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Avalyn is a biopharmaceutical company developing inhaled therapies for the treatment of rare respiratory diseases including pulmonary fibrosis and other interstitial lung diseases (ILD). Pulmonary fibrosis is characterized by scarring of lung tissue, decline in lung function, reduced exercise capacity and quality of life, and is associated with increased mortality. Currently approved therapeutic options slow pulmonary fibrosis progression but are associated with significant toxicities that restrict their use and dosing. Avalyn is developing a pipeline of new inhaled formulations of approved medicines designed to reduce systemic exposure and deliver medication directly to the site of disease. Avalyn’s lead program, AP01, is an optimized inhaled formulation of pirfenidone, currently being studied in the ongoing MIST Phase 2b Study in progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF). Avalyn has initiated a Phase 1b study for its second program, AP02, inhaled nintedanib, that is being developed for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). For more information, please visit avalynpharma.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

Position Overview:

Director, Scientific Communications and Medical Education, will play a pivotal role in ensuring scientifically robust medical communication and education is integrated into all aspects of our company’s strategy and life cycle management. As a member of the Medical Affairs team, this role will partner with key internal team members to develop and drive execution of the scientific communication deliverables in alignment with overall product strategy. This includes strategic planning and development of content, definition of channels, determination of audience, and areas of focus to maximize Avalyn’s value proposition. In our small biotech environment, you’ll have the opportunity to directly influence key decisions, helping us achieve our mission of delivering life-changing therapies for patients with unmet needs. You will be reporting to the Vice President, Medical Affairs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership:
• Develop and implement a comprehensive scientific communications and medical education strategy aligned with the company's overall business objectives. Contribute to medical strategy through scientific expertise and defining appropriate, relevant, and innovative channels for delivery of medical and scientific content to reach target audiences
• Oversee the development and execution of multi-channel communication plans, including publications, presentations, advisory boards, symposia, and digital initiatives.
• Manage/lead the development of a cross functionally aligned scientific communication platform for pulmonary fibrosis and investigational products, ensure consistency of scientific narrative across Medical Affairs materials.
• Manage/lead the development of scientific/medical content and support for scientific communications activities such as internal scientific trainings, advisory boards, medical booth assets, medical symposia content, medical conferences, and field medicine resources, including core slide decks, evidence-based scientific platform, disease awareness and educational videos, and training decks.
• Manage the development of the publication plan, review of publications, including high-quality scientific abstracts, posters, and manuscripts, and collaborating with the appropriate leads on strategy for data dissemination. Manage the development of
• Lead engagement with external investigators and organizations to amplify AP01, AP02, and AP03 and Avalyn in the scientific and patient advocacy community
• Collaborate with the Vice President, Medical Affairs to develop and execute Medical Affairs strategies, objectives, and plans aligned with business goals and regulatory requirements in relation to scientific/medical communications.
• Ensure all scientific/medical communication content is regularly updated, accurate, and readily available for external use by identifying and leveraging the most appropriate communication channels.
• Represent Scientific Communications function on interdepartmental operational teams.
• Coordinate the review, approval, and other applicable activities related to the development of scientific communication projects.
• Responsible for assuring scientific accuracy in scientific communications.
• Manage relationships with external medical communications agency vendor partners.
• Establish strong working relationships with external experts. Collaborate with key opinion leaders (KOLs), investigators, and HCP partners to develop and deliver impactful medical presentations, scientific curriculum, and other activities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including medical affairs, clinical development, regulatory affairs, and business relations, to ensure consistent messaging and effective communication.

• Medical Education:
  • Lead the development and implementation of innovative medical education programs, including continuing medical education (CME) activities, educational grants, and training materials.
  • Ensure that all medical education activities comply with relevant regulations and industry standards.
  • Monitor and evaluate the impact of medical education programs on healthcare professional knowledge and behavior.

• Budget Management:
  • Develop and manage budgets for scientific communications and medical education activities.
  • Support prioritization process and efficient resource allocation to meet program goals on time and within budget.

Key requirements for this role are:

• Advanced degree in life sciences, such as a Ph.D., Pharm.D., Masters, or other equivalent degree.
• 10+ years in the pharmaceutical industry, with a strong focus on scientific communications/education, medical strategy, and publication planning.
• Proven track record of leading and managing cross-functional teams.
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements and industry guidelines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex scientific information to diverse audiences.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Proven experience working with rare diseases or respiratory conditions is a strong plus.
• Deep understanding of clinical trials, drug development, and regulatory requirements, with a focus on patient-centered drug development.
• Ability to collaborate and lead with executive presence, positively influence performance excellence, and encourage innovation across all therapeutic areas and levels
• Experience working cross-functionally with internal stakeholders including clinical development teams, medical affairs, communications/corporate affairs and HR.
• Strong oral and written communication skills as well as the ability to present complex information to large scientific / academic audiences as well as to the media
• Ability to manage multiple projects and identify risks in a fast-paced environment with a drive for results and sense of urgency to meet medical market needs
• Willingness to travel 30-40%, to conferences and meetings as needed.
• Self-motivated, independent, and able to work effectively in a small team and fast-paced environment
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously

Additional Considerations:

• Experience in digital and social media communications is a plus.
• Knowledge of global regulatory environments and international medical education standards is beneficial.
• A strong understanding of the pharmaceutical industry landscape and competitive environment.