At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative clinical trials for groundbreaking therapies in rare diseases.
- Company: Join BioMarin, a leader in biotechnology focused on transforming lives.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on mentorship and continuous learning.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patients' lives through pioneering medical research.
- Qualifications: MD or MD/PhD with 5+ years in clinical development required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Who We Are BioMarin is a leading rare disease biotechnology company focused on genetically defined conditions. Guided by our purpose to develop medicines that make a profound impact on people’s lives, our global teams have delivered a portfolio of therapies since our founding in 1997. Our revolutionary treatments for conditions like achondroplasia (the most common form of dwarfism), PKU (phenylketonuria), CLN2, a form of Batten disease, and a number of forms of MPS (mucopolysaccharidosis) offer new possibilities for patients and families who previously had few, if any, available options. More recently, with the close of the Amicus acquisition, our portfolio has expanded to include therapies for Fabry disease and Pompe disease, expanding our ability to reach more people living with rare genetic conditions.
Our success comes from our unwavering commitment to excellence, our deep understanding of patient needs, our scientific expertise, and our world-class manufacturing capabilities. At the heart of BioMarin is a dedicated team of the brightest minds in the industry working together to deliver innovative therapies to patients and families around the world.
About Worldwide Research and Development From research and discovery to post-market clinical development, our R&D engine involves all bench and clinical research and the associated groups that support those endeavors. Our teams work on developing first-in-class and best-in-class therapeutics that provide meaningful advances to patients who live with rare diseases.
Overview BioMarin’s Early Clinical Development team is seeking an experienced Medical Director to serve as a key matrixed clinical leader focused on the design and execution of highly informative Phase 1 and Phase 2 trials. This role is central to translating early scientific insights into clinical strategies that maximize learning in first-in-human and early patient studies, enabling efficient progression to proof of concept. Leveraging experiences in translational clinical research and early-phase trial design, The Medical Director will develop early clinical strategies and development plans that establish the foundation for full program advancement, while leading protocol design, clinical oversight of execution, and medical monitoring to deliver high-quality, insight-rich trials.
The role requires close collaboration across Research, Translational Sciences, and Development, along with external engagement in scientific, regulatory, and advisory settings. The role partners closely with colleagues in Early Clinical Development, Biomarkers, Clinical Pharmacology, Preclinical Safety, Clinical Safety, Regulatory, and Clinical Operations to ensure BioMarin’s assets are optimally positioned to generate high-value insights that inform downstream development and regulatory strategy. A strong focus is placed on embedding translational science, biomarkers, and experimental medicine approaches into clinical programs to deepen mechanistic understanding and inform development decisions. In parallel, the Medical Director mentors colleagues and contributes to organizational capability building. Additionally, the role supports evaluation of internal and external opportunities by providing clinical and scientific insight for business development decision-making. Through a combination of individual contribution and cross-functional leadership, this position has broad impact across BioMarin’s early clinical portfolio.
Key Responsibilities:- Clinical Strategy and Leadership
- Develop and lead clinical development plans that establish the strategic foundation for full clinical development of assets.
- Define strategies to demonstrate proof of mechanism in early clinical trials and enable proof of concept in subsequent studies.
- Translate overarching program strategy into actionable clinical plans and study designs.
- Lead clinical strategy contributions to pre-IND, IND, and other regulatory submissions.
- Provide clinical leadership and decision-making within matrixed program teams.
- Lead clinical efforts for 1 to 2 assets (in general).
- Clinical Development Execution
- Lead the design and execution of Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical study protocols and associated trial documentation.
- Serve as Medical Monitor for selected studies, ensuring appropriate oversight of safety, study conduct, and data interpretation.
- Design and execute natural history studies to enhance understanding of target patient populations, enable development of clinically meaningful endpoints supporting POC and regulatory approval, and ensure studies are designed to maximize clinical, pharmacologic, and mechanistic insights.
- Cross-Functional and External Engagement
- Partner closely with Early Clinical Development, Biomarkers, Clinical Pharmacology, Preclinical Safety, Clinical Safety, Regulatory Affairs, and Clinical Operations to align on development strategy and execution.
