Medical Lead, Corneal

What You'll Do:

The Global Medical Lead will spearhead the medical strategy and execution for the upcoming launch of the latest entrant into our rare disease portfolio, Epioxa, an innovative epi-on corneal cross-linking therapy for keratoconus. This pivotal role demands strategic leadership, rare disease launch expertise, deep clinical and technical expertise, and seamless collaboration with marketing, market access, sales, and within medical affairs department to ensure a successful market entry. The Global Medical Lead will serve as the primary medical expert for the corneal health and rare disease portfolio, fostering key opinion leader (KOL) relationships, driving real-world evidence generation, and shaping the future of keratoconus treatment in Glaukos' dynamic, innovation-driven culture.

Key Responsibilities

Product Launch Leadership

• Lead the development and execution of the medical strategy for the upcoming rare disease launch of Epioxa, ensuring alignment with commercial and market access objectives.
• Collaborate with marketing to craft compelling, scientifically accurate product messaging, supporting approval through the Medical, Legal, Regulatory (MLR) review process.
• Partner with market access to develop and deliver impactful presentations for payer groups pre- and post-launch to secure reimbursement and coverage.
• Design and deliver comprehensive training programs for internal teams (sales, marketing, field medical) and external healthcare providers on Epioxa and keratoconus management.
• Support the development of consensus guidelines and treatment protocols for epi-on corneal cross-linking, enhancing clinical adoption.
• Provide medical insights to optimize product positioning and drive market adoption in a competitive landscape.

Strategic Leadership

• Serve as the primary medical expert for the corneal health and rare disease franchise, with a focus on keratoconus and corneal cross-linking therapies in the near-to-mid term.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with KOLs, clinical investigators, and professional societies in corneal and refractive surgery.
• Design and oversee post-market studies to generate real-world evidence demonstrating Epioxa's efficacy, safety, and long-term outcomes.
• Provide scientific input for marketing materials, peer-reviewed publications, white papers, and presentations at major ophthalmology conferences (e.g., AAO, ASCRS).
• Stay abreast of evolving treatment paradigms, competitive products, and technological advancements, at a global level, in keratoconus management to inform strategic decisions.

Internal Collaboration & Cross-Functional Leadership

• Foster strong partnerships with marketing, sales, market access, R&D, regulatory affairs, and commercial operations to ensure aligned execution of franchise goals.
• Lead cross-functional sub-teams, facilitating knowledge sharing and consensus-building to drive launch success and franchise growth.
• Provide medical expertise to support sales training, including case studies, clinical data interpretation, and objection handling.
• Collaborate with R&D to inform the product development roadmap, identifying opportunities for future innovations in corneal health.

Leadership & Team Development

• Support ongoing training of medical affairs team members, including field-based medical science liaisons, fostering a culture of scientific excellence.
• Lead and/or support advisory board meetings to gather insights and build advocacy for Epioxa and future pipeline development.
• Represent Glaukos at key medical conferences, professional society meetings, and industry events.
• Drive continuous improvement in medical affairs processes, leveraging Glaukos' agile environment to streamline deliverables and enhance impact.
• Cultivate a collaborative, innovative team culture that aligns with Glaukos' small company ethos of thoughtful, expedient execution.

Strategic Planning & Business Support

• Contribute to long-term strategic planning for the corneal health franchise, aligning medical objectives with business goals.
• Provide medical insights to support business development, partnership opportunities, and potential portfolio expansion.
• Analyze competitive intelligence from field teams or other sources, market trends, and health economics data to inform franchise strategy and positioning.
• Collaborate with market access on reimbursement strategies, coverage policies, and health economics and outcomes research (HEOR) initiatives.
• Support the development of value dossiers and economic models to demonstrate Epioxa's clinical and economic benefits to payers and providers.

How You'll Get There:

Education & Experience

• MD, OD, or equivalent advanced degree in ophthalmology or a related eyecare field.
• 15 years of clinical experience in eyecare, with a focus on corneal disorders.
• 15 plus years of experience in medical affairs, clinical development, or the pharmaceutical/medical device industry, with a track record of successful product launches.

Clinical Expertise

• Extensive knowledge of keratoconus diagnosis, management, and treatment, including corneal cross-linking (epi-on and epi-off techniques).
• Proficiency in corneal imaging technologies (e.g., topography, tomography) and diagnostic modalities.
• Familiarity with refractive surgery and contact lens management for keratoconus patients.
• Strong understanding of clinical trial design, real-world evidence generation, and regulatory requirements.

Leadership & Collaboration Skills

• Proven ability to lead sub-teams in a matrix environment and drive results in a collaborative, fast-paced approach.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, tailored to diverse audiences (HCPs, payers, internal stakeholders).
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and execute in an agile setting.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and build consensus across organizational levels.

Travel Requirements

• 40-50% travel required for KOL engagement visits, conferences, payer meetings, and internal collaboration.