Medical Director, International Markets

Medical Director, International Markets

Ascendis Pharma

Remote, Europe

We are seeking a passionate Medical Director who will play a high impact role within the International Markets team, primarily supporting our growth disorder therapy areas. This therapy area leader will build and manage long term relationships with key physicians, sites and partners while also leading medical strategy and tactics across our diverse geographic locations. This individual will be a strategic partner to indirect affiliates as well as internal teams across Ascendis pharma ensuring that the international markets medical perspective is reflected.

You will report to the Head of International Medical Affairs and work closely with the respective VP of International region, Heads of International Marketing, Market Access & Business Operations as well as other internal teams across Ascendis. The role should be based in a market where we have an Ascendis European office (preference for UK, Spain, Germany or Denmark). This is expected to be a remote role that may require some travel (~25%). Flexibility in work hours will be necessary to accommodate global time zones.

Your key responsibilities will be:

Therapeutic area leadership:

• Serve as the clinical and scientific expert for the designated TransCon program;
• Design and implement medical strategies and tactical plans;
• Support the development of clinical and real-world evidence;
• Input into lifecycle management activities as needed;
• Oversee compassionate use programs and grants as needed.

External engagement:

• Establish and nurture relationships with KOLs and key centres in international markets;
• Plan and deliver advisory boards;
• Stay up to date on competitive landscape, new therapies, clinical trend;
• Involvement in publication planning and speaker training programs;
• Lead medical education programs.

Cross-functional and Global Collaboration:

• Collaborate with global medical, marketing, regulatory and other teams to deliver appropriate medical strategies and tactics;
• Manage relationships with key external vendors and agencies to ensure optimal delivery.

Team leadership:

• Provide mentorship and functional leadership to medical teams and other stakeholders, fostering a culture of functional excellence.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Advanced degree (MD/PhD/PharmD) in life sciences with 10+ years of experience in medical affairs;
• Substantial knowledge/experience in rare diseases;
• Demonstrated leadership and stakeholder management skills as well as the ability to perform effectively in a dynamic environment;
• Proven strategic and critical thinking;
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written) and proven organizational skills;
• Ability to lead directly and indirectly by influence, including strong problem solving, conflict resolution and analysis;
• Flexibility to adapt culturally.

Key competencies

• You are a highly motivated self-starter with a strong foundation in scientific communication and a natural ability to collaborate across cultures and functions. You bring a clear customer focus and thrive on working in a complex, matrixed environment where attention to detail and a can-do attitude are key.
• You are able to communicate technical information effectively to a broad audience and adapt your approach depending on the stakeholder. Whether working independently or as part of a team, you perform well in a dynamic, fast-paced setting.
• You have strong leadership and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to identify business opportunities and take initiative. With an entrepreneurial mindset, you’re excited by innovation and comfortable navigating a multicultural environment.
• Your excellent interpersonal skills enable you to work efficiently with colleagues at all levels of the organization, supporting both urgent priorities and long-term goals