Medical Advisor Oncology

Job Description

The Medical Advisor holds primary responsibility within the country for developing and executing Medical Affairs strategic plans, with a focus on oncology. The role is expected to spend up to 50% of time in external engagements, building trust and credibility with the medical and scientific community, facilitating peer-to-peer exchange, and supporting issue resolution for assigned assets. Key responsibilities include cross-functional strategy collaboration and execution, data generation support, medical education leadership, and contributions to regulatory and market access activities.

Responsibilities and Primary Activities:

Strategic and Tactical Leadership

• Consolidate actionable medical insights from external engagements and internal data to inform national and regional strategies.
• Translate Global Medical Goals and Strategies into locally relevant tactics that support high-quality scientific exchange, improved patient outcomes, and enhanced access.
• Support and adapt tactical execution to local market dynamics, clinical practice patterns, and healthcare system realities.
• Follow up on Investigator-Initiated Study (IIS) proposals aligned with the company’s ISS Program areas of interest; ensure scientific rigor, compliance, and timely review.
• Collaborate with Global Clinical Trial Operations (GCTO) and research colleagues to identify potential investigators and sites for clinical development programs; provide local feasibility and site intelligence.
• Facilitate delivery of data generation activities (phases I–IV), including identification of suitable research projects, centers, investigators, and innovative evidence-generation methods (e.g., RWE, registries, digital health approaches).
• Provide non-promotional, balanced, and reliable scientific information aligned with company standards, local regulations, and compliance requirements.

Medical and Scientific Leadership

• Bring the local scientific and healthcare environment perspective to Regional Medical Affairs; inform strategy with epidemiology, guidelines, care pathways, and access trends.
• Communicate scientific and business needs across internal and external stakeholders clearly, timely, and with appropriate medical governance.
• Build trust with the external scientific community via peer-to-peer scientific exchange, research collaborations, educational partnerships, and engagement with scientific societies, health organizations, and publications.
• Deliver therapeutic area training to field medical (MSLs), commercial teams, and affiliate functions; serve as the local subject-matter expert in oncology.
• Develop and execute country medical education programs, symposia, and scientific meetings, ensuring high-quality content and compliance.
• Lead country advisory boards and expert input forums; define objectives, participant criteria, agendas, and follow-up actions to generate meaningful insights.
• Participate in professional organizations and academic/regulatory working teams; represent the company’s medical perspective responsibly and ethically.

Regulatory and Market Access Support

• Collaborate across Medical, Regulatory, Pharmacovigilance, Legal, Compliance, and Communications to lead resolution of asset-related issues and inquiries.
• Support resolution of asset safety or quality issues by contributing scientific content and strategy for regulatory interactions, responses, and risk management planning/implementation.
• Provide medical support for access-related activities, including health technology assessments (HTA), pre-license patient access programs, and reimbursement dossiers; ensure evidence and messaging are clinically robust and aligned to guidelines.

Inclusive Mindset and Behavior

• Demonstrate an eagerness to contribute to an environment of belonging, inclusion, equity, and empowerment.
• Lead by example as a role model for creating, leading, and retaining a diverse and inclusive workforce; foster respectful, open dialogue and psychological safety.
• Actively seek diverse perspectives in scientific exchange, advisory boards, and evidence generation.

Key Performance Indicators (Examples)

• Quality and impact of medical insights feeding into strategy and tactics.
• Execution of medical plans on time, within budget, and in compliance.
• Strength and breadth of external stakeholder relationships in oncology.
• Delivery of medical education programs and advisory boards with measurable outcomes.
• Contributions to data generation (e.g., IIS progression, RWE projects, site identification) and evidence to support access and regulatory needs.
• Effective cross-functional collaboration and leadership in matrix teams.
• Compliance metrics (e.g., training completion, SOP adherence, audit readiness).

Required Qualifications, Skills, and Experience:

• MD, PhD, or PharmD.
• At least 2–3 years of clinical and/or research experience in a relevant oncology disease area.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, networking, and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in local language and English (spoken and written).
• Experience with local pharmaceutical industry guidelines, regulatory and reimbursement frameworks, and clinical research guidelines (e.g., GCP).
• Strong prioritization skills and ability to understand how decisions fit within broader corporate strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain a network of scientific leaders and other key stakeholders (e.g., public groups, government officials, medical professional organizations).
• Proven ability to effectively communicate information at country management level.
• Ability to collaborate across functions in a matrix environment and influence without authority.
• Prior Medical Affairs experience in oncology (e.g., solid tumors or hematology) within a pharmaceutical or biotech company.
• Experience with data generation approaches including RWE, registries, and digital health tools.
• Familiarity with local clinical guidelines, pathways, and HTA processes.
• Experience in leading advisory boards, educational symposia, and IIS processes.
• Understanding of pharmacovigilance requirements and risk management planning.

Competencies:

• Scientific Excellence and Clinical Insight: Applies deep understanding of oncology biology, clinical evidence, and standards of care to inform plans.
• Strategic Thinking and Execution: Converts global strategies into impactful local actions; measures and optimizes outcomes.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Builds credibility and trust with HCPs, investigators, payers, patient organizations, and societies.
• Communication and Influence: Tailors messages to diverse audiences; facilitates peer-to-peer exchange with balance and clarity.
• Compliance and Ethics: Operates with integrity, ensuring non-promotional behavior and adherence to all relevant codes and SOPs.
• Collaboration and Leadership: Drives cross-functional alignment and energizes teams within a matrix organization.
• Adaptability: Navigates ambiguity and rapidly evolving scientific, regulatory, and market landscapes.

What We Offer:

• Meaningful impact: Shape the oncology standard of care by translating cutting-edge science into improved patient outcomes.
• Visibility and voice: Direct access to country leadership and regional/global medical teams; your insights influence strategy and evidence plans.
• Growth and development: Personalized learning plans, congress attendance, leadership and TA training, publication opportunities, and involvement in cross-country projects.
• Flexible, modern work: Hybrid model with autonomy to plan external engagements; flexibility around core hours to support work–life balance.
• Collaborative culture: Inclusive, mission-driven teams where medical integrity, respectful debate, and psychological safety are core.
• Recognition and rewards: Competitive compensation, annual bonus eligibility, comprehensive benefits, and support for professional memberships and certifications.
• Tools to thrive: Robust medical resources, compliant engagement platforms, field enablement technology, and administrative support to maximize time with stakeholders.

Required Skills:

Data Analysis, Medical Affairs, Medical Marketing Strategy, Multiple Therapeutic Areas, Oncology, Regulatory Frameworks, Scientific Communications, Stakeholder Engagement, Strategic Thinking

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company.  No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails. 

Employee Status:

Regular

Relocation:

No relocation

VISA Sponsorship:

No

Travel Requirements:

25%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Hybrid

Shift:

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

N/A

Job Posting End Date:

02/1/2026

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