Area Director, Field Medical Affairs (West)

Cogent Biosciences; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 250,000 - 295,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match with immediate vesting

Generous paid time off

12 weeks fully paid parental leave

wellness programs

tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Cogent Biosciences is hiring an Area Director for Field Medical Affairs in Boulder, CO. This leadership role requires managing a high-performing MSL team focused on advancing scientific understanding of their lead therapy, bezuclastinib. The ideal candidate will have over 15 years of experience in the biopharmaceutical sector, with at least 10 years in field leadership. Responsibilities include strategic planning, team development, and collaboration with key internal and external stakeholders. Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package offered.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of biopharmaceutical industry experience in relevant therapeutic areas.
• 10+ years of experience leading MSL Field Teams.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional partners.

Responsibilities

• Recruit, hire, develop, and retain a high-performing MSL Field Team.
• Develop and execute the Field Medical Affairs strategy.
• Coach, mentor, and develop team members.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Planning

Communication

Team Development

Scientific Understanding

Education

Advanced scientific or clinical degree (MD, PhD, PharmD, RN-NP, MS-CGC)

Tools

CRM and medical insight systems

Job description

Who We Are

Cogent Biosciences is a publicly traded biotechnology company focused on developing novel precision therapies to treat a broad range of patients with unmet medical needs. Cogent’s lead program, bezuclastinib, is designed to selectively and potently inhibit exon 17 mutations found within the KIT receptor tyrosine kinase, including KIT D816V. KIT D816V is responsible for driving a rare and serious condition called Systemic Mastocytosis, and exon 17 mutations are also found in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), a type of cancer with strong dependence on oncogenic KIT signaling. Bezuclastinib has exhibited promising initial data across all three trials: APEX in AdvSM, SUMMIT in NonAdvSM and PEAK in GIST, including an encouraging safety profile across 600+ patients in single agent and combination dosing.

The Role

The Area Director, Field Medical Affairs will lead one of two U.S. regions (East or West) within Cogent Biosciences’ Medical Science Liaison (MSL) Field Team. This role provides strategic and people leadership to a field‑based medical organization responsible for advancing scientific understanding of bezuclastinib, Cogent’s lead precision‑therapy program. The Area Director is responsible for managing, developing, and mentoring a high‑performing MSL team that serves on the front lines of scientific exchange and medical education. The Field Medical team engages Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), and Healthcare Providers (HCPs) involved in research and/or patient care in NonAdvSM, AdvSM, and GIST.

Responsibilities

• Recruit, hire, develop, and retain a high‑performing, best‑in‑class MSL Field Team
• Develop and execute the Field Medical Affairs strategy for the assigned Area in collaboration with the complementary Area Director, Medical Affairs leadership, and cross‑functional partners, ensuring alignment with corporate and program objectives
• Set clear individual and team goals, establish performance expectations, and hold team members accountable for consistent execution
• Provide strategic guidance and oversight of regional and territory‑level medical plans, ensuring structural consistency while enabling territory‑specific customization
• Oversee field operations, infrastructure, and systems to ensure high‑quality, consistent documentation and reporting, including medical and scientific field insights, competitive intelligence, and KOL/HCP engagement and development
• Coach, mentor, and develop team members through ongoing feedback, field observation, performance reviews, and development planning
• Ensure consistent training and continuing education to maintain strong scientific expertise, compliant field engagement, and readiness to support cross‑functional education as internal subject matter experts
• Foster a collaborative, high‑trust team environment and serve as a strong Medical Affairs partner across internal functions
• Demonstrate and model excellence in communicating complex scientific and clinical information across diverse audiences and formats
• Represent Cogent Biosciences at key scientific meetings and congresses, providing leadership and clarity on MSL roles, responsibilities, and coverage
• Manage headcount and operational budgets in alignment with approved plans, partnering closely with Finance and Medical Operations on forecasting and adjustments as needed

Qualifications

• Advanced scientific or clinical degree (MD, PhD, PharmD, RN‑NP, MS‑CGC)
• 15+ years of biopharmaceutical industry experience in relevant therapeutic areas (e.g., hematology, oncology, allergy/immunology, rare disease), including 10+ years in a field‑based role (sales and/or medical)
• 10+ years of experience leading MSL Field Teams, including through pre‑launch and commercial launch environments
• Proven people leadership experience with a strong track record in hiring, coaching, developing, and retaining high‑performing teams
• Demonstrated ability to align individual and team objectives to broaden business strategies and ensure consistent execution across field teams
• Experience ensuring high‑quality, consistent insight capture and KOL/HCP development documentation within CRM and medical insight systems
• Ability to synthesize and communicate field insights, trends, and opportunities clearly and consistently to inform business and medical strategy
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with demonstrated ability to operate compliantly in fast‑paced, evolving environments
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross‑functional partners
• Experience partnering with commercial field leadership (e.g., Regional Business Directors) to align territory strategy, roles, and execution while maintaining Medical Affairs independence
• Strong scientific and clinical acumen with the ability to communicate complex data to external experts and mentor MSLs on effective field engagement
• Demonstrated composure, sound judgment, and leadership presence in challenging or ambiguous situations
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively within the United States (≥50%)

Salary Range

$250k - $295k USD

Target Bonus: 25%

Exact compensation will vary based on skills, experience, and location.

Our Locations

Waltham, MA: Our headquarters is located in the Greater Boston life sciences community, with an open, collaborative office environment designed to support teamwork and connection. Employees benefit from convenient on‑site amenities, including free on‑site parking and gym facilities in the building.

Boulder, CO: Our Boulder location is home to Cogent’s discovery research organization and a key scientific hub with strong leadership based on site. Situated in the greater Denver‑Boulder biopharmaceutical corridor, this office plays a central role in advancing our discovery efforts and pipeline.

Our Offer To You

At Cogent Biosciences, we offer a competitive salary, bonus, and ongoing stock awards, alongside a benefits package that sets us apart. We cover 100% of medical, dental, and vision premiums for you and your family, and help reduce out‑of‑pocket costs by funding up to 75% of in‑network deductibles. Our benefits also include a 401(k) match with immediate vesting, generous paid time off, 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave, paid family and medical leave for all employees regardless of location, and company‑paid short‑term disability coverage for up to 20 weeks. Additional perks like wellness programs, tuition reimbursement, and inclusive family‑forming support help you thrive at work and beyond.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our goal is to have a diverse workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, age, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or disability, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.