Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, and with offices in Boston, Massachusetts, and Dublin, Ireland, Ionis has been at work for more than three decades discovering medical breakthroughs that have redefined life for people with serious diseases. We’re pioneers in RNA-targeted medicines, and our platform continues to revolutionize drug discovery and transform lives for patients with unmet needs.  With multiple marketed medicines and a leading pipeline in neurology, cardiology and select areas of high patient needs, we continue to drive innovation in RNA therapies in addition to advancing new approaches in gene editing to provide greater value to patients and are well positioned financially to deliver on our strategic goals.

At Ionis, we pride ourselves on cultivating a challenging, motivating and rewarding environment that fosters innovation and scientific excellence. We know that our success is a direct result of the exceptional talents and dedication of our employees. 

With an unprecedented opportunity to change the course of human health, we look to add diverse individuals, skill sets and perspectives to our exceptional team. We continue to invest time, money and energy into making our onsite, hybrid and remote work environments a place where solid and lasting relationships are built and where our culture and employees can thrive. 

We’re building on our rich history, and we believe our greatest achievements are ahead of us. If you’re passionate about the opportunity to have meaningful impact on patients in need, we invite you to apply and join us. Experience and contribute to our unique culture while you develop and expand your career!

VICE PRESIDENT, MEDICAL AFFAIRS CARDIOMETABOLIC THERAPEUTTIC AREA LEAD

SUMMARY:

The Medical Affairs Cardiometabolic (CM) Therapy Area (TA) Lead is a key member of Ionis’ Medical Affairs department, reporting directly to the SVP of Medical Affairs and overseeing all Medical Affairs aspects of the CM TA with a focus on their growing ApoCIII franchise. This role will oversee a team of Field Medical Directors (FMDs) and Medical Directors. As Medical Affairs’ subject matter expert for their CM assets, this role will hold a key leadership position and be responsible for developing integrated medical strategies and plans for their CM therapies. This role will work with other Medical Affairs partners to drive the delivery of high-quality scientific, medical, and strategic communications and evidence generation strategies supporting the Ionis cardiometabolic assets. This role will outline the global medical strategy for olezarsen and future pipeline assets and will work closely with Ionis’ partners commercializing olezarsen outside of the US.

The CM TA Lead will work closely with Ionis leadership and various internal departments to support clinical development, regulatory, and commercial strategies in line with compliance, legal, and regulatory standards. This role will maintain positive professional relationships with the medical community to identify current and future business opportunities and emerging medical and healthcare practices.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in medical affairs, leadership experience, and a deep understanding of healthcare systems and policies. The role requires a visionary leader who can balance strategic planning and operational execution, ensuring that the organization remains at the forefront of medical affairs excellence. This role will also play a critical role in mentoring medical affairs staff, managing a budget, and representing both the CM medical team and Ionis in internal and professional forums.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensure the planning and execution of integrated medical strategies for olezarsen and all wholly owned CM assets. Develop annual Medical Affairs Plans for cardiometabolic assets, clearly outlining medical strategic imperatives, critical success factors, and tactics, including evidence generation activities
• Oversee key Medical Affairs programs and develop KPIs to track the success of the medical strategy and plan
• Work closely with Scientific Communications to craft communication strategies and publication plans
• Represent the voice of Medical at the Brand Team and Project Team
• Maintain strong scientific knowledge of the cardiometabolic market from both a scientific perspective as well as from the perspective of the current and future competitive landscape
• Be able to provide medical insights contributing to pipeline growth and portfolio development
• Provide medical insights and guidance for product strategies, medical review, competitive intelligence, and health outcomes
• Oversee a group of 13 individuals, including FMDs and Medical Directors
• Lead, hire, engage, coach, and develop a high-performing medical team to foster commitment to excellence and a culture of collaboration
• Work closely with Medical Affairs colleagues to ensure appropriate budget setting, resource allocation, and expense monitoring.
• Build partnerships and relationships with the scientific and medical community; represent the company externally in scientific presentations, conferences, and industry groups
• Ensure compliance of all Medical Affairs activities with all local regulatory and legal requirements

REQUIREMENTS:

The successful candidate will possess the following:

• Doctorate degree required (i.e., MD, OD, PhD, PharmD)
• 15+ years of Medical Affairs experience with specific experience in cardiometabolic disorders required
• Significant contributions towards, and a track record of, successful product launches and lifecycle planning
• Experience working with the US markets required
• Experience leading teams required
• Strong organizational skills, delivering on commitments in a timely manner, while maintaining a strong customer focus.
• Entrepreneurial thinking, self-starter with a positive can-do attitude.
• Experience reviewing, approving, and overseeing post-marketing clinical studies
• Demonstrated ability to successfully communicate scientific results and effectively respond to data queries from customers and/or consultants
• Ability to handle ambiguity and uncertainty, make appropriate prioritization decisions, and drive projects to completion
• Ability to travel 30% to 50% of the time
• Results-oriented with a bias to act and an innovative approach to addressing business challenges
• Excellent judgment and willingness to take prudent risks
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills

Please visit our website, http://www.ionis.com, for more information about Ionis and to apply for this position; reference requisition #IONIS003489

Ionis offers an excellent benefits package! Follow this link for more details: Ionis Benefits

Full Benefits Link: https://www.ionis.com/careers/working-at-ionis/#:~:text=to%20Applicants%C2%A0%C2%BB-,Benefits,-Employees%20are%20rewarded

The pay scale for this position is $310,304 – $403,339

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. PRINCIPALS ONLY.

Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and all its subsidiaries are proud to be EEO employers.