US Strategy Lead Director Medical Affairs (USDMA)/ Rheumatology & Dermatology (Remote)

Merck; Dover (DE); Remote; USD 187,000 - 295,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical company is seeking a US Director of Medical Affairs to strategically drive scientific excellence in rheumatology. The role involves overseeing regional strategies, engaging with cross-functional teams, and fostering scientific exchange. Candidates should have an advanced degree, significant medical affairs experience, and strong networking skills. The role offers a competitive salary range of $187,000 to $294,400 and eligibility for bonuses and benefits.

Benefits

Comprehensive healthcare benefits

401(k) retirement plan

Paid holidays and vacation

Qualifications

• Advanced degree relevant to the therapeutic area.
• Minimum of 5 years of medical affairs experience.
• Demonstrated Execution Excellence with complex projects.
• Expertise in interpreting complex scientific concepts.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement regional strategies aligned with V&I goals.
• Identify and prioritize US field resources and training needs.
• Manage programs for safe utilization of company medicines.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to address indications and emerging science.

Skills

Clinical Research

Communication

External Collaboration

Investigator-Initiated Studies (IIS)

Medical Affairs

Pharmaceutical Medical Affairs

Pharmacoeconomics

Professional Networking

Rheumatology

Strategic Planning

Strategic Thinking

Education

MD, PhD, or PharmD relevant to rheumatology

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Job Description

Role Summary

The US Director Medical Affairs (USDMA) is a regionally based position within our Company Research Laboratories, US Medical Affairs (our Research and Development Division USMA), and is a US Country Level Strategic director focusing on Rheumatology & Dermatology. This position strategically drives scientific excellence across in-line business and the One Company's Pipeline while optimizing field readiness across the USMA strategic pillars:

• Scientific Exchange
• Company Trials
• Investigator-Sponsored Programs
• Congresses
• Insights

The US DMA is an experienced therapeutic area (TA) leader and subject matter expert (SME) with relevant medical affairs and field medical experience. This role is also responsible for driving execution of scientific and medical affairs plans for assigned Therapy Areas within their region, engaging with regional cross-functional teams, and providing US input to the relevant cross-functional team meetings, e.g., US MAT, PAT, MT and V&I Plans.

As a core member (or co-lead) of the US Medical Affairs Team (MAT), the US DMA collaborates with the Global TA team and cross-functional partners to enable US regional implementation of Value & Implementation (V&I) Planning by:

• Integrating local insights into Global Scientific Value Content (GSVC) and Center of Scientific Exchange Excellence (CSEE) plans
• Facilitating local adoption of GSVC and CSEE initiatives
• Leading development and execution of aligned local training programs
• Evaluating training effectiveness and application in the field.

Primary Responsibilities

• In collaboration with USMA Executive Director (ED) and Health Systems Payor Access Strategy Lead (PASL), conduct development and implementation of regional strategies aligned with headquarters V&I goals including defining a prioritized USMA Field strategy and implementation goals.
• Contribute to the integrated US Country Medical Affairs Plan (CMAP), including the US Field Medical Plan (FMP)/Field Engagement Plan (FEP) and field training plan for assigned TA as a member of the USMA TA Leadership Team
• Identifies and prioritizes US field resources, training needs and activities; and in collaboration with GMVC, ensures strategically aligned content and training and any other needed adult learning activities across the portfolio. This would also include the pull-through of pre- and post-congress regional training and content.
• Develop a strategic and comprehensive scientific engagement plan and ensure scientific exchange aligns with the global scientific communications platform.
• Ensure insights from advisory boards and field medical activities are actioned with relevant stakeholders, aligned with Country Medical Affairs priorities, and monitored for trends impacting future strategy.
• In collaboration with relevant USMA stakeholders (e.g. HS PASL), organize expert input events (e.g., advisory boards, forums) with contracted Scientific Leaders and key stakeholders to address new indication implementation and/or emerging science.
• Manage programs (i.e. patient support, education, risk management) as needed for appropriate and safe utilization of company medicines.
• Partner with GSVC, CSEE, US Global Clinical Trial Organization (GCTO), Global Medical and Scientific Affairs (GMSA) TA leads, and internal/external SMEs to orchestrate and deliver regional training as needed.
• Participate in bi-directional information exchange and sharing of best practices across USMA roles and teams, including Health Systems.
• Collaborate with the USMA Field Medical Alignment Director (FMAD) to ensure consistent standards, processes, and harmonization for training activities (e.g., clinical immersions, verbalizations, journal clubs).
• Provide input into strategic congress priorities and participate in planning at key scientific congresses.
• Continuously monitor healthcare environment and emerging trends to optimize CMAPs and field execution plans.

