Okay, here’s a breakdown of this job description, geared towards helping someone prepare for an interview or understand the role. I’ll cover:
* core Role & Responsibilities: What the job is.
* Key Skills & Experience: What they’re looking for.
* “Nice to Haves” / vital Nuances: Things that stand out or require extra attention.
* Potential Interview Questions: Based on the description.
Core Role & Responsibilities: Medical Manager – Oncology (Canada)
This is a strategic Medical Affairs role focused on the Canadian market, but within a global framework. The Medical Manager will be a key player in bringing new oncology drugs to market, from early pipeline stages through to launch and beyond. It’s a blend of scientific expertise,market analysis,relationship building,and project management.
Here’s a breakdown of the main areas:
* Pipeline & Strategy (30-40%): Being a medical lead on teams developing new drugs. Identifying opportunities, analyzing the Canadian landscape (epidemiology, business models), and adapting global strategies for the Canadian context. This is not just about executing plans; it’s about shaping them.
* Clinical research (10-20%): Overseeing and supporting local clinical trials and investigator-initiated studies (IIS). This includes contract negotiation.
* External Engagement (20-30%): Building and maintaining relationships with key opinion leaders (KOLs) and clinical groups. This is crucial for gathering insights, building support, and facilitating collaboration.
* Compliance & Regulatory (10-15%): Ensuring everything is done by the book, adhering to Canadian and global regulations. Handling compassionate use requests.
* Cross-Functional Collaboration (Throughout): Working with marketing, medical affairs, and business intelligence teams – both locally and internationally.
Key Skills & Experience (What They’re Looking For)
* Education: Advanced degree (PharmD, MD, PhD) – this is non-negotiable.
* Oncology Experience: Minimum 5 years in Medical Affairs specifically within oncology. They emphasize solid tumors, hematology, and biomarkers – so experience in these areas is critical. This isn’t a general medical affairs role; it’s oncology-focused.
* Pipeline/Commercialization Experience: Demonstrated success in pipeline strategy, early commercialization, and brand planning.They want someone who understands how to move a drug from progress to market.
* Leadership & Project management: Proven leadership experience (at least 2 years coaching/leading teams). Strong project management skills are essential.
* Dialogue & Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional communication, public speaking, and relationship-building skills. This role requires a lot of interaction with internal teams,external experts,and potentially patients.
* Analytical Skills: Robust organizational and analytical skills. They need someone who can analyze data, identify trends, and make informed decisions.
* Adaptability & International Experience: Ability to thrive in a matrixed, international environment. Willingness to travel (30%).
* Drug Development Knowledge: Deep understanding of drug development and clinical research.
“Nice to Haves” / Critically important Nuances
* canadian Market knowledge: While not explicitly stated as a requirement, understanding the Canadian healthcare system, regulatory landscape, and market access processes would be a huge advantage.
* French Language Skills: The note about AbbVie’s francization program and the essential need for English fluency is important. While they’re making efforts to support French, English is critical for this role due to the international nature of the company and its clients. don’t downplay your english skills.
* Biomarker Expertise: the specific mention of biomarkers suggests this is an area of growing importance for AbbVie’s oncology pipeline. highlight any experience you have in this area.
* Influence without Authority: This role requires influencing cross-functional teams without direct authority. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve done this successfully in the past.
* Strategic Thinking: they are looking for someone who can think strategically about the Canadian market and how to best position AbbVie’s oncology products.
Potential Interview Questions
Here are some questions you might be asked, categorized by the skills they’re assessing:
1. Oncology & Scientific Expertise:
* “Tell me about your experience in oncology medical affairs. what types of tumors/hematological malignancies have you focused on?”
* “Describe your understanding of biomarkers and their role in oncology drug development.”
* “Walk me through a challenging scientific issue you encountered in your previous role and how you addressed it.”
2. Pipeline & Commercialization:
* “Describe your experience with pipeline strategy. How have you contributed to the development of a new drug?”
* “How do you approach early market assessment for a new oncology product?”
* “What are some of the key challenges in bringing a new oncology drug to the Canadian market?”
3. Leadership & Project Management:
* “Tell me about a time you led a cross-functional team. What were the challenges, and how
