Medical Director, Clinical Development
48% above the median for Lead & Executive Other roles
About the Role >>> Medical Director, Clinical Development
As the Medical Director, you will serve as an Oncology Physician for palazestrant and play a pivotal role in advancing Olema’s late and early-stage clinical pipeline in breast cancer.
You will contribute to registration-enabling studies by shaping study design, evaluating clinical data, and engaging with regulatory authorities, investigators, and key opinion leaders. Partnering closely with experienced physicians and cross-functional teams, you will ensure scientific rigor, data integrity, and patient-centric decision-making while contributing to biomarker development, publication planning, and external scientific communications.
This is a unique opportunity to contribute at a pivotal moment in the program’s trajectory and support the advancement of therapies for patients with ER-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer.
This role will be based in Cambridge, MA and may require up to 20% travel.
Key Responsibilities
Provide Medical Leadership and Expertise
Contribute to registration-enabling studies for palazestrant in combination with other therapies, including study design, regulatory engagement, and investigator collaboration
Partner across functions to define and implement clinical development strategies and plans for multiple programs
Serve as the medical expert and point of contact for clinical and scientific questions across internal and external stakeholders
Participate in interactions with investigators, academic collaborators, thought leaders, and regulatory authorities
Maintain strong clinical and scientific acumen through ongoing engagement with the oncology community and key scientific meetings
Design and Deliver High-Impact Clinical Studies
Provide medical oversight and partner with CROs for the palazestrant program and ensure alignment with Olema’s values, SOPs, and ethical standards
Contribute to the development and execution of clinical protocols, amendments, investigator brochures, study reports, abstracts, and manuscripts
Ensure scientific rigor and data integrity in partnership with cross-functional internal teams (i.e. Clinical Operations, Biostatistics, Safety) and CRO teams
Evaluate safety, pharmacology, and efficacy data from ongoing and completed studies to inform program strategy and decision-making
Contribute to regulatory submissions and communications
Collaborate with preclinical and translational scientists to develop and integrate biomarker strategies
Support data generation, publication planning, and external communication of study results
Ideal Candidate Profile: Experienced Oncology Physician Leader
You are an accomplished clinical development physician who thrives on meaningful, challenging work and is motivated by the opportunity to make a lasting impact on patients’ lives. You bring clinical and scientific expertise, a collaborative mindset, and a hands-on approach to execution. You are also eager to grow professionally, broaden your leadership capabilities, and expand your career by taking on increasing responsibility and helping shape the future of Olema’s clinical development programs.
Knowledge
MD (US Board Certified) is required
Board certification in Oncology, Hematology/Oncology, or related specialty; significant academic or industry experience
A minimum of 2+ years of direct biotech or pharmaceutical experience in clinical development, conducting clinical studies; strong Academic background may substitute
Strong understanding of breast cancer treatment paradigms
Experience
Experience in designing and managing clinical studies in oncology; strong experience as a PI or academic breast cancer expert is also valued
Thorough understanding of the drug development process and ability to translate strategy into action—meeting milestones, and adapting to change
Strong knowledge of GCP, FDA, and EMA/CHMP regulations; familiarity with other global regulatory standards is advantageous
Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in a matrixed environment, influence without direct authority, and drive cross-functional alignment
Exceptional communication skills—able to convey complex clinical data with clarity and purpose to both scientific and non-scientific audiences, verbal and written
Demonstrated problem-solving ability with urgency, focus, and creativity
Proven record of participating in collaborative, high- performing teams and partnerships
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and adaptable to fast-paced, evolving priorities
Attributes
Thoughtful, decisive, and collaborative leader who inspires confidence and trust
Systems thinker who can connect complex information, anticipate downstream impacts, and translate strategy into action
Strong communicator who builds credibility with internal teams and external stakeholders
A skilled relationship builder who thrives in a dynamic, mission-driven environment
Committed to continuous learning, professional growth, and the development of others
The base pay range for this position is expected to be $275,000 - $300,000 annually, however the base pay offered may vary depending on location, market, job related knowledge, skills and capabilities, and experience. The total compensation package for this position also includes equity, bonus, and benefits.
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