Senior Medical Science Manager

About the role

This role advances rare disease product goals in France by linking scientific expertise with commercial execution. The Senior Medical Science Manager operates as a central medical expert interfacing with key stakeholders to ensure medical insights are integrated into strategic planning. You will own the medical narrative for rare disease areas in your territory, translating complex scientific data into actionable strategies for commercial teams. The position requires balancing independent judgment with cross-functional collaboration to align medical activities with business objectives. Success in this role is defined by the ability to build trusted medical partnerships and influence through scientific authority. You will be expected to take initiative, set priorities, and share progress transparently to enable team alignment. Written communication will be central, as decisions are often recorded and revisited based on your inputs and clinical insights.

Key facts

What you'll do

Conduct balanced scientific exchange and provide strategic support for investigator-initiated research to foster trusted medical partnerships with key opinion leaders. Capture clinical and scientific insights from real-world settings and translate them into actionable input for internal strategy and decision-making committees. Apply deep expertise in rare diseases, with a focus on neurology and metabolic and genetic disorders, to shape medical engagement and targeted educational activities. Leverage advanced clinical training and healthcare system knowledge to establish local thought leadership and contribute to market access discussions and positioning. Collaborate closely with Clinical Operations to identify optimal trial sites, support patient recruitment strategies, and nurture long-term investigator relationships. Act as the primary medical contact for healthcare professionals exploring investigator-initiated research opportunities, ensuring inquiries are handled with scientific rigor and compliance. Deliver high-quality scientific and clinical presentations while providing accurate, timely, and consistent medical information across diverse healthcare settings and stakeholder groups.

Requirements

An advanced clinical specialty degree in the form of an MD, PhD, or PharmD is required, accompanied by commensurate professional experience in relevant fields. The candidate must bring 3-5 years of industry experience, with rare disease experience clearly preferred during the evaluation process. Demonstrated capability in the effective presentation of complex clinical and scientific information to varied audiences is essential. Expert understanding of the French healthcare delivery system, including its structures, regulations, and impact on patient pathways, must be evident in prior work. High motivation, resilience, flexibility, and excellent communication and presentation skills are required to operate effectively in dynamic environments. Work must be organized and prioritized autonomously to consistently deliver on commitments and meet deadlines without constant supervision. Fluency in both French and English is required for all internal and external communications, including scientific and regulatory documentation. Approximately 50-60% travel is required, with overnight travel needed as necessary to fulfill field-based responsibilities. A valid driver's license is held and must be maintained for the duration of employment.

Practical notes

This position is field-based in France and involves frequent interaction with external stakeholders across multiple regions. Travel is required, and a valid driver's license is necessary for efficient movement between sites. Typical interview steps in this field often assess judgment, communication, and cultural fit alongside technical expertise. Interviews may include behavioral questions where you describe a challenge you faced, the actions you took, and the lessons you learned, so prepare concrete examples. Most companies value honest answers over polished responses, and authenticity is often rewarded during the evaluation process. Whatever the role, thorough preparation is visible and influences hiring decisions, so review the company's product portfolio, the job description, and your own past work before conversations.

Questions to ask during the interview may include clarifying what success looks like in the first six months, understanding how the team is structured, discussing the current biggest challenge, and learning how decisions are made within the medical affairs function. Asking about growth paths, mentorship opportunities, and the review process is also well received and signals strong preparation. Employers generally expect candidates to ask thoughtful questions, and well-prepared inquiries demonstrate genuine interest in the role and the company.

Career growth in this function comes from taking on harder problems and making your medical work visible within the organization. Look for opportunities to own measurable outcomes, mentor junior colleagues, and expand your understanding of the broader business beyond your immediate team. Growth in medical affairs is driven by scope, demonstrated results, and the reputation you build through consistent delivery and scientific integrity. Take on assignments that are slightly outside your current comfort zone, and ensure that your contributions are documented and communicated to stakeholders. Effective communication shapes stakeholder trust and treatment adoption, making it a cornerstone of long-term success in rare disease medical science.

This role operates within a framework that values autonomy, cross-functional collaboration, and strict adherence to regulations in all medical interactions. Field-based positions require a high degree of self-direction, as you will manage your activities across multiple accounts and priorities. Ongoing learning is essential in rare disease therapeutic areas, where science and treatment paradigms evolve rapidly. You will be expected to stay current with emerging data, guidelines, and real-world evidence to ensure medical strategies remain relevant and impactful. Success in this position depends on your ability to translate scientific complexity into clear narratives that resonate with clinicians and decision-makers. By aligning medical insights with commercial priorities, you will contribute directly to improving patient pathways and outcomes in the French rare disease landscape.