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Senior Director, Field Medical

South San Francisco, California, United States

Using living cells to treat – and sometimes even cure – cancer is one of the most dramatic advances in modern medicine. Patients with hematologic malignancies have been successfully treated with cell therapies. However, these profound results have not yet been achieved in patients with solid tumors, representing approximately 90% of all cancers. And for patients with hematologic malignancies, there is a need for next-generation cell therapies that can deliver increased response rates and longer duration of response.  We are a clinical-stage company advancing a pipeline of next-generation CAR T-cell therapies for patients with solid tumors or hematologic malignancies. Lyell’s product candidates are enhanced with novel technology designed to generate T cells that resist exhaustion and have qualities of durable stemness in order to drive durable tumor cytotoxicity and achieve consistent and long-lasting clinical response. We were founded by cell therapy pioneers whose decades of research elevated the broader understanding of T-cell biology and its interaction with cancer. In our quest to advance next-generation CAR T-cell therapies, we have built a fully integrated company capable of discovering new technologies, translating science into therapies, manufacturing cell therapy products, and clinically evaluating them in patients. Our culture is based on Science, Respect, Collaboration, and Courage and reflects who we are, the environment we create, and our mission's urgency. 

Using living cells to treat – and sometimes even cure – cancer is one of the most dramatic advances in modern medicine. Patients with hematologic malignancies have been successfully treated with cell therapies. However, these profound results have not yet been achieved in patients with solid tumors, representing approximately 90% of all cancers. And for patients with hematologic malignancies, there is a need for next-generation cell therapies that can deliver increased response rates and longer duration of response.  We are a clinical-stage company advancing a pipeline of next-generation CAR T-cell therapies for patients with solid tumors or hematologic malignancies. Lyell’s product candidates are enhanced with novel technology designed to generate T cells that resist exhaustion and have qualities of durable stemness in order to drive durable tumor cytotoxicity and achieve consistent and long-lasting clinical response. We were founded by cell therapy pioneers whose decades of research elevated the broader understanding of T-cell biology and its interaction with cancer. In our quest to advance next-generation CAR T-cell therapies, we have built a fully integrated company capable of discovering new technologies, translating science into therapies, manufacturing cell therapy products, and clinically evaluating them in patients. Our culture is based on Science, Respect, Collaboration, and Courage and reflects who we are, the environment we create, and our mission's urgency.  
 
The Senior Director, Field Medical will serve as the architect and operational leader of Lyell’s inaugural U.S. Field Medical function. Reporting directly to the SVP, Medical Affairs, this leader will be responsible for designing the infrastructure, governance, and strategic direction of the field team.

This role requires a "builder" mindset to establish foundational systems (CRM, SOPs, KPIs) and recruit a high-performing team of Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs). The Senior Director will ensure the field team effectively supports the pivotal PiNACLE studies in lymphoma, the LYL273 program in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), and future solid tumor pipeline assets.

KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership & Infrastructure Build

  • Lead the design and implementation of the U.S. Field Medical strategy, ensuring alignment with corporate, clinical, and Medical Affairs objectives.
  • Partner closely with the SVP, Medical Affairs, VP, Medical Affairs, and Senior Director, Medical Affairs (Solid Tumors) to translate medical strategy into actionable field tactical plans.
  • Establish the operational infrastructure for the field team, including the selection and implementation of CRM systems, insight reporting platforms, and territory mapping.
  • Define Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and metrics to measure the quality and impact of scientific exchange, ensuring the team is prepared for future commercial launches.

 Team Leadership & Execution

  • Recruit, coach, and lead a team of highly experienced Principal MSLs, fostering a culture of integrity, collaboration, innovation, and patient focus.
  • Direct resource planning and budget oversight for the Field Medical function.
  • Develop field engagement strategy for clinical trial sites to accelerate enrollment in pivotal studies and to escalate insights to the study team and broader organization.
  • Develop field communication materials and resources in collaboration with the VP, Medical Affairs and the Senior Director, Medical Affairs (Solid Tumors).
  • Provide scientific training and guidance to field medical team to ensure consistent and accurate use scientific themes across the hematology and solid tumor portfolio.

