Principal Medical Affairs / Principal Medical Affairs

Position Overview

Exact Sciences is dedicated to delivering critical answers for patients throughout their cancer journey, from early detection to informed treatment decision-making. With a strong focus on compassion and a patient-centric culture, the company strives to create and provide innovative solutions that meet the needs of patients, healthcare providers, and families.

From early cancer detection to treatment guidance and monitoring, Exact Sciences is committed to empowering individuals with the information they need to make informed decisions throughout the cancer continuum. With a robust portfolio of products designed for early detection and treatment guidance, we help individuals face the most challenging decisions with confidence, continuously innovating through scientific rigor and an open-minded approach.

Exact Sciences is actively expanding its pipeline to address a broader range of cancer tests through initiatives that include:

• Enhancing the Oncotype IQ platform to include both liquid and tissue-based tests, aiming to make cancer care smarter.
• Developing a liquid biopsy using biomarker-based technologies to detect cancers and precancers from a simple blood sample.
• Applying a multi-marker approach to achieve the analytical sensitivity necessary for distinguishing between normal and cancerous samples.
• Collaborating with world-class clinicians and scientists at Mayo Clinic to pinpoint biomarkers linked to the 15 deadliest cancers.
• Building a cancer detection platform informed by the successful development of Cologuard® (available commercially in the US only).

By 2020, Oncotype DX had guided treatment decisions for over 1 million cancer patients worldwide, specifically in breast, prostate, and colon cancer.

In July 2019, Exact Sciences acquired Genomic Health, a leading genetic cancer detection company based in Redwood City, California, for USD 2.8 billion, establishing itself as a premier global cancer diagnostics firm.

In 2020, the company further expanded by acquiring Thrive Earlier Detection Corp., a Massachusetts-based healthcare firm, and Base Genomics, which focuses on DNA methylation analysis technology.

In February 2021, Exact Sciences announced its acquisition of Ashion Analytics, LLC from The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), an affiliate of City of Hope. Ashion is a CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited sequencing lab positioned to meet the growing and complex needs of clinical, academic, and biopharma clients focused on precision cancer treatments.

The company operates its global headquarters in the United States, with an international headquarters in Zug, Switzerland, which oversees Europe, Canada, Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America.

Role Overview

The International Medical Affairs Director for Northern Europe is responsible for overseeing medical affairs activities in key international markets, including Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Poland, Israel, and regions in the Middle East and Africa. The number of markets may increase as Exact Sciences continues to expand internationally.

This role involves representing the medical function to manage research and educational medical objectives, while also supporting commercial business initiatives and reimbursement strategies for the Oncotype DX portfolio of products, particularly the Oncotype DX Breast Cancer Assay. Key short-term objectives include supporting the growth of the breast assay by partnering with local third-party organizations and providing direct market support.

The Principal Medical Affairs Northern Europe plays a vital role in disseminating medical information and education through balanced scientific exchanges with Medical Oncologists, Surgeons, and Pathology Key Opinion Leaders, as well as other healthcare professionals in the realm of breast cancer. Over time, this role may expand to support new product introductions in oncology and contribute to the company’s R&D and investigator-initiated studies focused on genomic assays that enhance treatment decisions for oncology patients.

Essential Duties

• Develop a Medical Affairs Strategic Plan for the region, including Key Opinion Leader engagement, educational initiatives, and reimbursement strategies that align with business objectives.
• Support medical education, reimbursement needs, and physician customer support through distributors in the MEA/Israel regions.
• Identify and engage international, national, and regional thought leaders in breast cancer, fostering scientific discussions and insights related to molecular diagnostics in early breast cancer management.
• Act as the primary contact for investigators seeking to develop and perform studies with the company’s commercially available assays in breast cancer.
• Assist in R&D and investigator-initiated studies (e.g., Decision Impact studies) as appropriate.
• Lead national and regional Advisory Boards when external guidance is required.
• Execute international medical education and support marketing by developing accurate, unbiased materials.
• Provide clinical presentations and information in both group and one-on-one settings within academic, community, and healthcare provider environments.
• Collaborate with regional teams to deliver key medical activities.
• Create medical slides and present training at internal meetings and for partner distributors.
• Support international access and reimbursement efforts with medical and scientific expertise.
• Ensure compliance with corporate policies and European regulatory requirements.
• Offer feedback and medical input on local commercial plans and strategies.

Skills

• Exceptional oral, written, and presentation communication skills.
• Ability to deliver quality results independently and within deadlines.
• High integrity and ethical standards.
• Respectful collaboration with colleagues.
• Ability to work effectively in culturally diverse teams.
• Strong business acumen combined with an innovative mindset.
• Aptitude for managing complexity and ambiguity while focusing on end goals.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive environment and modeling these behaviors.
• Consistent and reliable attendance.

Travel Requirements

Willingness to travel up to 40-50% of working time, which may include overnight and weekend travel.

Minimum Qualifications

• Degree in Medicine/Medical Doctor or PhD, PharmD.
• 3+ years of relevant therapeutic clinical experience preferred.
• 6 to 8 years of industry experience in pharma/biotech/med tech.
• Expertise in Oncology, with breast/GI/lung cancer experience considered a plus.
• Extensive experience in managing KOLs.
• Experience in relevant geographies is an advantage.
• Fluency in English and German is mandatory.
• Proven ability to work in a matrix environment and collaborate within cross-functional teams.
• Track record of delivering innovative medical activities across diverse markets.
• Eligibility to work in Switzerland without needing sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the Diagnostics or Biotech industry is beneficial.
• Proficiency in additional languages is preferred.

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, creed, disability, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and any other status protected by applicable local, state, or federal law. Applicable portions of the company’s affirmative action program are available for inspection upon request.

Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.