Additional Responsibilities (as applicable)

• Serve as a point of contact for development and maintenance of US new-hire scientific foundational onboarding in collaboration with leadership and SMEs.
• Work with USMA Leadership and GMVC stakeholders to ensure consistent verbalization processes for new hires and tenured RMSDs regarding new data, indications, and disease areas.
• Provide support for the Investigator Studies Program (ISP) for assigned TA, including Areas of Interest consultation, dissemination, data highlights, training, and scientific review as requested by the GMSA ED.

Required Qualifications, Skills & Experience

• An advanced degree (e.g., MD, PhD, PharmD) relevant to the TA-specific disease area and recognized medical expertise in the TA (rheumatology)
• A minimum of 5 years of medical affairs experience or equivalent clinical/research experience
• A minimum of 3 years of working in therapeutic area (clinical, research, or pharmaceutical environment) or within a highly relevant TA with demonstrated scientific acumen
• Proven ability in Strategic Decision Making & Planning, including helping the US Executive Director prioritize initiatives across the portfolio.
• Demonstrated Execution Excellence with a track record of leading complex projects, managing multiple priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong Emotional Intelligence to foster trust and respect within a complex, matrixed organizational structure.
• Exceptional Networking & Partnerships skills to collaborate effectively across diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Agile mindset as a Change Catalyst, committed to experimenting, learning, and adapting in response to evolving business needs, and capable of driving continuous improvement.
• Expertise in interpreting and communicating complex scientific concepts clearly in both one-on-one and group settings.
• Deep knowledge of the US healthcare system, including national treatment guidelines, clinical research processes, FDA regulations, and OIG compliance.
• The ability to travel up to 40% (i.e.: Congresses)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Field Medical Affairs experience.
• University-level teaching experience and understanding of adult learning principles.
• Experience with innovative pharmaceutical training platforms.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Ability to quickly assimilate new subject areas and work independently on complex problems

#eligibleforERP

Current Employees apply HERE (https://wd5.myworkday.com/msd/d/task/1422$6687.htmld)

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE (https://wd5.myworkday.com/msd/d/task/1422$4020.htmld)

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here (https://survey.sogosurvey.com/r/aCdfqL) if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:

EEOC Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights_10_20.pdf)

EEOC GINA Supplement

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.

Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts (https://www.msdprivacy.com/us/en/CCPA-notice/)

U.S. Hybrid Work Model

Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office-based positions in the U.S. will be working a Hybrid work consisting of three total days on-site per week, Monday - Thursday, although the specific days may vary by site or organization, with Friday designated as a remote-working day, unless business critical tasks require an on-site presence.This Hybrid work model does not apply to, and daily in-person attendance is required for, field-based positions; facility-based, manufacturing-based, or research-based positions where the work to be performed is located at a Company site; positions covered by a collective-bargaining agreement (unless the agreement provides for hybrid work); or any other position for which the Company has determined the job requirements cannot be reasonably met working remotely. Please note, this Hybrid work model guidance also does not apply to roles that have been designated as “remote”.

The salary range for this role is

$187,000.00 - $294,400.00

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.

The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits .

You can apply for this role through https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.

San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully

Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.

Employee Status:

Regular

Relocation:

No relocation

VISA Sponsorship:

No

Travel Requirements:

50%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Remote

Shift:

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

n/a

Required Skills:

Clinical Research, Communication, External Collaboration, Investigator-Initiated Studies (IIS), Medical Affairs, Pharmaceutical Medical Affairs, Pharmacoeconomics, Professional Networking, Rheumatology, Strategic Planning, Strategic Thinking

Preferred Skills:

Job Posting End Date:

10/11/2025

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.

Requisition ID: R365367