Global Medical Director External Programs

Are you passionate about changing the lives of people living with rare diseases?

Do you have experience leading the development and execution of Global Medical Affairs external programs?

If so, now is your chance to join Ascendis Pharma as our new Global Medical Director External Programs.

Ascendis Pharma is a fast-growing biopharmaceutical company with locations in Denmark, Germany, the United States, UK, Italy, Spain, and France.

We are applying our TransCon technology to build a leading, fully integrated biopharmaceutical company focused on making a meaningful difference in patients’ lives. Guided by our core values of patients, science, and passion, we use our TransCon® drug development platform to fulfill our mission of developing new and potentially best-in-class therapies to address unmet medical needs. Today, we have a growing pipeline of prodrug therapies in development, each designed to be a best-in-class therapy.

We are seeking a passionate Global Medical Director External Programs to join our growing team. As a key member of the Ascendis Pharma team, you will play a crucial role in leading the development and execution of Global Medical Affairs external programs across the endocrine portfolio at above-country level. This includes overseeing various projects and initiatives like potentially Investigator Initiated Studies management, Early Access Program management, patient advocacy management and more.

You will work closely with the rest of the Global Medical Affairs Strategy department including TA specific Global Medical Directors to align on the development and execution of the overall Medical Affairs Strategy.

This is an exciting opportunity to work in a fast-paced environment, collaborate with cross-functional, global teams working together to achieve extraordinary results.

You will be joining the Global Medical Affairs team consisting of 30 colleagues across US and Europe, and report directly to Anne Bro Bjørnelund, Head of Global Medical Affairs Strategy, who is based in Hellerup, Denmark. You will be based in the Hellerup office.

Your key responsibilities will be:

• Coordinate external medical programs: Oversee planning, implementation, and evaluation of studies, access programs, and advocacy efforts.
• Ensure collaboration with Commercial and Marketing teams: Provide medical support pre- and post-launch.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams: Align on strategic priorities with Clinical, Regulatory, and other departments.
• Strategic operational planning: Develop efficient plans within budget, integrating external resources.
• Direct complex project management: Lead projects for high-quality outcomes.
• Execute Early Access Program planning: Manage all aspects of EAPs, applying risk management principles.
• Provide scientific and strategic guidance: Advise stakeholders on medical programs alignment.
• Represent the company externally: Attend meetings to enhance visibility and build relationships.
• Lead patient advocacy initiatives: Develop policies and strategies to engage with patients.
• Collaborate internally on business initiatives: Define projects supporting company goals.
• Ensure compliance: Uphold SOPs and regulatory standards in all activities.

Qualifications and Skills:

You hold a relevant academic degree – preferably a MD, PharmaD, Ph.d. or equivalent degree from life science, medicine, or a related field – and +5 years of experience within medical affairs, medical education, or related field within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.

Knowledge of relevant therapeutic areas and disease states preferred.

Furthermore, you have:

• A proven track record of successfully managing external programs and collaborations with healthcare professionals and other stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of medical science, clinical research methodologies, and regulatory requirements.
• A strong ability to interpret and articulate clinical/HEOR data and the impact on clinical development and commercial programs.
• In depth understanding of compliance and regulatory requirements for pharmaceutical Medical Affairs, R&D and Commercial activities.
• Knowledge of evidence-based medicine concepts applied biostatistics and health economics are desirable.

Key competencies:

You are a strong team player, analytical, and have a can-do attitude.

You possess an entrepreneurial mindset and can thrive in an informal, open environment where innovation and change are key.

The ideal candidate both has excellent project management skills combined with great stakeholder management skills. To succeed in this role, we also expect you to possess the ability to lead strategically, drive performance, build alignment, inform, negotiate, and collaborate across partnerships.

Travel: 20 - 30 days per year.

Office: Hellerup, Denmark.

Apply now.

Applications will be evaluated when received, so please apply as soon as possible.

All applications must be submitted in English and are treated confidentially.

For more details about the position or the company, please contact Anne Bro Bjørnelund, Head of Global Medical Affairs Strategy, abb@ascendispharma.com or visit out website www.ascendispharma.com

Last updated on Apr 12, 2024