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Associate Director, Surgical Liaison - Ophthalmology

UK or USA

Position Summary:

The Surgical Liaison will play a pivotal role in the execution of surgical training and surgical monitoring programs, supporting the execution of the clinical development programs in Ophthalmology at AAVantgarde Bio. The successful candidate will facilitate collaboration across diverse teams and uphold relationships with vital stakeholders involved in the surgical delivery of AAVantgarde’s investigational drugs, including healthcare professionals, clinical trial investigators, surgeons, surgical stakeholders, pharmacists and clinical research coordinators. This role contributes to early-phase clinical trials by providing scientific and procedural expertise in ophthalmic surgical techniques, particularly those relevant to gene therapy or other advanced modalities in inherited retinal diseases. The candidate will be expected to work with the wider AAVantgarde clinical and other departmental teams as well as the Clinical Research Organization. This position is based out of the USA or UK, and reports to VP of medical affairs.

 

Responsibilities:  

Surgical training and Monitoring:

  • Trains and offers hands-on support to the clinical site, surgical and pharmacy teams per protocol/training plan (on an ongoing basis) working closely with the clinical operations team to ensure surgical readiness at trial sites.
  • Responsible for monitoring surgical procedures and ensures protocol is followed correctly and is accurately documented.
  • Assists in the troubleshooting of surgical challenges during trial execution and updates clinical team, on lessons learnt from surgeries.
  • Assists with other clinical operations tasks including managing clinical supplies.
  • Works closely with the Director, Medical Affairs, to develop training materials and training operations.
  • Ensure optimal surgical execution of clinical trials, investigator engagement, and scientific exchange to advance the company’s clinical and medical strategy.

 

Qualifications:  Skills and Capabilities:

  • Demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, adapt quickly to changing priorities and environments, and approach challenges with a practical, solution-oriented mindset.
  • Demonstrated success in managing projects and driving the development and execution of surgical training programs for Ophthalmology products.
  • Proven track record in medical device and/or pharmaceutical training and education including the delivery of hands on dry and wet lab style training to surgeons, pharmacists and their teams.
  • Demonstrate experience in working within an operating room environment.  
  • Ability to build and maintain relationships with KOLs, surgeons, and other stakeholders.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, coupled with strong stakeholder management abilities.
  • Strong interpersonal skills are conducive to fostering collaboration across functional teams.
  • Experience in a start-up environment is highly desirable.
  • Willingness to travel > 50% to clinical sites and conferences.

Education and Experience: 

  • Medical Doctor (MD), PhD, PharmD or B.Optometry degree is desirable.
  • Solid experience in surgical training roles within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, with a focus on Ophthalmology.
  • Prior experience in Phase I/II clinical trials involving ocular surgical procedures and devices is highly desirable.

Equal Opportunities

 

At AAVantgarde, we are committed to fostering a welcoming, collaborative, and inclusive environment. We believe in providing equal opportunities for all and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or any other legally protected characteristics. All applicants will receive equal consideration for employment.

 

Recruitment Policy

 

AAVantgarde’s HR team leads all recruitment activities for AAVantgarde globally. AAVantgarde will not recognise any notional ownership recruitment companies claim to hold over candidates they present directly to hiring managers without the AAVantgarde HR team’s consent, nor any fees the recruitment company may feel are due as a result of this. Unsolicited resumes sent to AAVantgarde from recruiters do not constitute any type of relationship between the recruiter and AAVantgarde and do not obligate AAVantgarde to pay fees should we hire from those resumes. We ask that external recruiters and/or agencies not contact or present candidates directly to our hiring managers or employees. If you are interested in becoming a recruitment partner please email the HR team at recruitment@aavantgarde.com

 

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