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Scientific Strategy Director (Oncology - Pathology, Sequencing)
The Opportunity:
The Scientific Strategy Director holds a critical leadership position within US Medical & Scientific Affairs, driving the scientific strategy for designated disease area(s) across multiple franchise portfolios*. This role is instrumental in guiding a team of Senior Scientific Managers, transforming complex scientific information into actionable medical strategies, and ensuring the successful adoption of Roche's innovative diagnostic solutions.
This Director will be responsible for articulating a clear strategic vision, cultivating robust people leadership, and placing a high priority on external engagement and partnership management. The position demands extensive cross-functional collaboration, both with US and global stakeholders, and plays a pivotal role in the integration and delivery of Roche's comprehensive health solutions to patients. The Scientific Strategy Director will also be key in identifying emerging scientific trends, assessing competitive landscapes, and translating these insights to inform Roche's current and future diagnostic portfolios. The work of the Scientific Strategy Director is done in close collaboration with the global research and development, regulatory affairs and US commercial and access teams to ensure alignment and maximize the impact of Roche's diagnostic offerings. Furthermore, the Director will champion a culture of scientific excellence and continuous learning within their team and across the broader organization, fostering an environment where innovation and patient-centric solutions thrive.
*Assigned portfolio may contain multiple technical and disease areas and may change over time based on needs and priorities of the organization
Key Roles & Responsibilities:
Coaching & Development: Provide continuous coaching, mentorship, and feedback to direct reports, driving performance, growth, and succession planning across key scientific and leadership roles.
Resource & Capability Planning: Strategically allocate MSA scientific resources and lead targeted training initiatives to strengthen strategic, scientific, and leadership capabilities across the organization.
Culture Leadership: Foster a culture of high performance, accountability, inclusion, and innovation within MSA and the broader Roche community.
Strategic Prioritization: Partner with the VP of Medical & Scientific Affairs to define and align U.S. scientific priorities with global and cross-functional stakeholders.
Strategic & Tactical Execution: Lead development and execution of integrated scientific strategies, including evidence generation, education, and external engagement initiatives.
Field Alignment: Collaborate with field leadership to ensure alignment between field medical activities and scientific strategy, incorporating field insights into planning and execution.
External Partnerships: Build and maintain strategic relationships with key opinion leaders, professional societies, and pharma/alliance partners to inform and advance scientific strategy.
Budget Management: Manage discretionary and operational budgets responsibly, ensuring efficient resource use and strong return on scientific investment.
Who You Are:
3-5 years of direct people-related leadership experience AND
Bachelors level degree + 10 years relevant experience OR
Masters level degree + 7 years relevant experience OR
Doctorate level degree + 5 years relevant experience
Preferred Qualifications:
Diverse Medical & Scientific Affairs Experiences: Strongly prefer candidates with previous experience across a variety of Medical & Scientific Affairs roles including strategy, field, and/or operations.
Diagnostic Industry or Laboratory Clinical Expertise: Valuable experience includes prior knowledge and experience with in vitro diagnostics (IVDs) in industry, R&D, healthcare/clinical laboratory setting. Extensive oncology, anatomic pathology (digital pathology, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization), molecular pathology ( next generation sequencing, digital pCR), expertise strongly preferred. Experience in pharmaceutical industry on targeted therapies/companion diagnostics an asset
Cross-Functional Industry Acumen: Experience within other industry functions, such as marketing, research & development, or alliance management is considered an asset.
Inspirational Leadership & Alignment: Proven ability to inspire, motivate, and align cross-functional teams to strategically address opportunities within a matrixed organization.
Established External Relationships: Preferred candidates will have established relationships with a diverse range of key external stakeholders, experts and professional associations. Demonstrated ability to drive collaborative initiatives and drive shared strategic objectives.
Exceptional Communication Skills: Demonstrated excellence in both written and oral communication, with the ability to skillfully adjust messaging and content to meet the needs of diverse audiences.
Ability to navigate ambiguity and decision-making: Demonstrated ability to navigate and lead through change and ambiguity, effectively adapting strategies and approaches in dynamic environments. Capacity to take sound decisions with incomplete information, manage multiple competing priorities, and guide teams through uncertainty
Location: This position can be located anywhere in the U.S.; however, Indianapolis, IN is highly preferred.
Relocation benefits are not available for this job posting
The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of Indianapolis, IN is $175,300 - $325,500. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and Company performance. This position also qualifies for the benefits detailed at the link provided below.
A healthier future drives us to innovate. Together, more than 100’000 employees across the globe are dedicated to advance science, ensuring everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Our efforts result in more than 26 million people treated with our medicines and over 30 billion tests conducted using our Diagnostics products. We empower each other to explore new possibilities, foster creativity, and keep our ambitions high, so we can deliver life-changing healthcare solutions that make a global impact.
Let’s build a healthier future, together.
Roche is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy and practice to employ, promote, and otherwise treat any and all employees and applicants on the basis of merit, qualifications, and competence. The company's policy prohibits unlawful discrimination, including but not limited to, discrimination on the basis of Protected Veteran status, individuals with disabilities status, and consistent with all federal, state, or local laws.
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