Formation Bio is a tech and AI driven pharma company differentiated by radically more efficient drug development.
Advancements in AI and drug discovery are creating more candidate drugs than the industry can progress because of the high cost and time of clinical trials. Recognizing that this development bottleneck may ultimately limit the number of new medicines that can reach patients, Formation Bio, founded in 2016 as TrialSpark Inc., has built technology platforms, processes, and capabilities to accelerate all aspects of drug development and clinical trials. Formation Bio partners, acquires, or in-licenses drugs from pharma companies, research organizations, and biotechs to develop programs past clinical proof of concept and beyond, ultimately helping to bring new medicines to patients. The company is backed by investors across pharma and tech, including a16z, Sequoia, Sanofi, Thrive Capital, John Doerr, Spark Capital, SV Angel Growth, and others.
You can read more at the following links:
- Our Vision for AI in Pharma
- Our Current Drug Portfolio
- Our Technology & Platform
At Formation Bio, our values are the driving force behind our mission to revolutionize the pharma industry. Every team and individual at the company shares these same values, and every team and individual plays a key part in our mission to bring new treatments to patients faster and more efficiently.
About the Position
The Medical Affairs Lead is a first-in-function leadership role responsible for building an AI-native Medical Affairs capability across Formation Bio’s growing portfolio. This role will establish the scientific and digital foundation for programs spanning late-stage development to commercialization, with an initial focus on our lead asset, Sprifermin, in osteoarthritis.
This leader will serve as a strategic scientific partner to Clinical Development, Regulatory, Commercial, and Portfolio teams, ensuring that Medical Affairs strategy, scientific exchange, and evidence generation are embedded early and executed with rigor, compliance, and credibility. Critically, this leader will champion the integration of AI-powered tools and data-driven approaches across all Medical Affairs activities—from evidence synthesis and KOL mapping to real-world evidence generation and field team enablement.
The Medical Affairs Lead will design scalable, technology-forward medical affairs infrastructure, lead external scientific engagement, and build a high-impact Medical Affairs team.
Responsibilities
Medical & Scientific Strategy
- Lead medical affairs and scientific strategy for Sprifermin and across assigned programs, from late development through pre-launch and commercialization readiness.
- Embed medical perspective early in development planning, including endpoint selection, evidence generation, and lifecycle strategy.
- Provide medical and scientific input into asset diligence, in-licensing evaluations, and portfolio strategy.
- Champion an AI-native approach to medical affairs—identifying, piloting, and scaling AI tools that enhance scientific rigor, efficiency, and decision-making across the function.
External Scientific Engagement
- Develop and execute a comprehensive KOL engagement strategy, building durable relationships with external experts, investigators, and scientific leaders in osteoarthritis and related therapeutic areas.
- Lead scientific exchange activities, including advisory boards, congress strategy, and external data communication.
- Serve as a credible scientific leader representing Formation Bio’s programs externally with rigor and integrity.
Publications & Real-World Evidence
- Own publication planning and execution, ensuring timely, compliant dissemination of clinical and real-world data.
- Support Phase IV, real-world evidence (RWE), and observational studies in partnership with Clinical and internal stakeholders.
- Translate evidence into clear medical narratives that inform development, access, and launch readiness.
- Leverage AI-assisted evidence synthesis, literature monitoring, and data analytics to accelerate insight generation.
Medical Affairs Build-Out
- Establish scalable medical affairs processes, governance, and operating models appropriate for a multi-asset organization.
- Build and lead an AI-native Medical Affairs function, identifying and implementing digital tools that improve how the team operates, shares scientific content, and captures field insights.
- Balance internal capabilities with external vendors and partners to maximize efficiency and impact.
Launch & Cross-Functional Partnership
- Support launch readiness through medical education strategy, scientific positioning, and internal training.
- Provide medical affairs input into value narratives, HEOR strategy, and reimbursement dossiers in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
Patient & Advocacy Engagement
- Develop strategy for engagement with patient advocacy groups and medical societies to inform development, education, and access, including those focused on osteoarthritis and musculoskeletal disease.
About You
- MD, PharmD, or PhD required; advanced clinical or scientific training in a relevant field (e.g., rheumatology, musculoskeletal medicine, pharmacology, or related discipline) preferred.
- Experience within osteoarthritis or musculoskeletal disease with deep scientific credibility is required.
- Demonstrated experience contributing to or leading medical strategy across late development, pre-launch, or commercialization preferred.
- Genuine enthusiasm for AI and digital tools applied to drug development and medical affairs; hands-on experience with AI-powered platforms (e.g., for evidence synthesis, KOL analytics, or field enablement) is a strong plus.
- Experience building or contributing to medical affairs capabilities, including MSL teams, preferred.
- Deep understanding of medical compliance and scientific exchange regulations.
- Strong cross-functional partner with ability to work closely with Clinical, Regulatory, Commercial, and Portfolio teams.
- Track record of credible external engagement with KOLs, investigators, and scientific stakeholders.
- Exceptional communication skills with the ability to synthesize complex data into clear strategic insights.
- Hands-on leadership style with comfort operating in a fast-growing, resource-lean environment.
Total Compensation Range: $325,000 - $425,000
Compensation Individual compensation is determined by several factors, including role scope, geographic location, and skills & experience. Your offer will reflect where you fall within the range based on these considerations. In addition to base salary, we offer equity, comprehensive benefits, and generous perks. If the posted range doesn't match your expectations, we still encourage you to apply!
Where We Hire Formation Bio is prioritizing hiring in key hubs, primarily the New York City and Boston metro areas, with a hybrid model requiring 3 days per week in office. Applicants from the Research Triangle (NC) and San Francisco Bay Area may also be considered. Please apply only if you reside in these locations or are willing to relocate.
Equal Opportunity Formation Bio is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome candidates from all backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
Similar Jobs at Formation Bio
What you need to know about the San Francisco Tech Scene
Key Facts About San Francisco Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 365,500; 13.9% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Google, Apple, Salesforce, Meta
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, cloud computing, fintech, consumer technology, software
- Funding Landscape: $50.5 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Sequoia Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, Bessemer Venture Partners, Greylock Partners, Khosla Ventures, Kleiner Perkins
- Research Centers and Universities: Stanford University; University of California, Berkeley; University of San Francisco; Santa Clara University; Ames Research Center; Center for AI Safety; California Institute for Regenerative Medicine
