Japan Medical Affairs Lead

Company Overview
Rhythm is a global, commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to transforming the lives of patients and their families living with rare neuroendocrine diseases. We develop medicines for previously untreatable or undertreated diseases and provide meaningful support for healthcare providers and patients and their families. We recognize the courage it takes for patients and their caregivers to begin their journey of advocacy to find the answers they need. Their courage inspires us to challenge convention, ask bold questions and seek answers for them. Every day, we strive for excellence through our willingness to learn, adapt, and our tenacity to overcome barriers, together.

Job Summary
Rhythm seeks a Medical Manager in Japan with strong scientific and medical acumen to manage and support the development and execution of the Japan Medical Affairs plan and related medical tactics under the direction of the Medical Director, Japan. This role collaborates closely with International Medical Affairs and cross-functional partners (Regulatory, Clinical Development, Market Access, Marketing). Key responsibilities include planning and running advisory boards, co-developing publication plans, coordinating congress presentations, executing medical peer to peer events and building high-quality scientific education programs for internal field teams. The role requires robust skills in interpreting research and contributing to evidence generation and scientific communications.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Contribute to the development of the Japan Medical Affairs plan in alignment with international and local integrated strategies and under the guidance of the Medical Director, Japan
• Execute medical tactics and operational activities outlined in the Medical Affairs plan
• Plan, organize, and execute advisory boards in collaboration with the Medical Director, Japan and International Medical Affairs
• Build and maintain relationships with Principal Investigators, Key External Experts (KEEs), and medical societies in Japan
• Co-develop and implement the publication plan with International Medical Affairs; ensure timely delivery of abstracts, manuscripts, and congress presentations
• Coordinate scientific activities at congresses and ensure alignment with publication and communication strategies
• Develop and deliver scientific training and educational content for internal teams, including SAMs (Scientific Affairs Managers) and FDLs/HALs (commercial teams)
• Provide ongoing scientific and medical support to field teams and cross-functional partners
• Support the review of promotional and non-promotional materials for scientific accuracy and compliance; participate in labeling and review meetings as needed
• Assist in collaborative research and investigator-initiated studies; contribute to protocol review and scientific oversight
• Interpret clinical and real-world data to inform medical insights and evidence generation priorities
• Collaborate with Regulatory, Clinical Development, Market Access, Marketing, and International Medical Affairs to ensure integrated execution of medical initiatives
• Ensure compliance with Japanese regulations, company policies, and industry standards (e.g., JPMA/IFPMA principles)
• Provide medical input for external-facing materials and activities while maintaining separation from promotional decision-making
• Strengthen relationships with KEEsand drive scientific engagement
• Contribute to the development of a scientific communication platform and ensure consistency of messaging
• Support activities related to gathering access information for rare diseases and pediatric chronic conditions
• Support NDA submission activities, including interactions with regulatory authorities and preparation of related documentation
• Track progress against medical plan deliverables and report metrics to the Medical Director, Japan
• Build relationship with related patient advocacy groups for increasing disease awareness
• Additional responsibilities as needed to support the team and company objectives.

Qualifications and Skills

• Advanced degree required; PhD,MPH or MD preferred
• Minimum 3–5 years of relevant experience in the pharmaceutical and/or biotech industry; prior Medical Affairs experience strongly preferred
• Knowledge of rare diseases is a plus
• Launch experience is a plus
• Experience working for a US company and/or fast-paced company as a plus
• Demonstrated ability to interpret scientific literature and clinical data; experience in medical strategy development, publication planning and congress execution
• Track-record in terms of Real-World-Evidence generation and dissemination
• Strong skills in scientific communication to internal and external stakeholders; confident presenter and facilitator
• Familiarity with Japanese regulatory, compliance, and ethical standards governing Medical Affairs activities
• Excellent communication and presentation skills in English
• Proven ability to collaborate in cross-functional and international settings; proactive, detail-oriented, and operationally strong
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Word, Excel)
• Ability to travel as necessary (up to 20%)