What if you could repair broken genes? That is the question we ask ourselves at Editas Medicine. We’re focused on translating the power and potential of the CRISPR/Cas9 and CRISPR/Cpf1 (also known as Cas12a) genome editing systems into a robust pipeline of medicines for people living with serious diseases around the world. Our goal is to discover, develop, manufacture, and commercialize transformative, durable, precision genomic medicines for many diseases.

We’re looking for talented, dedicated, passionate people to join our team and help us pioneer this field and do big, bold things that have never been achieved before.

Are you full of hope, possibilities, and a belief that, working together, we can truly revolutionize the development of medicines to help patients around the world? If the answer is yes, then Editas Medicine is the place for you.

Position Summary

The VP of Medical Affairs will be tasked to lead Medical Affairs and Patient Advocacy at Editas Medicines. The individual will be a key partner in establishing and driving forward thinking activities and tactical plans to enable Editas to deliver on its mission to translate the power and potential of genome editing into medicines that transform lives of people living with serious diseases.

The individual will work closely across all internal functions (e.g. commercial, research, development, clinical operations, competitive intelligence, legal) while establishing a network of thought leaders and patient advocates. Goals will include strengthening Editas’ external presence by 1) creating strong and aligned external messaging and communication strategies, 2) establishing and maintaining external networks and relationships to obtain input to validate and inform on research and clinical project goals, 3) identify opportunities for patient engagement and advocacy (particularly in the rare diseases space).

Responsibilities

• Establish networks of therapeutic area thought leaders, will provide feedback, and participate in the research and development strategy across the product life cycle and different indications
• Translate external input, clinical knowledge, competitive information, and patient feedback to inform on company goals, selection of products candidates, and development strategy
• Provide input into developing clinical research protocols
• Develop health outcomes research for long-term data and return on investment
• Engage with patient advocacy groups to encourage early patient input into development strategy, open up opportunities for study awareness, and assist study feasibility and enrollment
• Proactively identify or create outreach or support activities to allow for patient engagement, feedback, or assist access to clinical trials or treatment

• Lead and provide input into external communication to external stakeholders, including development of key company messaging

• Cross functionally align on internal and external messaging, including communications and publication planning
• Assist clinical operations in developing site, investigator, and patient educational materials
• Create internal awareness of company compliance, and structure for external
• engagement
• Provide assessments of product opportunities and threats
• Develop strategic imperatives and tactical plans to enhance healthcare practitioner education to improve patient outcomes
• Collaborate with Commercial, Legal, and Regulatory for development and review of labelling, advertising and promotional materials

Knowledge, Skills & Capabilities

• Hands on and independent self-starter capable of wearing multiple hats and a drive to build an organization from the ground up.
• Previous pharmaceuticals industry experience in a Medical Affairs leadership role, including a deep understanding of related regulations and compliance considerations.
• Demonstrated ability to influence across a matrix structure, and to collaborate in a cross-functional environment.
• Able to establish relationships with different groups of internal/external stakeholders to obtain input and buy in to medical/development strategy and clinical study design.
• Provides motivational leadership to the organization and improve its performance through the creation of processes to obtain early expert, patient, and payer input into clinical candidate selection, development strategy, and clinical trial design.
• Strong problem-solver and business acumen.
• Highly organized and proficient in long range planning to support business and clinical needs to support each step of research and development.
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills and communication skills.

Education & Relevant Work Experience

• A minimum of ten years of experience in the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry
• MD, MD/PhD, PharmD or PhD

• Experience or high comfort level in supporting clinical programs across multiple therapeutic areas, and bridging late to early development
• Strong understanding of Medical Strategy, Medical Communications, and importance of Patient Advocacy in advancing portfolios focusing on rare disease
• Experience in Hematology and other Rare Disease Drug Development
• Familiarity with gene and/or cell therapy a plus

Physical & Travel Requirements

• Less than 25% travel at this time, but may increase depending upon projects and portfolio

Benefits Summary:

Editas provides a comprehensive array of benefits to all employees, including a Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO Medical Plan, a company-funded Health Savings Account, Dental and Vision Insurance, Life and Disability Insurance, Dependent Care Account, Tuition Reimbursement, 401(k) plan with company match, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Employee Assistance Plan, Wellness Programs, and a flexible Paid Time Off policy.