve collaboration with external authors and academic experts to motivate, drive, and encourage collaborating coauthors and internal resources towards successful publications and development of relevant medical education materials. In addition to authors, a key element of this role will require working closely with cross-functional teams and internal stakeholders from multiple regions and countries to drive the integration of scientific, clinical, and commercial priorities. The ideal candidate will have experience and a proven track record of success in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry, with a strong background in publication planning, medical communications and medical affairs activities.
This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a passionate, high profile, high-impact global medical affairs team, and work in a highly dynamic and collaborative setting. Domestic and international travel (20-25%). Although a physical presence in Cambridge is preferred, we would consider a remote employee who is able to travel to Cambridge regularly.
Position Responsibilities
- Set the strategic and tactical plan of the scientific communication function in full alignment with the overall Medical Strategy
- Establish and maintain collaborative partnerships with clinical, medical affairs and business leads to align on the scientific communications strategy across products’ life cycle
- Manage team to execute on the development of (and updates to) the yearly global publication and medical communication plans for our portfolio
- Manage the scientific communication budget and participate in budget forecasting meetings to advise on long-term budget plan, vendors, and resource allocation decisions within your team
- Ensure that key data, strategically aligned scientific communication points, elements from other internal guidance and resource documents are included appropriately in publications, and that statements and conclusions are accurate, balanced, and supported by appropriate data
- Ensure appropriate tracking and execution of the publications tactical plan for assigned product(s) in accordance to established priorities and company key performance indicators.
- Provide medical input to brand teams regarding strategy, tactics, and development of claims for assigned product(s)
- Serve as an internal expert for product and disease-state for the training of internal colleagues within the disease area(s), partner with scientific communication training lead, regional medical affairs training leads, and BU commercial training function
- Facilitate engagement with external investigators and KOLs when appropriate, as authors for publication development and advisors for medical education initiatives
- Participate in relevant cross-functional teams and task forces to represent the global medical scientific communications team and make presentations to colleagues and senior management as needed
- Lead the development of company guidelines and SOPs pertaining to Medical Communications
Candidate Requirements
- Advance degree in life or pharmaceutical sciences (MD, Pharm.D, PhD) with 5+ years of relevant work experience
- Rare diseases and a minimum of 8+ years pharma/biotech industry global or US MA experience highly preferred
- Ability to interpret and critique scientific and medical literature with respect to scientific and business implications are essential
- Experience and demonstrated skill in the analysis, communication and presentation of complex scientific and medical data. Track record of successfully developing peer-reviewed publications is required
- Exemplary customer facing skills, and the capability to collaborate with external Key Opinion Leaders on data dissemination strategies in a credible, responsive and customer focused manner is a necessity
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, written and verbal; comfortable and experienced in making presentations
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a matrix environment
- Experience collaborating with and supporting global medical scientific teams
- Knowledge of industry guidelines pertaining to data dissemination (e.g., CONSORT, ICMJE, GPPs, AMA style) and interactions with health care providers (e.g., PhRMA Code, AdvaMed guidelines)
- Strong organizational skills and business planning, including development of a budget and adherence to targets
- Previous managerial experience
Scholar Rock is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
