Associate Director, Scientific Communications Rare Disease

Kyowa Kirin is a fast-growing global specialty pharmaceutical company that applies state-of-the-art biotechnologies to discover and deliver novel medicines in four disease areas: bone and mineral; intractable hematologic; hematology oncology; and rare disease. A Japan-based company, our goal is to translate science into smiles by delivering therapies where no adequate treatments currently exist, working from drug discovery to product development and commercialization. In North America, we are headquartered in Princeton, NJ, with offices in California, North Carolina, and Mississauga, Ontario.

Summary of Job:

The Associate Director, Scientific Communications, Rare Disease is responsible for supporting the development, execution, and continuous optimization of scientific communications initiatives for the Rare Disease Medical Affairs organization in North America. The role leads the planning, development, review, and implementation of scientific materials and educational programs that support Medical Affairs strategic objectives and ensure the accurate, balanced, and compliant dissemination of scientific information.

Core focus of the role includes overseeing the development and lifecycle management of Field Medical materials; creating scientific content and supporting the execution of Medical Advisory Boards, Scientific Symposia, Medical Education initiatives, and conference-related deliverables; and managing external Medical Communications agencies and Medical Education partners to ensure the timely delivery of high-quality, scientifically accurate materials. The Associate Director collaborates cross-functionally with Medical Affairs and other internal stakeholders to ensure scientific communications activities are aligned with organizational priorities and compliant with applicable policies and regulatory requirements.

Essential Functions:

• Support data disclosure and scientific dissemination activities associated with clinical trial milestones and major medical congresses for U.S. Medical Affairs.
• Provide content and editorial support for regional publications and scientific presentations.
• Ensure regional publication priorities are represented in the global publication plan and support localization of global publication activities to meet regional needs.
• Collaborate with global and regional Medical Affairs teams to ensure consistency of scientific messaging and alignment with regional medical strategy.
• Partner with external medical communications agencies and vendors to manage the quality, timelines, and budgets of scientific communications deliverables.
• Support external expert engagement and steering committee activities, including coordination of content review and approval workflows.
• Support scientific and medical operations, including advisory board planning and execution, medical information initiatives, and Medical Science Liaison (MSL) training.
• Represent Medical Affairs at Medical Review Committee (MRC) and Promotional Review Committee (PRC) meetings, as needed, ensuring materials are scientifically accurate, current, appropriately substantiated, and properly referenced.
• Ensure all scientific communications activities are conducted in compliance with applicable SOPs, policies, regulatory requirements, ICMJE recommendations, Good Publication Practice (GPP) guidelines, and company compliance standards.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Education

Advanced degrees in life sciences, health sciences, pharmacy, medicine, nursing, or a related scientific discipline (MD, PharmD, PhD, DNP, or equivalent) required.

Experience

• Minimum of seven (7) years in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or medical communications industry within Medical Affairs or Scientific Communications.
• Minimum of three (3) years supporting Scientific Communications, Publications, or Medical Communications functions.
• Demonstrated success developing and executing scientific communication initiatives, including field medical materials, advisory boards, scientific symposia, medical education programs, publications, and congress deliverables.
• Proven ability to collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders and manage external medical communications agencies and vendors to deliver high-quality scientific materials.
• Background supporting publication planning, scientific dissemination, and data disclosure activities associated with clinical development and medical congresses.
• Familiarity with medical, promotional, and publication review processes within a regulated pharmaceutical or biotechnology environment.
• Rare Disease experience is strongly preferred.

Technical Skills

• Working knowledge of scientific communications, publication planning, Good Publication Practice (GPP) guidelines, International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) recommendations, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex scientific information to diverse internal and external audiences and facilitate cross-functional collaboration.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Microsoft Teams, and SharePoint.
• Skilled in using Veeva Vault MedComms, Veeva PromoMats, publication management systems, and other platforms supporting scientific content development, review, approval, and distribution.
• Strong scientific writing, editing, literature evaluation, and content development skills, with the ability to translate complex scientific information into clear, accurate, audience-appropriate materials.
• Ability to leverage AI-enabled tools and platforms to support scientific content development, literature synthesis, data visualization, and operational efficiency while ensuring compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality work within established timelines.

Non-Technical Skills

Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage/prioritize multiple projects from concept to completion in a fast-paced environment. Strong written and oral communication skills. Ability to work well in cross-functional teams (across geography and culture) with a group of people with diverse skill sets and personalities. Team player, flexible and adaptable. Ability to build good working relationships, both inside and outside the organization. Self-starter. Must possess integrity and be innovative in how they work on a day-by-day basis. Has a passion for personal learning and development to be able to grow with the company. Cultural sensitivity and ability to develop consensus within a multinational organization.

Physical Demands: Normal office environment with prolonged sitting and extensive computer work

Working Conditions: Minimal domestic travel required (<10%), primarily for conference attendance or key meetings; occasional weekend travel may be required.

The anticipated salary for this position will be $180,000 to $196,900. The actual salary offered for this role at commencement of employment may vary based on several factors including but not limited to relevant experience, skill set, qualifications, education (including applicable licenses and certifications, job-based knowledge, location, and other business and organizational needs.

The listed salary is just one component of the overall compensation package. At Kyowa Kirin North America we provide a comprehensive range of benefits including:

• 401K with company match
• Annual Bonus Program (Sales Bonus for Sales Jobs)
• Generous PTO and Holiday Schedule which includes Summer and Winter Shut-Downs, Sick Days and, Volunteer Days
• Healthcare Benefits (Medical, Dental, Prescription Drugs and Vision)
• HSA & FSA Programs
• Well-Being and Work/Life Programs
• Life & Disability Insurance
• Concierge Services
• Long Term Incentive Program (subject to job level and performance)
• Pet Insurance
• Tuition Assistance
• Employee Referral Awards

The compensation and benefits information set forth in this posting applies to candidates hired in the United States. Candidates hired outside the United States will be eligible for compensation and benefits in accordance with their local market.

KKNA and all of its employees have an obligation to act in accordance with the law and with integrity in all our operations and interactions

It is the policy of Kyowa Kirin North America, Inc. to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons without regard to race, religion, creed, color, pregnancy, sex, age, national origin, disability, genetic trait or predisposition, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation or affection preference or citizenship status or any other category protected by law.

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