Associate Director - Medical Publications, CNS

The Associate Director, Medical Publications (CNS) is responsible for supporting the implementation and execution of the global medical publication strategy and deliverables for the CNS therapeutic area. This role ensures the timely, accurate, and compliant communication of scientific and clinical data through congress abstracts, posters, manuscripts, and other peer-reviewed outputs.

Working within the CNS Medical Communications team, the Associate Director partners with cross-functional stakeholders including Clinical Development, Global Integrated Evidence & Innovation (GIE&I), Medical Strategy, Core Content, and external vendors to execute high-quality publication activities aligned with overall medical strategy.

The Associate Director reports to the Director, Medical Publications (CNS) and plays a key role in driving operational excellence in publication execution while contributing to strategic planning and ensuring adherence to scientific and regulatory standards.

Job Description

Publications Strategy and Execution

• Support implementation and execution of publication plans for CNS assets, ensuring alignment with medical strategy, data dissemination priorities, and product lifecycle needs
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define publication timelines, data prioritization, and congress/journal strategies
• Lead the end-to-end development of publication deliverables, including abstracts, posters, and manuscripts
• Ensure scientific accuracy, quality, and compliance with Good Publication Practices (GPP), ICMJE, and company SOPs
• Contribute to integration of publications within broader scientific communication platforms (SCPs), ensuring consistency across materials
• Identify opportunities to improve workflows and operational efficiency, including the use of technology and AI-enabled tools

Vendor & Budget Management

• Manage day-to-day interactions with publication vendors and medical writing partners to ensure timely, high-quality deliverables
• Provide direction, feedback, and review of vendor outputs to ensure alignment with scientific and compliance standards
• Support budget tracking, forecasting, and reconciliation for publication-related activities

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Partner with Clinical Development, Global Integrated Evidence & Innovation, Medical Strategy, and Medical Communications teams to support data readiness and timely dissemination of clinical results
• Serve as a key point of contact for publication execution within the CNS Medical Communications team
• Collaborate with Field Medical and Medical Communications teams to ensure alignment and consistency of messaging across medical materials
• Support integrated medical communications planning and contribute to launch and lifecycle initiatives

Compliance & Quality Oversight

• Ensure all publication activities adhere to internal SOPs, GPP, ICMJE, and applicable regulatory requirements
• Collaborate with Legal, Regulatory, and Compliance functions to ensure appropriate governance and ethical publication practices
• Maintain accurate documentation and support audit readiness

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Advanced scientific or medical degree (PharmD, PhD, MD, or equivalent) required
• 7+ years of experience in Medical Affairs, Medical Communications, or Publications within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry
• Experience supporting publication planning and execution for global or regional programs
• CNS or related therapeutic area experience preferred
• Experience working with external vendors and medical writers

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple concurrent deliverables
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong attention to scientific accuracy
• Solid understanding of Good Publication Practices (GPP), ICMJE guidelines, and industry standards
• Strong cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to contribute to strategic discussions while maintaining strong execution focus
• Experience supporting vendor management and operational workflows
• Financial awareness with experience supporting budget tracking and management
• Proactive, solutions-oriented mindset with a focus on continuous improvement

Competencies
Accountability for Results - Stay focused on key strategic objectives, be accountable for high standards of performance, and take an active role in leading change.
Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving - Make decisions considering the long-term impact to customers, patients, employees, and the business.
Patient & Customer Centricity - Maintain an ongoing focus on the needs of our customers and/or key stakeholders.
Impactful Communication - Communicate with logic, clarity, and respect. Influence at all levels to achieve the best results for Otsuka.
Respectful Collaboration - Seek and value others’ perspectives and strive for diverse partnerships to enhance work toward common goals.
Empowered Development - Play an active role in professional development as a business imperative.

Minimum $169,222.00 - Maximum $253,000.00, plus incentive opportunity: The range shown represents a typical pay range or starting pay for individuals who are hired in the role to perform in the United States. Other elements may be used to determine actual pay such as the candidate’s job experience, specific skills, and comparison to internal incumbents currently in role. Typically, actual pay will be positioned within the established range, rather than at its minimum or maximum. This information is provided to applicants in accordance with states and local laws.

Company benefits:  Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage, company provided basic life, accidental death & dismemberment, short-term and long-term disability insurance, tuition reimbursement, student loan assistance, a generous 401(k) match, flexible time off, paid holidays, and paid leave programs as well as other company provided benefits.

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Disclaimer: 

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the people assigned to this position. It is not intended to include every job duty and responsibility specific to the position. Otsuka reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary. 

Otsuka is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will be given consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, national origin, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected characteristic.   

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation, if you are unable or limited in your ability to apply to this job opening as a result of your disability.  You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting [email protected]. 

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