Associate Director, Medical and Scientific Communications

Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., is a global pharmaceutical company based in Japan with operations in the U.S. (Sumitomo Pharma America, Inc.), focused on addressing patient needs in oncology, urology, women's health, rare diseases, cell & gene therapies and CNS. With several marketed products and a diverse pipeline of early- to late-stage investigational assets, we aim to accelerate discovery, research, and development to bring novel therapies to patients sooner. For more information on SMPA, visit our website https://www.us.sumitomo-pharma.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

Job Overview:

This position reports to Executive Director, Medical and Scientific Communications and is an integral part of the Medical and Scientific Communications Department. The role is responsible for Publications and External Content associated with a therapeutic area(s)/product(s).

Essential Functions Required for Job

• Provides vendor management timeline and communication oversight for publication projects (abstracts, posters, oral presentations, and manuscripts) for assigned therapeutic area(s) and product(s).
• Monitors and ensures compliance with: a. Corporate Policies and procedures b. External guidelines and regulatory bodies such as FDA and ICMJE guidelines, GPP3 c. Project-specific society or journal guidelines d. Local or regional laws, regulations or guidelines.
• Leads review and approval of scientific publishing projects utilizing document management software and identifies need to involve other individuals in the organization to ensure accuracy or appropriateness of data or information.
• Works with the publication planning team to develop and execute publication plan
• Oversees the ongoing management and training of the Scientific Platform and Lexicon for assigned therapeutic area(s) and product(s).
• Oversees contract development and management, including budgeting responsibilities, where assigned and works with Medical Affairs Finance and Contracts to implement contracts and manage vendor collaboration.
• Develops and maintains relationships with external authors through engagement with ongoing publication activities, including congress presentation slide reviews for symposia or other activities such as poster sessions and receptions.
• Establishes, maintains, and expands business relationships with all functional areas collaborating on projects.
• Provides strategic and tactical support necessary to achieve execution of projects.  Complies with appropriate conventions, proper grammar usage, and correct format requirements per journal/congress, following applicable divisional guidelines, templates, and SOPs.
• Holds self and team members accountable to agreed-upon project dates and negotiates with functional areas on project outcomes and deliverables to meet conflicting demands (time, deliverables, etc.). Advises teams regarding compliance with scientific publications as defined in journal/congress guidelines and editorial standards.
• Attends key scientific meetings in order to provide support for presentation materials, and to keep abreast of competitive landscape, advances in the scientific field and industry best practices for scientific communications.
• Develops compliant Medical materials for field MSLs.
• Translates complex clinical data into clear visual narratives tailored for healthcare professionals.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (general & technical):

• Previous medical communications agency or pharmaceutical experience required
• Experience in project management (projects from beginning to end)
• Must be detail oriented and timely for projects
• Experience with scientific peer-reviewed publications, global medical communications, and industry publication best practices
• Experience in congress planning activities
• Experience in vendor management
• Demonstrated ability to work independently.
• Demonstrated ability to work cross functionally and cross collaboratively
• Demonstrated ability to lead strategically, drive performance, build alignment, inform, negotiate and collaborate
• Knowledge of pharmaceutical industry laws, regulations, and guidelines regarding publications
• Ability to travel

Education & Experience Requirements:

• Advanced scientific/healthcare degree required (PharmD, PhD, MS)
• Minimum 8 years of relevant experience in biotech or pharmaceutical industry

Travel Requirements: Primarily remote role with periodic on-site meetings in office. Must be able to travel domestically and internationally as needed.

Fast-paced environment handling multiple demands is involved. Must be able to exercise appropriate judgment as necessary. Requires a high level of initiative and independence. Excellent written and oral communication skills required. Requires ability to use a personal computer for extended periods of time.

This is an individual contributor role and does not have direct reports or formal people‑management responsibilities.

Travel Requirements:

Primarily remote role with periodic on-site meetings in office. Must be able to travel domestically and internationally as needed.

Mental/Physical Requirements:

Fast-paced environment handling multiple demands is involved. Must be able to exercise appropriate judgment as necessary. Requires a high level of initiative and independence. Excellent written and oral communication skills required. Requires ability to use a personal computer for extended periods of time.

The base salary range for this role is

Base salary is part of our total rewards package which also includes the opportunity for merit-based salary increases, short incentive plan participation, eligibility for our 401(k) plan, medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurances and leaves provided in line with your work state.  Our robust time-off policy includes flexible paid time off, 11 paid holidays plus additional time off for a shut-down period during the last week of December, 80 hours of paid sick time upon hire and each year thereafter.  Total compensation, including base salary to be offered, will depend on elements unique to each candidate, including candidate experience, skills, education and other factors permitted by law.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Confidential Data: All information (written, verbal, electronic, etc.) that an employee encounters is considered confidential, in accordance with applicable law.

Compliance: Achieve and maintain Compliance with all applicable regulatory, legal and operational rules and procedures, by ensuring that all plans and activities for and on behalf of Sumitomo Pharma America (SMPA) and affiliates are carried out with the "best" industry practices and the highest ethical standards.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Drug Screening Requirements
Applicants for sales/field, manufacturing, or other designated roles will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug test.

Sumitomo Pharma America (SMPA) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; creed; religion; national origin; age; ancestry; nationality; marital, domestic partnership or civil union status; sex, gender; affectional or sexual orientation; disability; veteran or military status or liability for military status; domestic violence victim status; atypical cellular or blood trait; genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing) or any other characteristic protected by law.

Sumitomo Pharma America (SMPA) endeavors to make its application process accessible to all. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact SMPA at reasonableaccomodations@us.sumitomo-pharma.com. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.