Executive Medical Director of Ophthalmology, Clinical Development

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary :

Apellis is seeking an experienced and visionary Executive Medical Director to lead clinical and strategic development efforts for the ophthalmology franchise, serving as the lead R&D representative on cross-functional strategy and development teams. This highly visible, senior leadership role combines responsibilities in clinical oversight, medical monitoring, and R&D strategy — driving programs from early development through to regulatory approval and lifecycle management. This role will be responsible for shaping the scientific and clinical direction of key ophthalmology programs, ensuring alignment with the company's overall business goals and regulatory expectations. Reporting to the Head of Clinical Development, the Executive Medical Director will serve as a critical liaison between R&D and other key functions such as Commercial, Technical Operations, Medical Affairs, and Corporate Strategy.

Preferred job location : Waltham, MA. Remote candidates will be considered on a case-by-case basis or relocation may be provided.

Key Responsibilities Include :

Strategic R&D Leadership :

• Act as the Lead R&D representative on cross-functional strategy and development teams, ensuring strategic alignment across research, clinical development, and commercial goals.
• Lead the creation and execution of Integrated Asset Plans, Target Product Profiles, and Lifecycle Management strategies for ophthalmology assets.
• Provide oversight of R&D deliverables across preclinical, CMC, and clinical development, ensuring adherence to timelines, scientific rigor, and regulatory readiness.
• Partner cross-functionally to integrate scientific strategy into commercial, regulatory, and technical operations planning.
• Drive internal alignment on program strategies including clinical trial design, regulatory submission planning, and global development considerations.

Clinical Development & Medical Oversight :

Scientific and Regulatory Expertise :

Cross-Functional and Organizational Leadership :

Education, Registration & Certification :

Experience :

Travel Requirements :

Benefits and Perks :

Base salary for this role will consider multiple factors, including but not limited to, candidate qualifications, relevant expertise, specialized skills, and industry experience in complement-targeted therapies.

The targeted base salary range for this position is $315,000 - $472,000 per year. This range represents the base salary only and reflects Apellis' commitment to competitive compensation within the biopharmaceutical industry. The final salary offered may vary based on individual qualifications, business needs, and current market conditions.

Apellis offers a great benefit package which includes : health insurance with full premium coverage, 401K with company match, paid time off (PTO), long- term disability insurance, life insurance and more! Visit https : / / apellis.com / careers / to learn more.

Company Background :

Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a global biopharmaceutical company that combines courageous science and compassion to develop life-changing therapies for some of the most challenging diseases patients face. We ushered in the first new class of complement medicine in 15 years and now have two approved medicines targeting C3. These include the first and only therapy for geographic atrophy, a leading cause of blindness around the world. With nearly a dozen clinical and pre-clinical programs underway, we believe we have only begun to unlock the potential of targeting C3 across many serious diseases.

For more information, please visit http : / / apellis.com or follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

EEO Statement :

Apellis is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state and local fair employment practices laws. Apellis strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including pregnancy), gender (including gender nonconformity and status as a transgender or transsexual individual), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, marital status, AIDS / HIV status, smoker / nonsmoker, and occupational pneumoconiosis or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

For San Francisco postings : Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Other Duties :

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.