Director, Field Medical Affairs - COVID​/Virology

Overview

The Director, Field Medical Affairs (FMA) in COVID-19/Virology is responsible for leading and managing a regional team of Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs), driving scientific engagement, and supporting the tactical execution of medical affairs strategies for COVID-19/Virology. This role ensures effective field-based medical activities, fosters MSL development, and maintains high standards of compliance and scientific exchange. The Director oversees the MSL team in cultivating Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) and emerging thought leaders at the regional and national levels.

This position supports the Senior Director, COVID-19/Virology FMA in team operations and collaborates closely with cross-functional partners, including the HQ Medical Team, Medical Operational Excellence, Medical Information, KAM Team Leads, and other key stakeholders. The Director, FMA is responsible for managing and directing MSL efforts, initiatives, and development in support of field-based medical strategy and reports to the Senior Director, FMA.

Below is a list of the main activities needed to fulfill the requirements of the role. It is not meant to be comprehensive, but rather provides an overview of the specialized skills and expertise required:

• Lead, coach, and develop a regional team of high-performing Medical Science Liaison (MSL) professionals, fostering their growth, managing performance, and guiding tactical execution to ensure impactful delivery of medical affairs initiatives.
• Manage the day-to-day operations of the assigned MSL team, ensuring effective coverage of key accounts, KOLs, and clinical sites within the region.
• Collaborate with the Senior Director, Field Medical Affairs to implement field-based medical plans and objectives that support Medical Affairs strategies for COVID-19/Virology products and associated disease states.
• Partner with recruiters, training, and operational colleagues to support recruitment and onboarding activities for new MSLs within the region.
• Work closely with the Field Medical Affairs Trainer to identify training needs, competency gaps, and development opportunities for the MSL team, supporting ongoing professional growth.
• Cultivate relationships with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) and emerging thought leaders at the regional and local levels, facilitating scientific exchange and engagement.
• Ensure robust, balanced, and compliant communication of medical and scientific information to external HCPs, KOLs, and investigators regarding marketed and pipeline products.
• Collaborate with Medical Affairs colleagues (Medical Directors, Medical Communications, Medical Information, etc.) to execute therapeutic area tactics and leverage resources effectively.
• Gather customer insights from field interactions and provide feedback to internal stakeholders to inform process improvements and identify potential business opportunities.
• Ensure all HCP interactions and field activities are conducted in compliance with corporate policies, regulatory guidelines, and ethical standards.
• Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders (Clinical, Marketing, Market Access, Sales, etc.), participating in cross-functional teams as needed.
• Support research, advisory, and educational initiatives with external stakeholders within the assigned region.
• Represent the field medical team at regional congresses, advisory boards, and meetings, including post-event reporting to internal stakeholders.
• Monitor the competitive environment within the region to maintain expertise in therapeutic area management, new therapies, and competitor products.
• Maintain operational tools, materials, and processes to support the productivity and effectiveness of the MSL team.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a life sciences program with strong knowledge of science and healthcare.
• Minimum of 8 years in the pharmaceutical industry, to include 4+ years in Field Medical Affairs as an MSL. 3+ years experience in Anti-infectives, Virology, and/or Vaccines required.
• People management experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience guiding and supporting peer MSLs, serving as a mentor or informal leader to influence and develop colleagues.
• Experience developing and executing strategic plans for the MSL team, align field activities with the broader organization, and communicate team progress to cross-functional and management teams.
• Ability to lead MSL teams, set clear goals, and foster a collaborative impact-oriented work environment.
• Understanding of industry regulations and compliance standards to ensure all interactions and communications adhere to legal and ethical guidelines.
• Demonstrated experience in Medical Affairs operations with an emphasis on field-based teams.
• Experience mentoring, providing career development guidance, and nurturing professional growth.
• Knowledge of industry trends and latest medical advancements to guide and support MSL team interactions with healthcare professionals.
• Proficiency in…