Associate Director, Medical Affairs
Location: India
Company: Merck & Co., Inc. (MSD)
Job ID: R372458
Job Type: Full-time | Regular | On-site/Hybrid
Job Posting End Date: December 16, 2025
About the Role
The Associate Director, Medical Affairs serves as the Therapeutic Area (TA) Lead, overseeing the strategic development, execution, and delivery of Medical Affairs plans for assigned therapeutic areas in India. This role combines leadership, scientific expertise, and cross-functional collaboration to advance the company’s medical strategy, foster partnerships with healthcare professionals, and ensure alignment with regional and global medical objectives.
The incumbent will work closely with Asia-Pacific Global Medical Affairs, Regulatory Affairs, Legal, GCTO, and Marketing teams while leading a high-performing Medical Affairs team within India.
Key Responsibilities
1. Leadership & Strategic Planning
Lead the Medical Affairs team in developing and implementing Medical Affairs Plans with measurable objectives and timelines.
Ensure plans are aligned with global strategies and executed to the highest standards of quality and compliance.
Serve as a key member of the India Medical Leadership Team, contributing to the country’s overall strategic vision.
Partner with regional and global medical counterparts to ensure operational and scientific alignment.
2. External Collaboration & Scientific Engagement
Build and maintain strategic relationships with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), academic institutions, regulatory authorities, and advocacy groups.
Represent the organization at scientific and medical forums, strengthening company visibility within the healthcare community.
Provide credible, evidence-based scientific communication across internal and external stakeholders.
Participate in and contribute to professional organizations, academic collaborations, and regulatory working groups.
3. Data Generation & Scientific Communication
Oversee local data generation efforts, including collaborations with CORE (outcomes research), GCD (interventional studies), and GCSA (investigator-initiated studies).
Drive the translation of Medical Affairs plans into research, analysis, and education initiatives that inform clinical practice and enhance patient outcomes.
Ensure the scientific integrity of publications, presentations, and congress activities.
Lead planning and execution of GMSA congress participation, including training, KOL interactions, and insights collection.
4. Cross-Functional Collaboration
Collaborate with Human Health (Commercial) teams to ensure appropriate strategic alignment while maintaining compliance boundaries.
Partner cross-functionally with RDMA, GCTO, GCSA, and Pharmacovigilance teams to ensure consistency and operational excellence.
Provide medical input on regulatory, policy, and compliance matters.
5. Talent Development & Organizational Excellence
Lead the talent review process, identify succession pools, and implement development plans for high-potential employees.
Promote a diverse and inclusive culture that encourages innovation and scientific curiosity.
Drive operational and fiscal excellence within the medical affairs function.
Education
Required: M.D. or equivalent degree
Preferred: Experience in global biopharmaceutical medical or medical affairs roles
Required Experience & Skills
Strong strategic thinking and decision-making skills with the ability to align decisions to corporate objectives.
Proven experience in leading, mentoring, and motivating teams in a matrix organization.
Excellent interpersonal, analytical, written, and oral communication skills.
Demonstrated collaboration and conflict-resolution skills across diverse global teams.
Strong project management and results-oriented mindset.
Willingness to travel 30–40%, including internationally.
Preferred Experience & Skills
5–8 years of pharmaceutical or related industry experience with contributions to medical strategy.
Minimum 2 years of people management and performance cycle oversight.
Strategic experience in Global Medical Affairs planning and life cycle management.
Established network and influence among scientific leaders, payers, and medical organizations.
Experience in resource allocation, budgeting, and cross-functional governance.
Expertise in Oncology, Clinical Medicine, or Interventional Oncology preferred.
Core Competencies
Strategic Leadership – Visionary approach to driving medical excellence and stakeholder engagement.
Scientific Expertise – Deep understanding of therapeutic areas, clinical practice, and research methodologies.
Cross-functional Collaboration – Ability to align medical, regulatory, and commercial objectives effectively.
Innovation & Agility – Creative problem-solving to improve patient outcomes and clinical practices.
Communication & Influence – Strong ability to convey scientific insights and inspire trust among stakeholders.
Additional Information
Employee Status: Regular
Relocation: Not specified
Visa Sponsorship: Not available
Flexible Work Arrangements: Not applicable
Travel Requirements: 30–40%, including international
Valid Driving License: Required (as per regional policy)
Hazardous Material(s): None reported
About the Company
Merck & Co., Inc. (MSD) is a research-driven global biopharmaceutical company committed to discovering and developing innovative medicines and vaccines. Our culture fosters diversity, collaboration, and inclusion, empowering employees to deliver breakthroughs that make a real difference in patients’ lives.
Learn more at: careers.msd.com
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