Executive Medical Director, (Retina Program)
This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Executive Medical Director, (Retina Program) based in United States.
This executive-level medical leadership role offers the opportunity to shape the clinical development strategy of innovative ophthalmology therapies.
You will lead the design, execution, and interpretation of clinical trials focused on retinal diseases, helping advance potentially transformative treatments for patients.
The role combines scientific expertise, strategic decision-making, and cross-functional leadership within a fast-paced biotechnology environment.
You will collaborate with clinical, regulatory, research, safety, and operational teams to drive high-quality development programs from early-stage trials through regulatory milestones.
As a trusted medical expert, you will influence clinical strategy, biomarker development, external scientific engagement, and long-term program success.
This position is ideal for an experienced ophthalmology leader passionate about translating breakthrough science into meaningful patient outcomes.
This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Executive Medical Director, (Retina Program) based in United States.
This executive-level medical leadership role offers the opportunity to shape the clinical development strategy of innovative ophthalmology therapies.
You will lead the design, execution, and interpretation of clinical trials focused on retinal diseases, helping advance potentially transformative treatments for patients.
The role combines scientific expertise, strategic decision-making, and cross-functional leadership within a fast-paced biotechnology environment.
You will collaborate with clinical, regulatory, research, safety, and operational teams to drive high-quality development programs from early-stage trials through regulatory milestones.
As a trusted medical expert, you will influence clinical strategy, biomarker development, external scientific engagement, and long-term program success.
This position is ideal for an experienced ophthalmology leader passionate about translating breakthrough science into meaningful patient outcomes.
Accountabilities:
- Lead Phase 1 retina clinical development programs, including trial design, protocol development, dose escalation strategies, safety oversight, and clinical execution.
- Provide medical monitoring and oversight to ensure patient safety, data integrity, and high-quality clinical outcomes.
- Lead cross-functional clinical study teams across clinical operations, biometrics, regulatory affairs, CMC, pharmacology, toxicology, safety, and commercial functions.
- Drive interpretation of clinical data, identify early signals, and provide recommendations regarding program advancement and strategic decisions.
- Develop and implement biomarker strategies for retinal disease programs, including imaging, molecular, and functional biomarker approaches.
- Partner with research and translational teams to align biomarkers with mechanisms of action, dose selection, endpoints, and regulatory strategies.
- Author and oversee key clinical and regulatory documents, including development plans, protocols, investigator brochures, IND materials, clinical study reports, and regulatory responses.
- Support regulatory interactions, including preparation for health authority meetings and submissions.
- Organize scientific advisory boards and engage with external experts to gather insights and strengthen development strategies.
- Collaborate with leadership teams to identify opportunities, assess program risks, and develop mitigation strategies.
- Mentor and provide scientific leadership to internal teams while fostering collaboration across functions.
- Medical degree (M.D.) or equivalent advanced medical qualification with relevant experience.
- Residency training in Ophthalmology, with retina subspecialty training strongly preferred.
- Board certification and/or retina fellowship training considered a plus.
- 10+ years of clinical ophthalmology research experience within the biopharmaceutical industry.
- Proven experience leading medical monitoring and oversight for Phase 1 retina clinical trials.
- Experience supporting or leading gene therapy clinical studies preferred.
- Additional experience across Phase 2 and Phase 3 clinical development programs is a plus.
- Experience with NDA, BLA, or MAA submission planning and execution.
- Strong background in clinical data analysis, interpretation, and medical writing.
- Knowledge of ICH-GCP standards, FDA regulations, and international regulatory guidelines.
- Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and influence internal and external stakeholders.
- Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, including the ability to communicate complex scientific concepts clearly.
- Ability to travel up to 20%.
- Competitive base salary range of $350,000 – $398,000 USD, depending on experience, skills, location, and qualifications.
- Opportunity to contribute to the development of innovative therapies addressing serious retinal diseases.
- Remote work flexibility within the United States.
- Leadership role within a growing biotechnology organization focused on advancing breakthrough science.
- Collaboration with multidisciplinary experts across research, clinical development, regulatory, and commercial teams.
- Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement savings benefits, life insurance, disability benefits, parental leave, and paid time off.
- Opportunity to participate in a mission-driven environment focused on improving patient outcomes.
As the Executive Medical Director, you will serve as the clinical and scientific leader for retinal disease development programs, overseeing clinical strategy, trial execution, and medical decision-making. You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams and external experts to ensure programs are scientifically rigorous, operationally successful, and aligned with regulatory expectations.
Requirements:
The ideal candidate is an experienced ophthalmology and clinical development leader with deep expertise in retinal diseases, biopharmaceutical research, and early-stage clinical trials. You bring strong scientific judgment, regulatory knowledge, and the ability to influence cross-functional teams in a complex, innovative environment.