In Roche’s Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development organization (pRED), we make transformative medicines for patients in order to tackle some of the world’s toughest unmet healthcare needs. At pRED, we are united by our mission to transform science into medicines. Together, we create a culture defined by curiosity, responsibility and humility, where our talented people are empowered and inspired to bring forward extraordinary life-changing innovation at speed.

Neuroscience & Rare Diseases represent a major focus area where we are committed to realizing our long-term vision of changing lives of patients with severe brain disorders. Our preclinical research and early clinical development activities center around large and rare indications. With unparalleled strengths across diverse disciplines, Roche is uniquely positioned to lead in transforming science into medicines for patients with disorders of the nervous system.

To achieve our goals, we are seeking a Medical Director, focusing on multiple sclerosis.  

The Opportunity

In this role, you will lead and/or support early-stage clinical projects from entry into a human through proof of mechanism and proof of concept, to transform molecules into new medicines in an area with huge unmet medical needs.

You will leverage your expertise to translate innovative molecules into potentially transformative therapies for patients with severe brain disorders. By marrying science and strategy, you will design rigorous and efficient clinical experiments that will support robust decision-making, to get promising therapies to patients as soon as possible.

Your main responsibilities are:

• Lead and/or support cross-functional teams to design and execute clinical development plans from Phase 1 through Phase 2 (proof-of-concept)

• Coach Clinical Scientists in a line- or functional-manager status

• Closely interface with project team leaders as well as safety, clinical pharmacology, clinical operations, biostatistics, regulatory, research and biomarker groups and other members of project teams

• Lead and/or support internal stakeholder management and governance interactions around project plans and therapeutic area strategy

• Lead and/or support external engagements with advisory boards, site investigators, health authorities, and other key stakeholders

• Provide clinical input to programs in discovery research

• Lead scientific communications and disseminate the results of clinical trials in the form of conference presentations and journal publications

Who you are

• You have an MD or MD/PhD with a speciality in neuroimmunology, multiple sclerosis, or a similar field. Board certification and fellowship training or research experience in relevant areas is preferred.

• You bring at least 5 years of experience in longitudinal clinical research, preferably in drug development or clinical trials. 

• You hold a strong track record of scientific excellence in the field, evidenced by substantial achievement in designing and implementing clinical trials and/or a high level of scholarship in industry or academia.

• You have experience in clinical drug development within the industry, ideally in the early stages of clinical development. 

• As a leader, you will work within a matrix environment where influencing and inspiring others to strive for excellence is expected.