- Represent Early Clinical Development in Health Authority interactions, scientific advisory boards, and academic and external meetings.
- Act as a key matrix clinical leader, ensuring alignment across cross-functional stakeholders.
- Translational and Biomarker Strategy
- Integrate translational science and experimental medicine approaches into early clinical development programs.
- Partner with Biomarker teams to define and implement strategies for patient selection, pharmacodynamic assessments, response biomarkers, and endpoints supporting approval pathways.
- Ensure programs are positioned to generate deep mechanistic and translational insights during early clinical studies.
- Portfolio Talent and Organizational Development
- Mentor and develop junior colleagues across Early Clinical Development and Biomarkers functions.
- Contribute to building organizational capability in early clinical strategy and execution.
- Foster a culture of scientific rigor, collaboration, and continuous learning within the early development organization.
- Business Development Support
- Serve as a clinical expert to support internal program prioritization and external business development opportunities.
- Provide scientific and clinical assessments of new assets, including risks, differentiation, and development feasibility.
- Deliver recommendations to senior leadership to inform decision-making on new project opportunities.
Qualifications: MD or MD/PhD required. ≥5 years of industry experience in Phase 1/2 clinical development, with demonstrated ownership of at least two assets from IND through proof of concept. Significant experience contributing to IND submissions. Demonstrated expertise in Phase 1 clinical trials (industry, CRO, or Phase 1 units), Phase 2 trials and clinical proof-of-concept generation. Experience leading cross-functional clinical development teams and developing clinical development strategies. Strong ability to operate effectively in a matrixed, fast-paced environment. Demonstrated collaboration and communication skills, including engagement with internal and external stakeholders. Intellectual curiosity and interest in addressing complex development challenges. Experience supporting business development evaluations is a strong plus.
Note: This description is not intended to be all-inclusive, or a limitation of the duties of the position. It is intended to describe the general nature of the job that may include other duties as assumed or assigned.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
Medical Director, Early Clinical Development in London employer: BioMarin Pharmaceutical
BioMarin is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in London that fosters innovation and collaboration among the brightest minds in biotechnology. With a strong commitment to employee growth, BioMarin provides ample opportunities for professional development and mentorship, ensuring that team members can thrive while making a meaningful impact on patients' lives through groundbreaking therapies. The hybrid work model promotes a healthy work-life balance, making it an attractive place for those seeking rewarding careers in the rare disease space.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Medical Director, Early Clinical Development in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who might know someone at BioMarin. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into BioMarin's recent projects and therapies. Show us you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about our mission to help patients with rare diseases.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the Medical Director role. Highlight your expertise in Phase 1 and 2 trials and how you can contribute to our innovative clinical strategies.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Medical Director, Early Clinical Development in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Medical Director role. Highlight your experience in Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical development, and don’t forget to showcase any leadership roles you've had in cross-functional teams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about rare diseases and how your background aligns with BioMarin's mission. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the role.
Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit:Since this role involves working closely with various teams, make sure to highlight your collaboration skills. Share examples of how you've successfully partnered with different departments or stakeholders in past projects.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company!
How to prepare for a job interview at BioMarin Pharmaceutical
✨Know Your Science
As a Medical Director, you'll need to demonstrate a deep understanding of translational science and clinical development. Brush up on the latest research related to rare diseases and be prepared to discuss how you would apply this knowledge in early clinical trials.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership in a matrixed environment. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led cross-functional teams in the past, particularly in Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical trials. Highlight your ability to make decisions and drive strategy.
✨Prepare for Regulatory Discussions
Since you'll be involved in pre-IND and IND submissions, it's crucial to understand the regulatory landscape. Familiarise yourself with the requirements and be prepared to discuss how you would approach these submissions based on your previous experiences.
✨Engage with Their Mission
BioMarin is all about making a profound impact on patients' lives. Show genuine enthusiasm for their mission and be ready to discuss how your values align with theirs. This will help you connect on a personal level during the interview.