At Gilead, we’re creating a healthier world for all people. For more than 35 years, we’ve tackled diseases such as HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19 and cancer – working relentlessly to develop therapies that help improve lives and to ensure access to these therapies across the globe. We continue to fight against the world’s biggest health challenges, and our mission requires collaboration, determination and a relentless drive to make a difference.
 

Every member of Gilead’s team plays a critical role in the discovery and development of life-changing scientific innovations. Our employees are our greatest asset as we work to achieve our bold ambitions, and we’re looking for the next wave of passionate and ambitious people ready to make a direct impact.
 

We believe every employee deserves a great leader. People Leaders are the cornerstone to the employee experience at Gilead and Kite. As a people leader now or in the future, you are the key driver in evolving our culture and creating an environment where every employee feels included, developed and empowered to fulfil their aspirations. Join Gilead and help create possible, together.

Job Description
 

Position Title: Executive Director, Medical Affairs / Country Medical Director – Japan
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Reports to: VP, International Medical Affairs

Primary Responsibilities

(Include but are not limited to)

• Lead and execute the Japan Medical Affairs strategy aligned with Global Medical Affairs objectives and Japan business priorities across relevant therapeutic areas.

• Serve as the Country Medical Director for Japan, providing overall medical leadership, governance, and accountability for all Medical Affairs activities.

• Act as the senior medical representative for Gilead Japan, ensuring scientific integrity, patient focus, and compliance with all regulatory and ethical standards.

• Partner closely with Global Medical Affairs, R&D, Commercial, Market Access, Regulatory, and HEOR teams to ensure cohesive strategy development and execution.

• Provide oversight and strategic direction for Japan Medical Plans of Action (POA), ensuring timely execution and impact.

• Chair or oversee Japan medical governance forums, including research review, scientific exchange, and medical strategy committees as appropriate.

• Ensure the generation and dissemination of high‑quality scientific evidence, including:

  • Investigator‑Sponsored Research (ISR)

  • Observational and Real‑World Evidence (RWE)

  • Local and global strategic research aligned to Japan needs

• Lead Japan Medical’s contribution to Gilead Sponsored Research (GSR) execution and capability building.

• Foster strong, ethical scientific exchange with key external stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, academic institutions, and medical societies in Japan.

• Provide leadership and oversight for medical education, advisory boards, congress strategy, and scientific communications, ensuring fair balance and compliance.

• Act as a patient advocate, embedding patient centricity principles into Japan Medical strategy and activities.

• Drive medical innovation and digital enablement, advancing new ways of working to enhance scientific engagement and impact.

• Build, develop, and retain a high‑performing Japan Medical Affairs organization, including talent development, coaching, and succession planning.

• Promote a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement within a complex global matrix environment.

People Leadership

• Directly and indirectly lead Japan Medical Affairs teams across therapeutic areas and functions.

• Provide clear direction, performance management, and career development for Medical Affairs leaders and team members.

• Role‑model Gilead’s core values of Integrity, Teamwork, Accountability, and Excellence.

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure all Medical Affairs activities adhere to:

  • Gilead policies and procedures

  • Local Japan regulations and industry codes

  • Global compliance and medical governance standards

Qualifications & Experience

• Advanced scientific degree required (MD, or equivalent).

• Minimum 10–12+ years of experience in Medical Affairs within the pharmaceutical or biotech industry.

• Significant country‑level medical leadership experience, preferably in Japan.

• Deep understanding of the Japan healthcare system, regulatory environment, and medical practice.

• Proven ability to lead in a global matrix organization and influence without authority.

• Strong strategic thinking, execution capability, and stakeholder management skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; Japanese fluency strongly preferred.

• Demonstrated experience in scientific strategy, research oversight, and external engagement.

• Experience driving innovation, digital transformation, and patient‑centric initiatives is highly desirable.

Travel

• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required (approximately ±30%).

For Current Gilead Employees and Contractors:

Please apply via the Internal Career Opportunities portal in Workday.