Pleased to meet you, we are Galapagos, a dynamic growing Biotech company with offices across Europe and in US, headquartered in Mechelen, Belgium.

We are in the business of changing lives. Focusing on high unmet medical needs, we synergize compelling science, technology, and collaborative approaches to create a deep pipeline of best-in-class medicines. With capabilities from lab to patient, including a decentralized cell therapy manufacturing platform, we are committed to challenging the status quo and delivering results for our patients, employees, and shareholders. Our goal is not just to meet current medical needs but to anticipate and shape the future of healthcare, ensuring that our innovations reach those who need them most.

We pioneer for patients. We need thought leaders and rapid thinkers, entrepreneurs in spirit and status quo-fighters. Collaborative innovators and perseverant idealists. We need the best-in-class. In other words, we need you: The ‘make-it-happener’.

Scope of the role

We are looking for a Medical Affairs Director EU, based in Belgium, the Netherlands or Switzerland. In this hybrid role, you are responsible for supporting the development and execution of the EU Medical Affairs programs in coordination with other cross-functional teams. You will create value for the organization by engaging external stakeholders in scientific exchange and providing medical information and education on pipeline and indications, in compliance with applicable national laws, regulations and GLPG policies. You will be an integral part of core medical affairs activities including clinical trial recruitment and execution, HCP and stakeholder interactions (investigators, providers, KOL development, patient groups, payers), insight capture (advisory boards, steering committees, CI), and educational initiatives (medical education, value proposition/dossier). You will also provide medical strategic input when needed and will perform functional activities in support of core medical affairs initiatives in the EU region. 

Your role

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key EU Thought Leaders (TLs), investigators, healthcare professionals, and patient advocacy groups to gather insights, to ensure our therapies meet the needs of patients and healthcare providers.

• Drive the growth and development of EU specific programs, aligned with overall vision of GLPG in cell therapy, including supporting enrollment, and execution, of key Galapagos clinical trials across pipeline assets.

• Deliver scientific presentations and medical education to healthcare professionals in the EU. Ensure medical/scientific content is correct and in accordance with regulatory and internal guidelines.

• Lead, identify, and execute disease regional strategies and tactics by securing insights via external engagements at local scientific meetings and national and international medical congresses with academic and hospital physicians, 1:1 HCPs and investigators.

• Review and critically appraise scientific literature to provide support and advice to medical and marketing groups in developing strategy and tactical implementation plans.

• Stay updated on latest developments and the competitive landscape in the therapeutic area, EU healthcare market, and particularly within oncology and cell therapy. Communicate intelligence to internal cross-functional teams as appropriate.

• Support adaptation of EU/ROW training material and other scientific materials in collaboration with internal stakeholders.

• Continually monitor and perform an assessment/analysis on scientific communications platforms, scientific narratives, and related communications, with regard to external EU medical experts.

• Lead and coordinate congress reporting and summaries, collect data on competitors and landscape development.

• Participate to medical meetings at a European level, provide feedback and advice to implement medical strategy.

• Provide input and review congress abstracts, posters, presentation slides, manuscripts, educational materials, advisory board meeting materials, medical information response documents, … as part of the Medical, Legal, Regulatory (MLR) review team.

Who are you?

• Advanced degree (MD, PhD, PharmD) in a health-related field with at 7-10+ years of experience in medical affairs, clinical development, or related roles within the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry.

• Experience in CAR-T (preferred), lymphoma (preferred), or Multiple Myeloma to include proficiency in clinical data review and interpretation.

• In-depth knowledge of the EU healthcare system, including regulatory requirements, payer landscape, and healthcare provider networks.

• Experience in translating medical/clinical information into medical affairs initiatives.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.

• Ability to navigate and succeed in a small/mid-sized biotech in a dynamic, and fast-paced environment with a high degree of collaboration and teamwork.

• Deep understanding of global medical, regulatory and commercial (including payer) environments in EU.

• Excellent understanding of government and industry guidelines, regulations, laws for appropriate scientific/medical exchange and communication with key external stakeholders (e.g., healthcare providers, payers, advocacy bodies).

• Exposure to matrix organizational/leadership model. A successful track record of building and managing internal and external collaborations.

• Business travel required to approximately 30% of the time, with some international travel. You are preferably located near a major airport.

What’s in it for you?

At Galapagos, we prioritize your continuous growth and development, fostering a culture of empowerment. Our employees are the driving force behind our mission to lead in pharmaceutical research and innovation.

We offer a competitive compensation package and a supportive work environment with strong focus on your health and well-being. Join us in our journey towards sustainability, as we strive to make a lasting impact on both the industry and the planet.

Galapagos is dedicated to ensuring equal employment opportunities. Our hiring decisions are based on merit, considering qualifications, skills, performance, and achievements. We strictly prohibit discrimination against any employee or job applicant based on personal characteristics that are unrelated to their job.