Why Join Us?
Be a hero for our rare disease patients
At Ultragenyx, we fundamentally believe that taking real impactful action to care for the needs of patients and our people is always the right thing to do. To achieve this goal, our vision is to lead the future of rare disease medicine. For us, this means going where other biopharma companies won’t go – challenging the status quo and creating a new model that advances our field so more patients and caregivers can benefit from life-changing treatments. We do this by following the science, applying a novel rapid development approach, making innovative medicines at fair and reasonable prices, and creating a collaborative ecosystem to reach patients in ways that are most meaningful for them.
Our commitment and care for patients extends to our people, so culture is an essential cornerstone for Ultragenyx. We remain continuously focused on creating a supportive and inclusive environment of profound learning and growth – so employees can thrive in all areas of their lives, in and outside of work. Ultimately, we want to be an organization where we would be proud for our family, friends and children to work.
If you want to have a meaningful impact, do the best work of your career, and grow a lot, both professionally and personally, come join our team.
Position Summary:
ultrafocused – Work together to fearlessly uncover new possibilities
The Associate Director, Global Medical Communications will develop, execute, and be responsible for the strategic direction of scientific communications for approved products or investigational programs for Ultragenyx’s rare disease portfolio. This role ensures that data generated across clinical, real-world, and HEOR studies are translated into a cohesive, forward-looking scientific narrative and communicated accurately, consistently, and effectively across audiences and channels. The role proactively leads program‑level strategic publication planning and ensures alignment between the integrated evidence plan (IEP), scientific narrative, and publication execution across the product lifecycle. The individual will collaborate closely with Global Medical Leads, Publications, Medical Information, HEOR, regional medical teams, and cross-functional partners to deliver high-quality, timely, scientific content that supports education, engagement, and launch readiness.
Work Model:
Remote: Officially documented as working full-time from home, with travel to Ultragenyx's offices or other locations on occasion as needed.
Responsibilities:
- Develop, execute, and lead program-level scientific communications plan aligned with the global IEP, brand strategy, and medical objectives, shaping communication priorities based on emerging data and evidence needs.
- Lead the development and maintenance of the core scientific communications platform and narrative, ensuring consistent interpretation and use of data across medical deliverables.
- Lead the development and maintenance of key medical communications deliverables, including product/program Q&As, and scientific slide decks.
- Support Medical Affairs congress strategy, leading the development of symposia content, congress booth materials, and post-congress scientific summaries.
- Partner with publications stakeholders to define and drive program‑level publication strategy, including publication plans, prioritization of data dissemination, and alignment of abstracts and manuscripts with evidence and strategic scientific positioning.
- Collaborate with Medical Information and other Medical Affairs colleagues to ensure scientific accuracy and message consistency across standard responses, training materials, and field medical deliverables.
- Ensure all medical communications deliverables are data-current, compliant, and globally aligned.
- Manage external Medical Communications vendors, providing clear strategic direction and accountability for output, ensuring quality, compliance, fiscal discipline, and on-time delivery.
- Serve as a contributor to launch and lifecycle readiness, ensuring Medical Affairs is scientifically prepared for internal and external engagement.
Requirements:
- Advanced degree in a scientific or medical field (PhD, PharmD, MD, or equivalent).
- 6-10 years of experience in medical communications and scientific publications within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
- Demonstrated experience in strategic publication planning at the program level, with ability to align publications with integrated evidence plans and medical priorities, and to independently shape publication strategy.
- Proven experience in developing scientific narratives, slide decks, and congress materials.
- Strong understanding of clinical development and data interpretation, with ability to translate complex data into clear, audience-appropriate scientific messages.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate cross-functionally in a fast-paced, matrixed environment; ability to lead multiple therapeutic areas concurrently.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; strong project management and organizational capabilities.
- Experience managing external agencies and vendors.
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally (~20%).
#LI-CS1 #LI-Remote
Full Time employees across the globe enjoy a range of benefits, including, but not limited to:
· Generous vacation time and public holidays observed by the company
· Volunteer days
· Long term incentive and Employee stock purchase plans or equivalent offerings
· Employee wellbeing benefits
· Fitness reimbursement
· Tuition sponsoring
· Professional development plans
* Benefits vary by region and country
Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin/ancestry, age, disability, marital and veteran status, and any other status or classification protected by applicable federal, state, and/or local laws. Reasonable accommodation will be provided for all protected statuses or classifications protected by applicable law, including individuals with disabilities, disabled veterans, for pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, and based on sincerely held religious beliefs. Applicants can request an accommodation prior to accepting a job offer. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, or in any part of the recruitment process, you may contact Talent Acquisition by emailing us at [email protected].
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Note to External Recruiters: All candidate activity and open positions are managed strictly through our Human Resources Department. Our Human Resources Department kindly requests that recruiters not contact employees/hiring managers directly in an attempt to solicit business and present candidates. Please note that failure to comply with this request will be a factor in determining a professional relationship with our organization. Submission of unsolicited resumes prior to an agreement set in place between the Human Resources Department and the recruiting agency will not create any implied obligation. Inquiries on developing a recruiting relationship with us, may be directed to
: [email protected]. 