Director, Medical Strategy and Communications

At Gilead, we’re creating a healthier world for all people. For more than 35 years, we’ve tackled diseases such as HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19 and cancer – working relentlessly to develop therapies that help improve lives and to ensure access to these therapies across the globe. We continue to fight against the world’s biggest health challenges, and our mission requires collaboration, determination and a relentless drive to make a difference.

Every member of Gilead’s team plays a critical role in the discovery and development of life-changing scientific innovations. Our employees are our greatest asset as we work to achieve our bold ambitions, and we’re looking for the next wave of passionate and ambitious people ready to make a direct impact.

We believe every employee deserves a great leader. People Leaders are the cornerstone to the employee experience at Gilead and Kite. As a people leader now or in the future, you are the key driver in evolving our culture and creating an environment where every employee feels included, developed and empowered to fulfil their aspirations. Join Gilead and help create possible, together.

Job Description

1. Strategic Leadership & Medical Affairs Oversight

Provides overall vision and strategic direction for the Medical Strategy & Communications function in Japan

Leads the development and execution of Therapeutic Area (TA) medical strategy and Plans of Action (POAs) aligned with global and regional priorities

Drives strategic alignment among Scientific Communications, Medical Information, and Field Medical (MSL) activities

Ensures strong alignment between medical strategy and business objectives while maintaining compliance and scientific integrity

2. People Leadership & Organizational Development

Leads and manages a team of Medical Strategy, Data Generation and Scientific Communications.

Builds a high-performing organization through: Clear goal setting aligned with company and Medical Affairs strategy

Performance management, coaching, and talent development

3. Cross-functional Strategy & Execution

Plays a key leadership role in cross-functional TA strategy and business planning (BPOA)

Partners with; Market Access, Regulatory Affairs, Marketing, Clinical Development,  and Pharmacovigilance.

Provides medical input into: Product strategy, Market access plans, Launch readiness and lifecycle management

Ensures all cross-functional activities are executed in a compliant and patient-centric manner

4. Scientific Communication & Evidence Generation

Oversees development and execution of Scientific communication strategy（publication, congress, medical education and medical contents development）

Ensures high-quality, consistent, and compliant scientific messaging in scientific contents

Drives evidence generation activities in alignment with Medical Strategy (e.g., management of investigator-sponsored study, leading company-sponsored study, and/or database research etc)

5. Global & Regional Collaboration

Provides Japan-specific medical insights into global product development and medical strategy

Collaborates effectively within an international matrix environment

6. Governance, Compliance & Operations

Ensures adherence to: local regulations, company policies and highest ethical and compliance standards

Oversees departmental budget planning and resource allocation

Leads or contributes to organizational and strategic projects at country level and Regional/global level

Education & Experience

Advanced scientific degree (MD, PharmD, PhD) preferred

Typically 10–12+ years of relevant experience in pharmaceutical/biotech industry

Strong experience in Medical Affairs

Significant people management experience

Skills & Capabilities

Strong strategic thinking with ability to translate into execution

Deep understanding of: Clinical science

Evidence generation

Healthcare system and access environment in Japan

Excellent leadership and team development capabilities

Strong cross-functional collaboration skills

High level of integrity and commitment to compliance

Excellent written and verbal communication skills in Japanese and English

Application Requirement:

Please submit a one-page PowerPoint slide outlining your proposed medical strategic plan for Yescarta. You will be required to present it during the interview. (English)

For Current Gilead Employees and Contractors:

Please apply via the Internal Career Opportunities portal in Workday.