Senior Medical Director, Ophthalmology
Biogen
Summary
As Senior Medical Director, Ophthalmology, you will lead the clinical and strategic development of Biogen's ophthalmology programs, from early development through regulatory approval and lifecycle management. You will serve as the lead Development representative on cross-functional strategy and development teams, connecting scientific priorities with clinical, regulatory, and business goals.
Job description
About This Role
As Senior Medical Director, Ophthalmology, you will lead the clinical and strategic development of Biogen's ophthalmology programs, from early development through regulatory approval and lifecycle management. You will serve as the lead Development representative on cross-functional strategy and development teams, connecting scientific priorities with clinical, regulatory, and business goals.
Reporting to the Head of Immune Mediated and Neurodegenerative Diseases, you will shape program strategy and provide clinical oversight and medical monitoring leadership. Working closely with Research, Medical Affairs, Regulatory Affairs, Corporate Strategy, and other partners, you will guide development decisions and align execution across the portfolio.
What You'll Do
- Lead ophthalmology development strategy as the Development representative on cross-functional teams, aligning research, clinical, and commercial priorities
- Develop and execute integrated asset plans, target product profiles, and lifecycle management strategies, incorporating emerging science and clinical insights
- Oversee Development deliverables across preclinical, chemistry, manufacturing and controls (CMC), and clinical activities, supporting timelines, scientific rigor, and regulatory readiness
- Serve as Ophthalmology Therapeutic Area Lead, guiding clinical trial design and delivery from first-in-human studies through post-marketing
- Provide or supervise medical monitoring, including serious adverse event review, medical coding, data interpretation, and safety oversight
- Ensure the medical and scientific integrity of study reports, publications, and regulatory documents; author and review clinical sections of INDs, CTAs, NDAs, BLAs, and briefing materials
- Partner with Regulatory Affairs on submission strategy, health authority consultations, and advisory committee preparation; represent Biogen with global health authorities
- Provide internal and external ophthalmology expertise on disease trends and treatment landscapes, and contribute clinical and scientific assessments of licensing and partnership opportunities
- Represent Clinical Development in leadership forums, aligning program priorities, risks, and execution with commercial, regulatory, and technical operations planning
- Coach and mentor direct reports and cross-functional colleagues, building scientific excellence, accountability, innovation, and organizational capability
Who You Are
You connect ophthalmology expertise with a strategic view of drug development and translate complex scientific and clinical information into clear decisions. You build alignment across functions, mentor colleagues, and navigate ambiguity while keeping programs moving forward.
Required Skills
- Board certified ophthalmologist (MD, DO, or foreign equivalent)
- 15+ years of experience, 8+ years in ophthalmology clinical development
- 3-5 years of leadership experience within biotech or pharmaceuticals, with direct responsibility for program strategy and execution
- Demonstrated success leading ophthalmology clinical programs across multiple development phases
- Experience working with global regulatory agencies and presenting at advisory committee meetings
- Deep knowledge of ophthalmic diseases, clinical practice, and emerging therapies, with expertise across preclinical, clinical, and regulatory development
- Ability to integrate scientific, clinical, and business considerations into development strategy
- Ability to communicate complex concepts clearly to executive leaders, regulatory authorities, and external partners
- Demonstrated leadership and influence across functions to guide critical development decisions
- Ability to navigate ambiguity, anticipate challenges, and develop innovative solutions that advance programs efficiently
Requirements
- Board certified ophthalmologist (MD, DO, or foreign equivalent)
- 15+ years of experience
- 8+ years in ophthalmology clinical development
- 3-5 years of leadership experience within biotech or pharmaceuticals
- Demonstrated success leading ophthalmology clinical programs across multiple development phases
- Experience working with global regulatory agencies and presenting at advisory committee meetings
- Deep knowledge of ophthalmic diseases, clinical practice, and emerging therapies
- Expertise across preclinical, clinical, and regulatory development
- Ability to integrate scientific, clinical, and business considerations into development strategy
- Ability to communicate complex concepts clearly to executive leaders, regulatory authorities, and external partners
- Demonstrated leadership and influence across functions
- Ability to navigate ambiguity, anticipate challenges, and develop innovative solutions
Benefits
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- Life Insurance
- Fitness & Wellness Programs
- Short & Long-Term Disability
- 15 Days Paid Vacation
- End-of-Year Shutdown
- 12 Paid Holidays
- 80 Hours Sick Time
- Paid Maternity & Parental Leave
- 401(k) Matching
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Employee Resource Groups
Company overview
Founded in 1978, Biogen is a leading global biotechnology company headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, specializing in the development and commercialization of innovative therapies for serious neurological and neurodegenerative diseases. As one of the oldest independent biotechnology companies in the United States, Biogen has established itself as a pioneer in neuroscience, focusing on difficult-to-treat conditions where few or no treatment options exist. The company's portfolio includes groundbreaking treatments for multiple sclerosis, spinal muscular atrophy, Alzheimer's disease, ALS, and Friedreich's ataxia. With approximately 7,000 employees worldwide, Biogen operates through a global network that includes research and development hubs in Cambridge, Research Triangle Park in North Carolina, and South San Francisco, along with world-class manufacturing facilities in the United States and Switzerland. The company's commitment to scientific innovation is demonstrated by its Nobel Prize-winning founders and its receipt of the U.S. National Medal of Technology and Innovation. Biogen's patient-centric approach drives its mission to deliver transformative medicines that improve lives while creating sustainable value for shareholders and communities.