Executive Director, US Medical Research & Strategy, Operations, and Engagement

Merck & Co.; Basking Ridge (NJ); On-site; USD 272,000 - 453,000; Full time

Job summary

Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. is seeking an Executive Director of US Medical Research & Strategy to lead oncology medical affairs, strategy, and communications across late clinical phases through launch and post‑approval.

The role collaborates with Clinical Research and commercial teams to shape medical objectives and lifecycle strategies. The position oversees a team, builds partnerships with external experts, and drives scientific engagement, education initiatives, and post‑approval programs while

Qualifications

• Education: Advanced doctorate in medical/scientific field; MD strongly preferred; Oncology board/qualification or equivalent experience preferred
• Experience: 10+ years in oncology/clinical/scientific roles; strong cross-functional collaboration; leadership of high‑performing teams; oncology medical strategies and clinical trial implementation experience

Responsibilities

• Lead US Medical Affairs oncology team and interact with external experts, advisory boards, and investigator-initiated studies.
• Oversee brand plans and medical objectives across launch to post‑launch stages.
• Represent US/Global Medical Affairs in development committees and life cycle management; align with Global Medical Affairs.
• Oversee data interpretation, publication, and scientific content for education initiatives.
• Develop and manage annual operating plan and budget for Oncology Medical Strategy; lead Medical Affairs leadership.
• Provide strategic operational leadership for US Medical Affairs, including patient advocacy and engagement.

Job description

Job Requisition ID: 2042

Posting Start Date: 8/17/26

At Daiichi Sankyo, we are united by a single purpose, to improve lives around the world through innovative medicines. With a legacy of innovation since 1899, a presence in more than 30 countries, and more than 19,000 employees, we are advancing breakthrough therapies in oncology, cardiovascular disease, rare diseases, and immune disorders. Guided by our 2030 vision to "be an innovative global healthcare company contributing to the sustainable development of society", we are shaping a healthier, more hopeful future for patients, their families, and society.

Job Summary

This Executive Director, US Medical Research & Strategy role oversees and manages US Medical Affairs activities including strategy, communications, and medical affairs directed clinical activities across the assigned portion of the oncology portfolio. The position has leadership responsibility for Medical Affairs personnel working on Oncology products that can range from late clinical phases through launch and post-approval. In partnership with the New Product or Commercial Brand Teams, the Medical Affairs lead develops the medical/commercial strategy based on the scientific development and appropriate communication for the products. The position must effectively collaborate with Clinical Research and with co‑promote or co‑development partners to effectively guide the scientific efforts needed in support of Daiichi Sankyo brands. Additionally, the Executive Director contributes to excellence in clinical research by developing strategies for lifecycle management, IIS programs and post‑approval clinical programs in consultation with commercial, development and outside experts, and by building the image of the company as a partner in research projects. This role also oversees operational excellence, patient advocacy, and scientific engagement for US Medical Affairs.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the face of Daiichi Sankyo US Medical Affairs to external stakeholders. Oversee a Medical Affairs oncology team that works alongside Oncology Field Medical Affairs for interactions with Key External Experts in Oncology including advisory boards, Congress activities, and investigator initiated studies, advocacy and sponsorships. Interact with investigators and members of the medical community to assist in understanding current academic, clinical trial and practice issues related to DS Oncology development and therapeutic strategies.
• Partner with the marketing, medical access, business operations and commercial teams to oversee and assume responsibility for brand plans, including Medical objectives, strategies and tactics leading up to launch and carrying through to later stages of commercialization.
• For Oncology portfolio serve as the US Medical Affairs lead or Global lead in development committees and global medical affairs activities. Represent Medical Affairs in new product planning, life cycle management, co‑development and co‑promotion discussions. Foster bidirectional communication and alignment between US and Global Medical Affairs.
• Oversee the interpretation, publication/ public disclosure and interpretation of scientific data generated by studies conducted by the Oncology teams. Oversee the development of scientific content for medical communication and scientific education initiatives that occur as a result of studies conducted by the Oncology teams.
• Attract and develop US Medical Affairs talent in oncology. Oversee the team, as well, develop and effectively manage annual operating plan and budget for the Oncology Medical Strategy Group. Support the US Medical Affairs department through participation on the Medical Affairs Leadership Team and serve as the voice for oncology within the department.
• Provides strategic and operational leadership for US Medical Affairs, with accountability for oversight and performance of key capabilities, including operations, patient advocacy, and scientific engagement. Oversees the Chief of Staff function and broader operations team, enabling alignment, execution, and delivery of business priorities through integrated teams.

Qualifications

Education Qualifications

Advanced doctorate degree (PharmD, PhD, MD, DO or equivalent) in medical/scientific area required; MD strongly preferred; Board Certified/Eligible in Oncology or related specialty or equivalent clinical or research experience preferred

Experience Qualifications

10 or More Years overall related experience required Oncology, clinical, scientific experience and/or fluency required Proven track record of excellent internal and external collaboration, with experience working successfully with cross‑functional teams to achieve business results required Experience leading high performing teams with a focus on delivering results required Experience with oncology medical strategies and clinical trial implementation required 10 or More Years of experience in clinical / research / academic medicine or equivalent pharmaceutical industry experience preferred

Travel Requirements

Ability to travel up to 40% of the time.

Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Salary Range:

USD$271,500.00 - USD$452,500.00

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