Director / Associate Director, Medical Scientist

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   The Director / Associate Director, Medical Scientist is a senior field medical leader within Kite Japan Medical Affairs, responsible for leading the Medical Scientist function and driving field medical excellence across Japan. This role provides strategic leadership for scientific engagement, external expert partnerships, field medical execution, and insight generation within the rapidly evolving Cell Therapy and Hematology-Oncology landscape. Reporting to the Head of Medical Affairs, the individual will lead a team of Medical Scientists and ensure the effective execution of field medical activities while fostering strong scientific relationships with key external stakeholders. The role serves as a trusted scientific partner across the organization and contributes field-based perspectives to support business and medical decision-making. Field Medical Leadership • Lead and develop the Medical Scientist organization across Japan. • Establish clear objectives, priorities, and performance expectations aligned with Medical Affairs goals. • Coach, mentor, and develop team members to strengthen scientific expertise, strategic thinking, and stakeholder engagement capabilities. • Drive a culture of scientific excellence, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. • Support workforce planning, recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and talent development activities. Field Medical Strategy & Execution • Develop and implement field medical strategies aligned with Japan Medical Affairs priorities. • Ensure consistent, high-quality execution of field medical activities across all regions. • Optimize field resource allocation and engagement planning to maximize scientific impact. • Monitor field activity effectiveness and identify opportunities to improve execution excellence. • Ensure all field medical activities are conducted in accordance with applicable regulations, company policies, and compliance standards. Scientific Engagement & External Partnerships • Develop and maintain strategic relationships with key opinion leaders (KOLs), healthcare professionals, academic institutions, and professional societies. • Lead scientific exchange focused on disease areas, clinical evidence, treatment paradigms, and unmet patient needs. • Identify emerging scientific trends and evolving stakeholder needs relevant to Kite’s therapeutic areas. • Represent Kite Medical Affairs at scientific congresses, advisory boards, educational programs, and external stakeholder engagements. • Guide the Medical Scientist team in developing and executing high-impact stakeholder engage