Apnimed is a well-funded, clinical-stage pharmaceutical company working to transform the treatment of sleep apnea based on a simple idea – patients with obstructive sleep apnea could benefit from treatment with a safe and effective oral medication dosed once daily at bedtime. Our lead development program targets the neurologic control of upper airway muscles to maintain an open airway during sleep. Based in Cambridge, Mass., Apnimed is conducting cutting edge research and committed to innovation as well as state-of-the-art advancements in sleep medicine, which is leading to the development of a portfolio of novel pharmacologic therapies for sleep apnea and related disorders. Apnimed was recognized in 2024 by the Boston Business Journal as one of the Best Places to Work.
The Senior Director, Medical Excellence and Operations will lead the Apnimed Medical Affairs team to achieve scientific, operational, and relational excellence, both internally and externally, as the company prepares to launch AD109, the first oral drug for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. The ideal candidate will be a true medical “triple threat,” demonstrating high levels of scientific excellence, business acumen, and emotional intelligence.
This leader will report to the Senior Vice President, Medical Affairs, and will be a key member of the Medical Affairs Leadership Team (MALT). This role may be based at the Apnimed headquarters in Cambridge, Massachusetts, or based remotely anywhere in the U.S., with occasional travel to the home office.
Key Job Duties include, but are not limited to:
Leadership and Strategy
- Lead operational management of MALT including agenda formulation, documenting decisions/actions and follow-through of action items
- Serve as advisor and thought partner to Head of Medical Affairs on organizational strategy and building a culture of excellence, accountability, and collaboration
- Serve as a key member of cross-functional Launch Readiness Team and PMO team
Scientific Excellence
- Lead process and content for company-wide basic scientific training
- Develop and build a foundational and continuing scientific learning program for all members of the Medical Affairs team
- Develop and execute an advanced scientific learning program for MSLs, in alignment with the Head, Field Medical Affairs, including a certification program
Operational Excellence
- Support strategic planning, tactical execution, budget management, vendor assessment, contracting, FMV, and reporting for Medical team
- Align budgets with key objectives, measure success and identify areas for improvement based on key performance indicators
- Design, build, and manage fit-for-purpose systems and processes, including medical insights process and evaluation/integration of digital tools and datasets
Relational Excellence
- Develop and implement knowledge and skills training to help all members of the Medical Affairs team to increase their level of emotional intelligence, enabling high trust, high impact relationships with internal and external colleagues.
- Design and execute team-building and organizational development programs to build strong teams with a culture of collaboration and collegiality
- Build and maintain positive working relationships with key cross-functional business partners
Education:
- Master’s degree in life sciences or related area required, advanced degree preferred (PhD, PharmD, MD)
- Additional training or certification in business, health care management, or leadership development, is preferred (MBA, MPH)
Work-related Skills & Experience
- 10+ years of industry experience in U.S. Medical Affairs required, preferably in both headquarters and field-based roles, in both small and larger companies
- Experience with multiple drug launches from late development through commercialization
- Proven track record of enterprise leadership, strategic planning, process design, budget management and project management in a start-up biopharma company
- Able to build and deliver complex plans on time, on budget, with high attention to detail
- Exemplifies a patient-first mindset to foster innovation and maximize real-world impact
- Strong ability to critically evaluate and interpret emerging scientific data and translate into scientific learning strategies and programs
- Experience in learning and organizational development, working with scientifically trained professionals to develop high-performing, high trust/low ego teams
- Able to quickly and consistently build and maintain high levels of trust with a wide range of internal and external colleagues
- Sharp ability to think strategically, execute with agility, and able to roll up one’s sleeves and “get the right things done well”
- Highly resourceful, proactive, and self-motivated, working independently while leveraging strengths of a cross-functional team
- Flexible and open to feedback, able to pivot based on evolving insights, needs and priorities
- Superb written and verbal communication skills
- Strong problem solving and risk management abilities
- Unimpeached track record of the highest levels of integrity, honesty, and ethics
- Thorough knowledge of all FDA and industry guidelines relevant to Medical Affairs
- Able to travel, up to 20%, mainly in U.S.
What Apnimed Offers:
- 401(k) with company match
- Generous time off for vacation
- Generous healthcare benefits
- Flexible working environment
- Motivated and experienced team
Location and Other Information:
- Apnimed is a privately held company based in Cambridge, MA; we are generally virtual and specific location within the US is flexible.
- Apnimed is an EEO employer committed to an exciting, diverse, and enriching work environment.
- Please visit us at www.apnimed.com to learn more about our work with Obstructive Sleep Apnea
