New

Medical Affairs Lead, Global Rare Diseases - Contractor

Chiesi
United States, North Carolina, Cary
175 Regency Woods Place (Show on map)
Feb 05, 2026
*Chiesi USA* Based in Parma, Italy, Chiesi is an international research-focused biopharmaceutical group with 90 years' experience, operating in 31 countries. More than 8,000 employees across the group are united by a singular purpose: promoting a healthier world for our people, patients, and the planet. This is what drives us as we research, develop, and market innovative drugs across our main therapeutic areas. Discover more here. At Chiesi we are thinking generations ahead, driving sustainable innovation with purpose. This fosters a culture of reliability, transparency, and ethical behaviour at every level. As a Benefit Corporation and a certified B Corp, we have embedded sustainability in our bylaws and continuously measure our impact. Diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity are at the heart of who we are. We believe our differences make us stronger. We are a vibrant ecosystem of passionate, talented individuals united by strong values, each bringing unique perspectives that help us to continuously challenge the status quo for the better. *Chiesi Global Rare Diseases* Chiesi Global Rare Diseases is a Chiesi Group's business unit established in February 2020 and focused on research, development and commercialization of treatments and patient support services for rare and ultra-rare disorders, many of whom have limited or no treatments available. This unit is based in Boston, Massachusetts, with a strong synergy with the headquarters in Parma. Rare unit has a focus on research and product development for lysosomal storage diseases, rare hematology, ophthalmology disorders and rare immunodeficiencies. The unit is also a dedicated partner with global leaders in scientific research, patient advocacy and care. Discover more here. *Who we are looking for* This is what you will do We are seeking a strategic and collaborative Medical Affairs professional to lead capability development across the global Medical Affairs organization. This 12-month contract role will accelerate the performance of key roles-such as MSLs, Medical Advisors, and Medical Directors-by enhancing both scientific depth and business acumen. You will partner closely with Medical Strategic Operations, HR, L&D, Compliance, and affiliate teams to ensure training initiatives are aligned, impactful, and scalable. This role offers exposure to global medical strategy, rare disease portfolios, and professional development in a dynamic, matrixed environment. You will drive the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of capability-building programs that enable Medical Affairs teams to deliver scientific excellence, patient-focused impact, and operational effectiveness. Working at the intersection of medical strategy, HR, and learning & development, you will ensure that training and development initiatives are targeted, measurable, and aligned with organizational priorities. You'll be responsible for: Needs Assessment & Strategy: Conduct capability assessments across Medical Affairs functions; define global learning priorities aligned with portfolio and organizational goals. Partner with HR to tailor competency frameworks to Medical Affairs' unique scientific and strategic requirements. Learning Design & Delivery: Develop and implement role-based learning journeys for MSLs, Medical Directors, and Scientific Communications team members; lead onboarding, scientific training, compliance education, and soft skill programs (e.g., strategic thinking, communication). Translate learnings into practice through case studies, simulations and field-based applications that reinforce performance-driven behaviors. Program Management: Establish frameworks to track training progress, completion, effectiveness, and impact; ensure scalability across regions and affiliates. Cross-functional Collaboration: Partner with HR, L&D, Compliance, Legal, and Commercial teams to align content, avoid duplication, and incorporate field insights. Coordinate with HR and Medical leadership to design training that reinforces performance and accountability. Ensure learning initiatives complement broader talent development strategies. Vendor and Platform Oversight: Manage learning tools and digital platforms to enhance engagement and measure adoption. Best Practices & Innovation: Benchmark against industry standards; apply adult learning principles and digital innovation; foster a community of practice for knowledge sharing and continuous improvement. Champion coaching and peer-learning networks that accelerate capability building and a continuous learning culture. You will need to have 5+ years of experience in Medical Affairs, Scientific Training, Learning & Development, or related pharma/biotech roles. Solid understanding of the Medical Affairs function, including MSL, Medical Director, Scientific Communication and Medical Information roles. Experience designing and delivering adult learning programs in scientific or regulated environments. Strong project management and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives. Excellent communication, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement skills. Familiarity with Learning Management Systems (LMS) and digital training tools. Ability to work in a matrix organization and lead without direct authority. Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Pharmacy, or related field; advanced degree (PharmD, PhD, MD) or relevant certifications preferred. We would prefer for you to have Experience in rare disease or specialty therapeutic areas. MBA or additional leadership / organizational development training. Experience with digital learning, e-learning design, or learning technology platforms. Knowledge of Medical Affairs operations, evidence generation, and strategic planning. Experience managing global or multi-affiliate teams. Familiarity with regulatory and compliance requirements for training in pharma. Experience in change management or capability embedding initiatives. Track record of measuring training impact using KPIs or performance outcomes. Strong analytical skills for capability assessment and gap analysis. Experience in mid-sized or growing pharma organizations with matrix reporting structures. *What we offer* No matter where your path starts at Chiesi, it leads to inspiring possibilities. Your future is our focus, and we are committed to nurturing your development in our dynamic, friendly environment with access to resources and training every step of the way. Chiesi USA is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse work force at all levels of our business. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other basis protected by local, state or federal law. This policy applies with regard to all aspects of one's employment, including hiring, transfer, promotion, compensation, eligibility for benefits and termination.