Associate Director, Scientific Communications - CNS

Associate Director, Scientific Communications

The Associate Director, Scientific Communications manages the execution of the core scientific and medical communications strategy for the relevant therapeutic area portfolio. This role is accountable for delivering operational results by overseeing the creation of core content assets and managing the global publications plan. This position provides guidance, coaching, and oversight to the Manager, Medical Core Content, ensuring all materials are developed with scientific accuracy, consistency, and compliance. This position reports directly to the Senior Director, CNS Medical Communications Lead.

Key responsibilities include :

Global Scientific Communication Strategy

Manage and deliver a comprehensive, globally aligned medical communications strategy and tactical plan for the relevant therapeutic area portfolio, in partnership with the Senior Director, Medical Communications Lead, CNS Lead, and cross-functional teams (e.g., Global Integrated Evidence & Innovation, Clinical Development, Regulatory, Commercial).

Content Execution Direction

Provide guidance, coaching, and oversight over the work of the Manager, Medical Core Content, managing and ensuring the development of core scientific content, including :

• Scientific Communications Platform (SCP)
• Global Publications Strategy
• Global Medical Publications Plan
• Core Disease State Deck
• Core Field Materials
• Medical Publications
• Integrated Medical Communications Planning
• New Data Reporting
• Medical Information Content generation

Publications Execution

Drive publication strategy : oversee planning, execution, and dissemination of key data through peer-reviewed journals and congresses. Manage and oversee the execution of the global publication plan for assigned CNS assets. Coordinate with investigators, medical writers, and the Senior Director to ensure timely and compliant submission of high-quality abstracts, posters, and manuscripts in line with Good Publication Practices (GPP) and the overarching publication strategy. Oversee vendor relationships including selection, contracting, and budget management for medical communication agencies.

Medical Information Content Generation

Ensure all content is scientifically accurate, evidence-based, and compliant with internal policies and external regulatory requirements. Collaborate cross-functionally with Medical Affairs, Clinical Development, Regulatory, Legal, and Commercial teams to ensure consistency and alignment of messaging across channels. Serve as a champion and lead Medical Review / Promotional review processes for materials. Manage the implementation of content governance frameworks, version control processes, and global-to-local adaptation strategies. Manage external vendors and medical writing agencies to ensure timely and high-quality content delivery. Provide leadership and mentorship to a team of medical writers, content managers, and reviewers, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. Monitor and analyze content performance and stakeholder feedback to inform future content strategy and optimization. Consider technology and AI to support workflow improvement.

Scientific Narrative Ownership

Manage and provide direction for the core scientific lexicon and messaging, ensuring its consistent application across all Medical Affairs materials through clear guidance to the Manager of Core Content.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Partner closely with Clinical Development, Global Integrated Evidence & Innovation, and Regulatory teams to gather and accurately interpret new data, ensuring the Manager of Core Content applies this information consistently and accurately into communication materials. Support the US Field Medical Affairs Lead by ensuring the Manager of Core Content develops and maintains a high-quality, scientifically rigorous, and compliant content repository for the field team. Manage the operational execution and day-to-day budget for external medical writing and communications agencies that support content and publication deliverables.

Qualifications :

Education and Experience :

Advanced scientific degree is required (PharmD, MD, PhD, or equivalent) with a strong understanding of clinical development and medical science, preferably in the relevant therapeutic area. Minimum of 7 years of experience in Medical Affairs or Scientific Communications within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry. Minimum of 3 years of experience providing guidance, coaching, or oversight to a direct report, junior team member, or significant project team. Extensive hands-on experience in medical writing and managing the development of core scientific content (e.g., slide decks, scientific platforms) for global use. Demonstrated experience in publication management, including coordinating authors, overseeing submissions to journals / congresses, and adhering to GPP standards. Previous experience overseeing or leading medical information groups is a plus.

Skills and Competencies :

Demonstrated ability to provide guidance, coaching, and mentorship to a direct report, delegate tasks effectively, and maintain accountability for project quality. Exceptional ability to interpret complex clinical and scientific data and apply it consistently and accurately across communication materials. Strong ability to navigate complex data and evolving treatment paradigms in psychiatry and neurology. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple simultaneous project workflows (content and publications) and drives improvements to development processes. Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate scientific strategy clearly to both internal experts and external vendors / authors & tailor communications to address unique challenges in the relevant therapeutic area (e.g., stigma, patient diversity, long-term outcomes).

Competencies :

Accountability for Results - Stay focused on key strategic objectives, be accountable for high standards of performance, and take an active role in leading change. Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving - Make decisions considering the long-term impact to customers, patients, employees, and the business. Patient & Customer Centricity - Maintain an ongoing focus on the needs of our customers and / or key stakeholders. Impactful Communication - Communicate with logic, clarity, and respect. Influence at all levels to achieve the best results for Otsuka. Respectful Collaboration - Seek and value others' perspectives and strive for diverse partnerships to enhance work toward common goals. Empowered Development - Play an active role in professional development as a business imperative.

Salary : Minimum $164,530.00 - Maximum $245,985.00, plus incentive opportunity : The range shown represents a typical pay range or starting pay for individuals who are hired in the role to perform in the United States. Other elements may be used to determine actual pay such as the candidate's job experience, specific skills, and comparison to internal incumbents currently in role. Typically, actual pay will be positioned within the established range, rather than at its minimum or maximum. This information is provided to applicants in accordance with states and local laws.

Application Deadline : This will be posted for a minimum of 5 business days.

Company benefits : Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage, company provided basic life, accidental death & dismemberment, short-term and long-term disability insurance, tuition reimbursement, student loan assistance, a generous 401(k) match, flexible time off, paid holidays, and paid leave programs.

Otsuka is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will be given consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, national origin, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected characteristic. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation, if you are unable or limited in your ability to apply to this job opening as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting Accommodation Request (EEAccommodations@otsuka-us.com).

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