Vice President, Medical Affairs - Strategy

Rokos Group; Irvine (CA); Hybrid; USD 288,000 - 405,000; Full time

Job summary

Tarsus Pharmaceuticals seeks a Vice President of Medical Affairs – Strategy to drive innovation and medical strategies in a fast-growing and collaborative environment. The role emphasizes engagement with C-suite executives and leading Medical Affairs teams to improve patient care in eye health. Candidates need substantial experience within the pharmaceutical industry, specifically in ophthalmology.

Qualifications

• 15+ years in pharmaceutical/biotech or eye care clinical settings.
• Extensive leadership in Medical Affairs, preferably in ophthalmology.

Responsibilities

• Leading innovation and medical strategies within the company.
• Engaging with industry experts and leading post-market research.

Skills

Leadership

Clinical Research

Medical Affairs

Collaboration

Ophthalmology Knowledge

Education

OD or MD / DO specializing in ophthalmology

Job description

Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ : TARS) is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development and commercialization of innovative treatments that address significant unmet medical needs. Founded with a vision to revolutionize patient care, Tarsus combines cutting-edge science with novel therapeutic approaches to create targeted solutions for conditions that have long been underserved in the healthcare industry.

Since its inception, Tarsus has rapidly established itself as a leader in ophthalmology and beyond, pioneering new treatments in eye care, dermatology, and infectious disease prevention. Headquartered in Irvine, California, the company operates with a deep commitment to research excellence, scientific rigor, and patient-centered innovation.

Tarsus takes a differentiated approach by addressing the root causes of diseases, focusing on high-value, first-in-class treatments. With a leadership team composed of industry veterans and scientific experts, the company has built a strong foundation for continued growth, expansion, and clinical success.

At Tarsus, the culture is driven by a commitment to patients, innovation, and teamwork. Employees are encouraged to think boldly, challenge conventions, and contribute to groundbreaking advancements in medicine. This passion for transformation fuels every aspect of the company’s operations, from early-stage research to global commercialization efforts.

The Opportunity

Vice President of Medical Affairs – Strategy As Tarsus Pharmaceuticals continues its growth and expansion, the Vice President of Medical Affairs – Strategy will serve as a key subject matter expert across all functions, playing a pivotal leadership role in driving innovation, shaping transformative medical strategies, and making a lasting impact on the future of eye care and beyond. Reporting to the Chief Medical Officer, this leader will be instrumental in developing evidence-based medical strategies that fuel corporate growth, scientific advancements, and product innovation. They will collaborate closely with the Medical Affairs Operations team, engage with top industry experts, spearhead post-market research, and lead groundbreaking initiatives that elevate patient care and redefine the future of eye health.

This is a rare opportunity to be at the forefront of medical transformation in a fast-growing, innovation-driven company that values collaboration, empowerment, and patient impact.

Experience & Qualifications

Industry & Functional Experience :

• 15+ years of progressive experience in the pharmaceutical / biotech industry or in an eye care clinical setting.
• Extensive leadership experience in Medical Affairs, with deep knowledge of ophthalmology or related therapeutic areas strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated expertise in drug development, clinical trials, post-marketing research, and lifecycle management.
• Proven success leading product launches and / or lifecycle product management in high-growth or innovation-driven environments.
• Strong track record in leading evidence generation and publication strategies to reinforce scientific credibility and support commercialization.
• Strong understanding of clinical research methodologies, regulatory frameworks, and medical compliance, with the ability to provide cross-functional guidance on approval strategies and product risk assessment.

Leadership & Cross-Functional Impact :

• Strong executive presence with the ability to lead across clinical, commercial, and corporate functions.
• History of successful collaboration with C-suite executives and key external stakeholders.
• Experienced in building and guiding high-performing, cross-functional teams within a Medical Affairs environment.
• Collaborative and team-oriented, with high emotional intelligence (EQ) to navigate complex internal and external dynamics.

Education :

• OD or MD / DO with specialization in ophthalmology or significant eye care experience strongly preferred.

Compensation

For the selected candidates, a complete and competitive compensation package will be offered which includes a base salary range of $288,700 – $404,300, plus bonus, stock equity, and a full suite of benefits. Remote work is an option with 50-60% travel.

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