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. This role is a fully remote position.
The Senior Director, Medical Affairs – Solid Tumors will serve as the Medical Affairs lead for Lyell’s solid tumor programs, with an initial focus on metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). The individual in this role will exercise independent leadership in the development and execution of US medical strategies for solid tumors. This role is responsible for ensuring scientific excellence, identifying evidence generation needs, and establishing Lyell as a trusted partner among external stakeholders in solid tumors, starting with the GI oncology space. The Senior Director, Medical Affairs – Solid Tumors will play a pivotal role in preparing for future approvals and managing the day-to-day oversight of the solid tumor pipeline.
KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Strategic Leadership & Program Oversight
- Serve as Lyell’s Medical Affairs lead for mCRC and future solid tumor programs, providing deep disease-area expertise and independent strategic direction.
- Partner closely with the SVP, Medical Affairs and the VP, Medical Affairs to shape and evolve the overall vision for Medical Affairs.
- Lead the development and execution of S. Medical Affairs strategy for solid tumors, aligned with corporate, clinical, and regulatory objectives.
- Shape medical narrative, scientific platform, core claims, and evidence-generation needs to support evolving program priorities.
- Drive Medical Affairs contributions to launch readiness for solid tumor assets.
- External Engagement
- Build and maintain strong professional relationships with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), investigators, and academic centers, specifically within the GI oncology and solid tumor communities.
- Represent Lyell at key scientific congresses (e.g., ASCO, ESMO, GI ASCO) and advisory boards to facilitate scientific exchange.
- Gather and synthesize external insights to shape Medical Affairs initiatives and support clinical development priorities
- Medical Excellence & Communications
- Oversee the development of medical narratives, scientific platforms, and publications strategy for the solid tumor portfolio.
- Ensure compliant, high-quality execution of medical communication initiatives and educational materials relevant to the colorectal cancer program.
- Provide scientific training and guidance to internal teams and field medical staff to ensure consistency and accuracy of scientific messaging.
- Leadership & Governance
- Demonstrate independent leadership in managing projects, resources, and potential direct reports or cross-functional teams to meet program deliverables.
- Ensure all Medical Affairs activities within the solid tumor program comply with legal, regulatory, and corporate standards.
- Contribute to the development of governance frameworks and authorship policies as a senior member of the Medical Affairs team.
PREFERRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
- MD, DO, PharmD, or PhD required.
- Oncology specialty required; specific background in GI oncology or solid tumors strongly preferred.
- Minimum 8–10 years of pharmaceutical/biotech industry experience, with 5+ years in Medical Affairs.
- Extensive experience in oncology is required; prior experience in metastatic colorectal cancer, cell therapy, or immuno-oncology is highly desirable.
- Proven track record of independently leading medical strategy for a specific asset or therapeutic area.
- Strong knowledge of U.S. compliance and regulatory requirements applicable to Medical Affairs.
- Launch experience is strongly preferred.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Strong scientific expertise in oncology, with the ability to analyze, interpret, and communicate complex scientific data.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills; comfortable engaging with external experts and internal senior leaders.
- Strong strategic acumen and ability to drive multiple concurrent initiatives.
- Demonstrated leadership without formal authority; ability to mentor future Medical Affairs team members.
- Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, high-growth biotech environment with limited infrastructure.
- Ability to effectively collaborate with and influence cross-functional stakeholders at senior levels
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 $250,000 to $300,000, 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.