External Engagement & Insight Generation

  • Build and maintain strong professional relationships with National Opinion Leaders (NOLs), investigators, and CAR-T treatment centers in oncology/hematology.
  • Represent Lyell at scientific congresses (e.g., ASH, ASCO, ESMO, EHA) to facilitate scientific exchange, capture competitive insights, and support on-site activities.
  • Gather and synthesize external insights from the field, including via advisory boards, to shape Medical Affairs initiatives and support clinical development priorities.

Compliance & Governance

  • Ensure Field Medical activities comply with legal, regulatory, and corporate standards, including OIG guidelines and PhRMA codes.
  • Author and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for scientific exchange and field interactions.
  • Contribute to the development of governance frameworks as a senior member of the Medical Affairs leadership team.

PREFERRED EDUCATION

  • MD, DO, PharmD, or PhD required.
  • Oncology/hematology specialty required; specific background in cell therapy (CAR T) or solid tumors strongly preferred.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

  • Minimum 8-10 years of pharmaceutical/biotech industry experience, with at least 5 years in Medical Affairs.
  • Significant experience in field medical leadership.
  • Demonstrated ability to build and scale Field Medical functions in a high-growth environment (launch experience strongly preferred).
  • Extensive experience in oncology; prior experience in cell therapy, immuno-oncology, or hematologic malignancies highly desirable.
  • Strong knowledge of U.S. compliance and regulatory requirements applicable to Medical Affairs and field interactions.
  • Prior experience managing direct reports and accountability for internal and external deliverables.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  • Proven scientific expertise in oncology/hematology therapeutic areas.
  • Strong strategic acumen and ability to drive multiple concurrent initiatives, including CRM implementation and team deployment.
  • Excellent project management and organizational skills.
  • Strong oral, written, and presentation skills; ability to engage both scientific and non-scientific audiences.
  • Ability to effectively collaborate with and influence cross-functional stakeholders at senior levels (Clinical Operations, Commercial, Regulatory).
  • Experience applying external insights to inform Medical Affairs strategy.
  • Demonstrated success in mentoring, developing, and managing teams of skilled industry professionals.
Lyell offers its employees a range of compensation and benefits. To assist you with your decision to apply for this role, the following decision to apply for this role, the following information and links to our site highlight our competitive market position and support to our employees and their dependents.
 
The salary range for this position is $300,000 to $360,000, annually, with the opportunity to earn an annual bonus. The salary range is an estimate, and the actual salary may vary based on Lyell’s compensation practices and an applicant’s qualifications and experience. Employees are also eligible to participate in Lyell’s Equity Incentive Plan.
 
Our Employee Benefits program is extensive and includes subsidized medical, dental and vision plans from your first day of employment, FSA, Company provided Life and AD&D Insurance as well as STD and LTD Insurance, ESPP, a 401(k) Plan with Company match, mass transit commuter benefits, cell phone reimbursement and a range of supplemental benefits that you may choose to elect. Our paid time-off benefits currently include 18 days’ vacation, 9 day’s sick leave, 8 observed holidays as well as a floating holiday. We also have a summer and a winter office shutdown. 
 
At Lyell, we believe that highest performing teams include people from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences who respectfully challenge each other. We are committed to building an open, diverse and inclusive culture for all employees. Lyell is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, veteran status or any other characteristics protected under applicable federal, state and local laws.
 
We’ve learned from experience that some of the best people don’t always match our requirements perfectly - if you’re interested and think you could fit, please don’t hesitate to apply.

 

Our Employee Benefits program is extensive and includes subsidized medical, dental and vision plans from your first day of employment, FSA, Company provided Life and AD&D Insurance as well as STD and LTD Insurance, ESPP, a 401(k) Plan with Company match, mass transit commuter benefits, cell phone reimbursement and a range of supplemental benefits that you may choose to elect. Our paid time-off benefits currently include Flex Time off,  sick leave, 8 observed holidays as well as a floating holiday. We also have a winter office shutdown.

 

At Lyell, we believe that highest performing teams include people from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences who respectfully challenge each other. We are committed to building an open, diverse and inclusive culture for all employees. Lyell is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, veteran status or any other characteristics protected under applicable federal, state and local laws.

 

We’ve learned from experience that some of the best people don’t always match our requirements perfectly - if you’re interested and think you could fit, please don’t hesitate to apply.

 

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