Job Description

About Us

Calliditas Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on identifying, developing, and commercializing novel treatments in orphan indications with significant unmet medical needs. Our lead compound, TARPEYO (budesonide), is the first FDA-approved treatment for IgA nephropathy.

With an international presence and a strong growth trajectory, Calliditas is building a world-class team committed to advancing science and delivering innovative therapies that improve patients’ lives. The company culture is entrepreneurial, collaborative, and science-driven, with a strong belief in empowering employees and fostering cross-functional knowledge sharing. In 2024, Calliditas Therapeutics was acquired by Asahi Kasei corporation and the integration is ongoing.

The Director, Early Development will play a key strategic role within the global Medical Affairs organization, responsible for shaping and executing medical strategy for early pipeline assets across multiple disease areas.

Acting as a global scientific resource, you will drive high-impact scientific exchange with key opinion leaders, investigators, and external experts, while supporting the advancement of innovative therapies from early development through future commercialization. The role includes responsibility for early pipeline medical planning, including scientific communications, publications, medical education, and evidence generation strategies.

This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of science, strategy, and external engagement in a highly collaborative international environment. You will work cross-functionally with colleagues across Europe, the U.S., and Japan, contributing to the future direction of pipeline programs within a growing global organization.

The role is based in Stockholm and includes travel, primarily within Europe, although occasional international travel to the U.S. and Asia also occurs. You will report to the Senior Director, Medical Affairs.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and shape medical affairs strategies for early-stage pipeline assets in alignment with corporate and clinical development objectives.
• Build and maintain strong scientific partnerships with key opinion leaders, investigators, and external experts globally.
• Drive strategic scientific exchange and external engagement activities across emerging disease areas.
• Provide strategic medical input into clinical development programs, including protocol design, endpoint strategy, patient segmentation, and evidence generation planning.
• Lead scientific communication and publication strategies, including congress planning, scientific content development, and advisory boards.
• Continuously monitor scientific, clinical, and competitive developments within assigned therapeutic areas and translate insights into actionable strategies.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Clinical Development, Market Access, Business Development, and other global stakeholders across the organization.
• Represent Medical Affairs in global core teams and contribute to shaping the future direction of pipeline programs.

Education and Experience Requirements

We are looking for a highly collaborative and scientifically driven professional who thrives in an entrepreneurial and fast-paced global environment.

• PhD, MD, or PharmD required.
• Several years of experience within Medical Affairs, Medical Science Liaison, Clinical Development, or related functions within the biopharmaceutical industry.
• Strong scientific background and experience working within areas such as immunology, oncology, rare diseases, transplantation, or related therapeutic fields.
• Experience supporting early-stage development programs and scientific engagement activities is highly valuable.
• Demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships with healthcare professionals, investigators, and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Experience working in a global matrix organization and collaborating across regions and cultures.
• Strong strategic thinking, communication, and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize effectively, and navigate evolving environments with a high degree of autonomy.
• Willingness and enthusiasm to travel internationally approximately 40–60% of the time.

Calliditas’ offer
Calliditas offers a dynamic and entrepreneurial environment where you will directly shape the future of their ongoing and future programs. Employees join a growing international company with a strong pipeline, exciting projects, and the opportunity to make a real difference for patients. Calliditas provide competitive compensation, flexible working arrangements, and a culture built on trust, collaboration, and innovation.

Welcome with your application!