Medical Director, Rheumatology - Clinical Development

Medical Director, Rheumatology Clinical Development

Position Summary

An innovative biotechnology organization focused on immune-mediated and inflammatory diseases is seeking an experienced Rheumatologist to serve as Medical Director within Clinical Development. This physician leader will play a critical role in advancing therapeutic programs from early development through late-stage clinical studies by providing strategic medical leadership, scientific expertise, and cross-functional collaboration.

The position requires deep knowledge of rheumatologic and autoimmune diseases, strong clinical judgment, and experience contributing to drug development programs in biotechnology or pharmaceutical settings.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide medical leadership for rheumatology and immunology clinical development programs.
• Lead the clinical strategy and execution of Phase I IV clinical trials in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
• Author and review clinical protocols, investigator brochures, clinical study reports, safety narratives, and regulatory documents.
• Collaborate with translational medicine and biomarker teams to integrate precision medicine strategies into development programs.
• Serve as the medical monitor for clinical studies, including safety review and adverse event assessment.
• Interpret and communicate clinical data to internal stakeholders, investigators, regulatory agencies, and external partners.
• Support interactions with regulatory authorities, ethics committees, and institutional review boards.
• Develop relationships with key opinion leaders, investigators, academic collaborators, and advocacy organizations in rheumatology.
• Contribute to publication strategy, scientific presentations, and congress activities.
• Partner closely with clinical operations, biostatistics, regulatory affairs, pharmacovigilance, medical affairs, and research teams.
• Monitor competitive landscape, emerging therapies, and scientific advancements relevant to autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
• Provide strategic input for indication selection, lifecycle planning, and portfolio development.

Qualifications

• MD or DO with board certification in Rheumatology.
• Active medical license preferred.
• Minimum of 5 8 years of clinical experience in rheumatology and/or biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry experience.
• Prior experience in clinical development, medical monitoring, or translational medicine strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of autoimmune disease biology, immunology, and inflammatory pathways.
• Experience designing and managing clinical trials in rheumatologic or immunologic diseases.
• Familiarity with FDA, EMA, ICH-GCP, and global regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex clinical and scientific data.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment.

Preferred Experience

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Lupus and systemic autoimmune diseases
• Fibrotic and inflammatory disorders
• Biologic therapies and immune-targeted treatments
• Biomarker and translational research integration
• Early-stage biotechnology or emerging therapeutic platforms

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic scientific thinking
• Collaborative leadership
• Strong medical and ethical judgment
• Data-driven decision making
• Effective stakeholder engagement
• Adaptability and innovation mindset

Work Environment

• Highly collaborative and mission-driven culture
• Opportunity to shape Client therapies in immunology and inflammation
• Cross-functional engagement with research and executive leadership
• Hybrid or remote work flexibility based on organizational needs

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive executive-level compensation
• Annual performance bonus eligibility
• Equity participation or long-term incentive plans
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits
• Retirement savings options
• Generous paid time off and continuing education support