General Function
The Scientific Lead is a key expert dedicated to providing medical and scientific leadership for functional products within the nutraceutical business development portfolio, as well as in-market brands. This role focuses on creating and executing brand communications grounded in scientific evidence to foster trust among both external and internal stakeholders.
Principal Responsibilities
Internal
- Investigate and address societal and health challenges, particularly heat illness and dehydration in the US.
- Develop a comprehensive medical and scientific strategy that includes the communication of our functional products and clinical data development.
- Partner effectively with the commercial team and other functions to advance the strategy of in-market brands.
- Provide clinical and scientific expertise for responses to the FDA or other governmental bodies.
- Collaborate with Otsuka Group companies in the US to promote a scientific approach in the functional product domain.
- Conduct internal training for sales and commercial teams.
- Review promotional materials from a scientific perspective.
External
- Establish and nurture relationships with key opinion leaders (KOLs) and healthcare professionals to guide high-level strategy in therapeutic and academic fields.
- Engage continuously with external stakeholders, including customers and consumers, to educate and convey value through various educational activities.
- Lead initiatives for medical education, publications, clinical trials, and related scientific activities when required.
Achieve results and inspire excellence by:
- Designing job roles effectively and ensuring suitable staffing to meet department objectives in alignment with the company’s philosophy and mission.
- Communicating departmental goals clearly and cascading them throughout the team, promoting appropriate workload distribution.
- Engaging in open dialogues with team members regarding work and outcomes.
- Ensuring understanding and compliance with company policies and procedures among team members.
- Collaboratively developing individualized growth plans and coaching team members to achieve their goals.
- Utilizing company systems to support the development of team members through performance management, rewards, and recruitment processes.
- Creating a dynamic work environment that fosters a high-performance culture while ensuring efficiency and flexibility.
Demonstrate a strong passion for the business and achieve results through collaboration with cross-functional teams.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Degree & Experience Requirements:
- PhD in a relevant scientific field (e.g., Exercise Physiology, Public Health, Food Science, Sports Nutrition) required.
- 5+ years of experience in Medical Affairs or a similar capacity, with a strong background in clinical development to support scientific data generation.
- Thorough understanding of compliance requirements and a proven ability to function effectively in a medically-focused role that intersects with commercial interests.
Job Knowledge & Skills:
- PhD and extensive post-doctoral research experience, with expertise in designing and implementing clinical trials.
- Background as a medical advisor with significant experience in healthcare, preferably deep knowledge of nutrition, body fluid management, hydration, and heat illness.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
- Eager to take on responsibilities and achieve targeted objectives.
- Proactive initiative and capability to work well within a cross-functional team.
- Excellent time management and organizational skills.
- Proven ability to work independently.
- Experience in a start-up environment is a plus.
- Must possess a collaborative spirit, adaptability, and the ability to navigate ambiguous situations.
- Bilingual in Japanese and English is advantageous.
Travel Expectations:
50% domestic travel is required to fulfill business objectives.
Physical Requirements:
Work in a general office setting, with the ability to sit for extended periods and move throughout the office space.
Safety:
The incumbent must conduct this role safety, ensuring health and safety for self and others.
Supervisory Responsibility:
Direct supervisory responsibility for one to three employees in the future.
Location:
San Francisco, CA
Pay Range:
$150,000/year - $200,000/year. This range represents the typical pay for candidates in this role. Actual salary may vary based on experience, skills, and internal comparisons. The position is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus based on individual and company performance, which may target 25% of the annual base salary.
Disclaimer:
This job description outlines the general nature and level of work performed in the position. It is not intended to cover every task or responsibility related to this role. Otsuka America, Inc. reserves the right to modify responsibilities as necessary for business and organizational needs.
Otsuka America, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, national origin, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected characteristic.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability or disabled veteran, you may request an accommodation to assist with your application for this job opening.