Through cutting-edge science and medicine, Biogen passionately seeks to discover, develop and deliver innovative therapies for the treatment of neurological and neurodegenerative disease and autoimmune disorders, to patients world-wide. 

This role is responsible for leading the medical Japan affiliate teams, ensuring partnership with the cross-functional team and establishing BIIB scientific leadership to address unmet medical needs for the Biogen portfolio in Japan.  

Head of Medical, Japan, in line with global medical strategy, will be responsible for setting and executing the strategic direction for the medical function in Japan, having overall responsibility for the implementation of all medical activities. The Head of Medical will lead and develop a team of highly capable medical professionals and embed a culture of building and maintaining trusted and valued scientific/medical relationships with the external healthcare community and stakeholders.  

The Head of Medical Japan will also provide technical and educational support in medical communications, projects and initiatives to affiliate functions, in relation to the disease and therapeutic areas within the Biogen portfolio including pipeline/development products. 

This role will be based in Japan affiliate office in Tokyo and will report full line to the GM, Japan and dotted line to the Head of Medical BIR.  

Accountability Description 

Strategic Leadership: 

• Together with Japan Leadership team, define the area strategy across all portfolio products.  Align the medical plans with commercial strategy and work cross-functionally with key internal/external stakeholders to address unmet medical needs in Japan.  

• Lead the development and implementation of Japan medical plans, partnering with the affiliate management teams across countries and across the functions to define, establish and execute a coherent strategic plan that addresses patient needs 

• Ensure full alignment with regional/global strategy

External liaison 

• Develop and manage high quality Key Medical Expert engagement across Japan, to ensure access to high quality external expertise and insights  

• Oversee the development and roll-out of high value-added continuous medical educational programs across all therapy areas for external stakeholders 

• Supervise the coordination of medical review of Japan-specific educational (and promotional at time of launch and beyond) materials, to ensure scientific accuracy and clearly express a robust rationale for any objection and sign-off before release

Internal liaison 

• Educate stakeholders in Japan organization about the local environment/landscape, its medical needs, challenges, and opportunities 

• Advocate for Japan and provide medical perspective and knowledge to other teams within BIR region 

• Attract talent from other parts of the organization, model each of the BIIB elements and foster a culture of high performance  

Minimum Education Requirements 

• Advanced scientific or clinical degree (PharmD or equivalent, PhD, MD) or biomedical degree  

• Excellent communication/coordination/ 
  interpersonal skills 

Minimum Experience Requirements 

• Minimum 6+ years of relevant experience in the Pharma industry (Medical Affairs) or clinical/scientific setting, especially Japan market  

• Track record of people management and cross-cultural management desired 

• Knowledge & understanding of the neurology & immunology disease areas preferred 

• Preferred understanding of drug development through clinical research 

• Knowledge and understanding of local health care system, market dynamics and regulations 

• Experience in working within affiliate medical functions  

• Demonstrated leadership skills  

Knowledge & Skills :

Technical Competencies: 

• Strategic & business acumen: Excellent understanding of strategic/business needs of Japan organization 

• Scientific acumen: Hold ‘peer to peer’ relationships with top tier MS thought leaders 

• Statistical & data interpretation: Required for review and support of medical information 

• Medical writing as required 

• Experience in reviewing and approving promotional and non-promotional materials and familiar with the relevant pharmaceutical codes of practice 

• Experience of operating as a final medical signatory 

Process-related Core Competencies: 

• Strong process, compliance, documentation, training and project management expertise 

• Focus on scientific exchange: interactions with top tier thought leaders, physicians, patient organizations and internal stakeholders 

• Communicating effectively: Ability to convey complex scientific concepts and information appropriately tailored to the audience (e.g. affiliate staff and regional/global Medical Affairs leadership 

Relating skills: 

• Strong ability to build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders 

• Proactive self-starter with good organizational and accountability skills 

• Excellent collaborative and inter-personal skills 

• Strong team spirit, results-focused, work with energy and urgency 

• Flexible mindset and see changes as a positive challenge 

• Fluent in spoken/written English  

Reporting Structure # 

• Number of Direct Reports (specify range):3 
• Number of Indirect Reports (specify range): 15 

Why Biogen?

We are a global team with a commitment to excellence, and a pioneering spirit. As a mid-sized biotechnology company, we provide the stability and resources of a well-established business while fostering an environment where individual contributions make a significant impact. Our team encompasses some of the most talented and passionate achievers who have unparalleled opportunities for learning, growth, and expanding their skills. Above all, we work together to deliver life-changing medicines, with every role playing a vital part in our mission. Caring Deeply. Achieving Excellence. Changing Lives.

At Biogen, we are committed to building on our culture of inclusion and belonging that reflects the communities where we operate and the patients we serve. We know that diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives make us a stronger and more innovative company, and we are focused on building teams where every employee feels empowered and inspired. Read on to learn more about our DE&I efforts.