Medical Director, Oncology

At Debiopharm, every step we take is guided by one purpose: improving the lives of people affected by cancer and infectious diseases. As a privately-owned Swiss biopharmaceutical company, we’re driven by science, but above all, by the people behind every treatment — the patients and their families.

Through our unique “development only” model, we bring forward promising therapies and transform them into treatments that can reach those who need them most, faster.

Are you ready to lead the charge in developing next-generation cancer therapies? Debiopharm International SA is looking for a visionary Medical Director, Oncology to serve as the clinical architect for our global oncology programs. In this high-impact role, you will lead the clinical strategy and end-to-end development of innovative compounds, bridging the gap between early discovery and transformative patient care. If you are a physician-leader driven by scientific curiosity and the desire to redefine the treatment landscape for solid tumors, we want to hear from you.

Medical Director, Oncology

Location: Lausanne, Switzerland

Department: Clinical Development

Contract: permanent role, full-time.

Executive Summary

As a Medical Director, Oncology, you will serve as the visionary clinical leader for the global development of transformative compounds. You will design and execute end-to-end clinical strategies—from First-in-Human through Phase 2—to address critical unmet medical needs and achieve Debiopharm’s overarching business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

·         Strategic Leadership: Develop and lead the global clinical strategy for assigned oncology programs, accounting for medical practice trends and the competitive landscape.

·         Clinical Deliverables: Provide medical input for all key documents, including study protocols, Investigator Brochures, and regulatory registration dossiers.

·         Program Execution: Deliver the Clinical Development Plan (CDP) in collaboration with study teams, ensuring efficient protocol execution and medical monitoring.

·         Matrix Collaboration: Drive clinical programs in partnership with Project Management, Clinical Operations, Biostatistics, and Regulatory Affairs to meet decision milestones.

·         Decision Support: Generate scenarios and risk-management strategies to inform senior leadership and support decision-making.

·         Network Building: Develop and maintain a global network of Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), investigators, and patient advocacy groups.

·         Stakeholder Interaction: Represent the clinical program before regulatory authorities, data monitoring boards, and internal decision boards.

·         Business Support: Provide medical expertise to support in-/out-licensing activities and market access strategies.

Profile Required

·         Medical Credentials: Medical Doctor (MD) with significant clinical experience in oncology, specifically in solid tumors.

·         Industry Experience: At least 2 to 5 years of proven success in early-stage oncology drug development (FIH to Phase 2) within the pharmaceutical industry.

·         Specialized Expertise: Experience in antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) or radio-oncology is highly preferred.

·         Leadership Track Record: Demonstrated ability to lead at least one oncology development program through early stages within a matrix organization.

·         Strategic Mindset: Proven strategic thinker with an innovative mindset, capable of managing uncertainty and driving decisive risk-based actions.

·         Technical Mastery: Thorough knowledge of GCP, clinical trial design, statistical methodology, and global regulatory development processes.

·         Collaborative Spirit: Strong ability to establish scientific partnerships with external stakeholders and internal cross-functional teams.

·         Agile Mindset: Entrepreneurial and autonomous approach, combined with high medical curiosity and a commitment to staying current with scientific progress.

What we Offer

·         Being part of a company where innovation, collaboration, and impact aren’t just values — they’re how we work every day

·         Partner with teams across disciplines, at the forefront of oncology and anti-infective development

·         An inclusive and respectful workplace — proud to be Equal-Pay certified

·         Grow in a culture that values people, purpose, and performance

·         A chance to grow, share, and shape the future of healthcare

What to Expect in the Recruitment Process

If your application is selected, you’ll be invited to interviews with Talent Acquisition and the Hiring Manager via Teams, followed by a panel interview and reference checks. Communication is handled via Workable—check your spam folder for emails from *@outbound.workable.com.

Please contact our HR Department prior to submitting any profiles. We cannot accept unsolicited applications from agencies or recruiters.