Biotechnology, Life Sciences, Research & Development

Head of Medical Affairs

South San Francisco, CAOnsiteFull TimeManager / Head$310,000–$420,000 /yrPosted 29 days agoVisa sponsorship available

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Required skills

MD
MD/PhD
PharmD
launch
rare disease
orphan drug
US health care system
compliance guidelines
regulatory
patient advocacy

Nice to have

clinical practice
global markets

Role summary

Calico, an Alphabet-founded research company focused on human aging, seeks a Head of Medical Affairs to establish and lead its medical affairs function, particularly for its first commercial therapy targeting Vanishing White Matter (VWM), a rare disease. This strategic role involves shaping global medical affairs strategy, building infrastructure, leading field medical and medical information teams, and driving disease-state awareness. The Head of Medical Affairs will collaborate closely with R&D, serve as a key leader on launch teams, and act as a central voice of medicine. Key responsibilities include developing and executing the global medical affairs strategy, building core capabilities like medical communications and post-marketing support, engaging with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), developing scientific messaging and publication plans, and overseeing real-world evidence initiatives. The role requires an advanced degree (MD, MD/PhD, PharmD, or PhD) and over 10 years of industry experience, with at least 5 years in medical affairs leadership, ideally in rare disease launches. Strong understanding of the US healthcare system, compliance, and patient advocacy is essential. The position requires onsite work at least 4 days a week and involves domestic and international travel.

Who We Are:

Calico (Calico Life Sciences LLC) is an Alphabet-founded research and development company whose mission is to harness advanced technologies and model systems to increase our understanding of the biology that controls human aging. Calico will use that knowledge to devise interventions that enable people to lead longer and healthier lives. Calico’s highly innovative technology labs, its commitment to curiosity-driven discovery science and, with academic and industry partners, its vibrant drug-development pipeline, together create an inspiring and exciting place to catalyze and enable medical breakthroughs.

The Opportunity:

Calico’s commitment to discovery science led us to Vanishing White Matter (VWM), a rare disease leukodystrophy where chronic dysregulation of the Integrated Stress Response drives disease pathology. Driven by rigorous research, we are dedicated to advancing potential therapies and preparing for the anticipated global launch of Calico's first commercial therapy. To achieve this, we are looking for passionate, driven individuals to build a dedicated team focused on delivering meaningful treatment options to VWM patients and families facing severe unmet medical needs.

Position Description:

Calico is seeking a highly strategic Head of Medical Affairs to establish and lead our medical affairs function, translating clinical science into a differentiated, evidence-based narrative for global markets, with an initial emphasis on VWM therapy in US markets. This role reports to the Head of Clinical Development and will be responsible for shaping medical affairs strategy, building infrastructure, hiring and leading our field medical and medical information teams, and accelerating disease-state awareness. Closely collaborating with molecule teams in R&D, they will be serving as a key leader on launch teams as molecules approach approval and a key voice of medicine across the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategy & Leadership

Lead, develop and execute the global medical affairs strategy in alignment with Clinical, Regulatory, and Commercial priorities

Serve as the Medical Affairs lead on the cross-functional launch team

Build out core Medical Affairs capabilities to support the launch, including medical communications, field medical team, and post-marketing support functions as needed

Establish and oversee the external Medical Communications and Medical Information functions, including leading publication planning and execution, developing standard response letters, building global FAQs, and building the infrastructure to efficiently handle unsolicited medical inquiries post-launch

Scientific Engagement

Cultivate and maintain trusted relationships with global leading Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), clinical investigators, and expert centers in the rare disease space

Understand areas of scientific interests and gaps - Design and execute medical education initiatives, advisory boards, and scientific exchange programs

Lead the development of scientific messaging platform, publication strategy and scientific communication plans

Develop and implement, in partnership with Commercial colleagues, initiatives aimed at reducing the diagnostic journey, including physician education, screening initiatives, genetic testing efforts, and partnerships with diagnostic specialists and labs

Partner closely with rare disease patient advocacy organizations to ensure the patient voice is deeply embedded in our medical strategy

Evidence Generation and Compliance

Oversee early access programs, investigator-sponsored research, and real-world evidence initiatives to support the full product lifecycle

Design and execute post-marketing requirements and commitments while establishing medical information capabilities and standard response documents

Collaborate cross-functionally on data interpretation and label optimization

Ensure all Medical Affairs activities comply with applicable regulations, industry codes, and internal policies

Position Requirements:

Advanced degree required: MD or MD/PhD, PharmD, or PhD in a relevant scientific or clinical discipline

10+ years of pharmaceutical/biotech industry experience, with 5+ years leadership in medical affairs; prior experience in clinical practice preferred

Demonstrated experience leading or building medical affairs functions in a launch setting, including overseeing medical communications

Deep expertise launching first-in-disease therapies for rare genetic diseases, including orphan drug dynamics, small addressable markets, patient finding, and advocacy engagement

A commitment to designing strategies around the patient journey and experience

The capability to comprehend complex clinical data, mechanism of action (MoA), and endpoints, and translate them into clear, compelling, compliant medical affairs strategy

Experience operating in US health care system, with knowledge of global/international markets also preferred

Strong understanding of healthcare systems (especially US), compliance guidelines, and the distinct diagnostic and regulatory unique to rare diseases

Exceptional communication and cross-functional leadership skills with the ability to influence without authority

Strong ability to work seamlessly across multiple disciplinary experts to achieve shared launch milestones

Comfort with ambiguity and a hands-on willingness to build a team, create processes, and engage within a larger organization with experienced senior leadership and backing

Must be willing to work onsite at least 4 days a week

Ability to travel domestically and internationally (up to ~25%)

The estimated base salary range for this role is $310,000 - $420,000. Actual pay will be based on a number of factors including experience and qualifications. This position is also eligible for two annual cash bonuses.

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