Senior Medical Science Liaison - Rare Disease - Quebec, Canada

Position Summary

The Senior Medical Science Liaison is responsible for supporting medical and scientific initiatives on behalf of Acadia - Canada selected rare disease therapeutic areas including managing relationships with advocacy groups. Develops on-going professional relationships with national/regional healthcare practitioners and facilitates the education of these practitioners and their colleagues regarding current and forthcoming therapies developed and commercialized by the Acadia-Canada.  Ensures access to current medical and scientific information on Acadia-Canada products and areas of therapeutic interest to targeted rare disease  key opinion leaders (KOLs), healthcare professionals (HCPs), Private/Public payers, Center of Excellence and decision makers consistent with the objectives of Acadia and the Medical Affairs and Development Departments.  This position is geographically based in Canada.

Primary Responsibilities

External engagement and Development

• Identifies, develops and maintains relationships with national and regional medical and scientific thought leaders, patient advocacy groups, and centers of excellence that are in alignment with Acadia Canada’s scientific and corporate objectives  
• Engages national and regional thought leaders to align interests, discuss research and medical information, and participate in scientific exchange and education about current and emerging therapies
• Collect field Medical insights and intelligence, and interpret and communicate key relevant information in order to define or update the organization’s scientific and business strategies as it relates to the brand(s), disease states, competitors and overall therapeutic knowledge.
• As required support/execute Scientific/Clinical National and Regional Advisory Board meetings
• In collaboration with the Head of patient advocacy and/or Sr Medical Director Medical Affairs supports Patient Advocacy initiatives in alignment with program and product strategies

Scientific and Medical Communications

• Develops and maintains scientific, clinical and therapeutic expertise for Acadia’s rare disease portfolio, including Rett Syndrome; therapies utilized to manage these diseases; and Trofinetide  
• Proactively identify educational opportunities within assigned geography and address relevant educational gaps by delivering educational presentations to external audiences, stakeholders, and customers groups
• Provides appropriate scientific, clinical, and educational support for internal and external clients
• Partners with the internal departments to ensure accurate delivery of medical and scientific information.  Address unsolicited requests for Trofinetide medical information from HCPs
• Identifies disease concepts and compound characteristics that can be leveraged into product differentiation
• Represents the Acadia-Canada at specific continuing educational events, programs, medical meetings and conventions
• Supports commercial operations by participating in Speaker and Sales Representative Training.

Clinical trial and data generation support

• Provides Phase 2/ 3b / 4 research trial site support by identifying, evaluating and screening qualified research sites for clinical investigation.
• Develop, maintain, manage, and link relationships within investigational sites and across relevant referral networks to increase awareness of the clinical trial to maximize their success in reaching their enrollment goals
• Identifies and facilitates investigator-initiated research (IIR) aligned with Acadia’s medical strategies.  Facilitate review and track progress of IIR proposals.  
• Compliance and cross-functional collaborations
• Cross-functionally collaborates, following all compliance guidelines, with regional field leadership partners including market development managers in Canada and at time the United States. Stays current of local laws and guidelines, codes of practices and Acadia policies relevant to Clinical Development and Medical Affairs activities
• Adherence to SOP and Health Canada guidance for distribution of scientific information
• Adherence to SOP and compliance guidelines for all external scientific exchanges
• Work with Canadian Patient Advocacy Groups in a supportive and collaborative manner
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

An advanced degree (MD, PharmD, PhD) in a scientific-related discipline required.  Minimum of 8 years progressively responsible experience in the biopharmaceutical industry; preferably in the central nervous system (CNS)/Neuroscience area, including at least 4 years MSL or related experience. An equivalent combination of relevant education and applicable job experience may be considered. 

Key Skills:

• Expert scientific and pharmaceutical knowledge, with an emphasis in rare diseases.
• Knowledge of regulatory, compliance, commercial, and clinical issues affecting the pharmaceutical and managed care industries.
• Knowledge of customer segments and market dynamics.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and with cross-functional teams.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including presentation and facilitation formats.
• Demonstrated expertise in drug information communication.
• Ability to assert own ideas and persuade others through effectively consolidating, evaluating, and presenting relevant information.
• Demonstrated skill at promoting team cooperation and a commitment to team success.
• Adept at seeing change as an opportunity to improve business performance and campaigning for it when necessary.
• High level of facility with relevant computer and software capabilities, including MS Office programs (e.g., Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
• Ability to travel up to 60% with primary residence within the geographical area.

Physical Requirement

This role involves regular standing, walking, sitting, and the use of hands for handling or operating equipment. The employee may also need to reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and maintain visual, verbal, and auditory communication in a standard office environment and while working independently from remote locations. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.  This position requires the ability to travel independently overnight and/or work after hours as required by travel schedules or business needs.