Director Medical Affairs

Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Inc.; United States; On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biopharmaceutical company is seeking a Medical Director to engage with healthcare providers and support clinical research. The role requires an advanced clinical degree, at least 5 years of clinical experience in rheumatology, and expertise in scientific communication. Responsibilities include external engagement, developing medical strategies, and mentoring staff. Candidates should possess strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills. This position offers growth opportunities within a dynamic work environment and may involve travel to scientific congresses.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of clinical experience with expertise in rheumatology.
• Experience in Medical Affairs is preferred.
• Experience writing scientific publications.

Responsibilities

• Act as a primary contact for KOLs and HCPs.
• Support medical strategy for rheumatology.
• Deliver education to internal stakeholders.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Organizational skills

Clinical expertise in rheumatology

Ability to work independently

Education

Advanced clinical degree (MD/DO)

Job description

Our Mission: Changing the trajectory of autoimmune diseases.

Aurinia is a biopharmaceutical company focused on delivering therapies to people living with autoimmune diseases with high unmet medical needs. In January 2021, the Company introduced LUPKYNIS® (voclosporin), the first FDA‑approved oral therapy for the treatment of adult patients with active lupus nephritis. Aurinia is also developing AUR200, a dual inhibitor of B cell activating factor (BAFF) and a proliferation‑inducing ligand (APRIL) for the potential treatment of autoimmune diseases.

At Aurinia, we are passionate about changing the trajectory of autoimmune diseases. The Aurinia logo is a modern representation of the lotus flower, a symbol of life and health. Like the lotus, we are resilient in our efforts to develop breakthrough treatments that become the gold standard of patient care, enabling patients to live their fullest lives.

We are a dedicated team of experts, relentless in our pursuit of transformative therapies. Our values guide all that we do to help patients thrive.

Job Overview

The Medical Director is a therapeutic and disease‑area expert who serves as a key external medical and scientific resource for healthcare providers (HCPs), investigators, healthcare plans, hospital formulary, and key opinion leaders (KOLs). This role focuses on building trusted relationships, engaging in peer‑to‑peer scientific exchange, and ensuring timely, accurate, and balanced communication of medical information in key customer audiences including HCPs, healthcare plan and hospital decision‑makers and patient advocacy groups as appropriate. In addition, the Medical Director supports clinical research, internal training, publications, and cross‑functional initiatives to advance the company’s medical affairs strategy and objectives.

Primary Responsibilities

• External Engagement & Scientific Exchange
• Act as a primary point of contact for KOLs, investigators, and HCPs in relevant disease states with a focus on rheumatology and nephrology communities
• Develop and maintain strong professional relationships with national and regional experts.
• Conduct peer‑to‑peer scientific discussions to provide education on disease state and product data
• Respond to unsolicited requests for medical information in a timely and compliant manner.
• Identify and engage KOLs and HCPs for scientific input and collaboration opportunities.
• Attend and represent the company at key scientific and medical congresses to stay current with evolving practice and gather external insights.
• Support customer‑facing teams (e.g., Marketing, Market Access, Sales, Patient Services, etc.) while ensuring medical accuracy and compliance.

Medical Strategy & Planning

• Support the rheumatology components of the Medical Plan, including medical strategy, evidence generation, and tactical execution.
• Provide medical/scientific input to internal teams, helping shape strategy based on external insights and emerging treatment trends in lupus nephritis.
• Review investigator‑initiated and company‑sponsored studies for scientific merit and strategic alignment.

Content & Publications

• Support the development of external engagement materials, training resources, and Field Medical tools aligned with the Medical Plan.
• Contribute to publication planning and execution, including abstracts, posters, and manuscripts.
• Ensure scientific accuracy, balance, and compliance across all communication materials.

Internal Support & Training

• Deliver education and updates to internal stakeholders on evolving clinical practice, data, and therapeutic landscapes.
• Serve as a mentor and role model for field medical colleagues, supporting onboarding and therapeutic training.

Required Qualifications

• Advanced clinical degree (MD/DO) is required.
• Minimum 5 years of clinical experience with proven expertise in rheumatology.
• Advanced clinical and/or scientific knowledge in rheumatology.
• Strong ability to conduct peer‑to‑peer level scientific discussions/presentations with a variety of external and internal stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3+ years Medical Affairs experience (strongly preferred).
• Experience writing scientific publications, posters, and manuscripts.
• Clinical experience in rheumatology, chronic inflammation, or autoimmune diseases.
• Leadership and mentoring experience.

Knowledge & Skills

• Excellent organizational, prioritization, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and adapt in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment.
• Comfortable working in smaller, start‑up biotech setting.
• Willingness to travel (~30% potentially more).

Desired Competencies

All Employees:

• Being Resilient: Rebounding from setbacks and adversity when facing difficult situations.
• Collaborates: Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Communicates Effectively: Developing and delivering multi‑mode communications that convey a clear understanding of unique needs and different audiences.
• Customer Focus: Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer‑centric solutions.
• Decision Quality: Making good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward.
• Drives Engagement: Creating a climate where people are motivated to do their best to help the organization achieve its objectives.
• Drives Results: Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances.
• Ensures Accountability: Holding self and other accountable to meet commitments.
• Instills Trust: Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
• Plans & Aligns: Planning and prioritizing work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals.
• Self‑Development: Actively seeking new ways to grow and be challenged using both formal and informal development channels.
• Values Differences: Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to the organization.

People Leaders (in addition to All Employee competencies):

• Builds Effective Teams: Building strong‑identity teams that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to achieve.
• Resourcefulness: Securing and deploying resources effectively and efficiently.

Senior Leaders (In addition to All Employee and People Leader competencies):

• Drives Vision & Purpose: Painting a compelling picture of the vision and strategy that motivates others to action.
• Strategic Mindset: Seeing ahead to the future possibilities and translating them into breakthrough strategies.