Kardigan is a heart health company working to make cardiovascular disease preventable, curable and no longer the leading cause of death in the world. It is Kardigan’s mission to develop multiple targeted treatments in parallel that bring people with cardiovascular diseases to the cures they deserve. Led by Tassos Gianakakos, Jay Edelberg, M.D., Ph.D., and Bob McDowell, Ph.D., Kardigan’s co-founders have reunited after leading MyoKardia to discover and develop mavacamten, the first cardiac myosin inhibitor, resulting in an acquisition by Bristol Myers Squibb in 2020. We have a cutting-edge discovery and translational research platform, a pipeline of late-stage candidates, and an industry-leading team that is driven to improve the lives of patients. At Kardigan, we are motivated by our values which guide how we work, interact, and achieve our goals. Driven by patients and their families, we are deeply committed to improving the lives of patients and prioritizing their needs above all else. We believe in being authentic—leading with truth to bring out the best in others by creating an environment where every person knows they will be fully accepted. With an eagerness to learn, we encourage the highest levels of curiosity and are open to changing our minds. We are committed to winning as a team with urgency, excellence, and intention, and support each other no matter what role we play or where we sit. Lastly, we strive to because patients are counting on us. We are not afraid to take risks to unlock innovation and advance scientific discoveries. These values are the foundation of our work, empowering us to make a real difference, every day.
enable the impossible
Job Overview
The Executive Director Medical Affairs – Digital Innovation & HEOR will lead the strategy, development, and execution of digital and AI-enabled initiatives and HEOR across Medical Affairs for a biopharma company with integrated pharmaceutical and medical device solutions. This role is responsible for transforming how digital enabled data and data evidence partnerships with Prolaio are generated, analyzed, and applied through medical strategy and tactics. Additionally, this role will focus on developing the HEOR and Real World Evidence strategy across the clinical programs at Kardigan and integrated with Prolaio evidence generation capabilities and tactics. Operating at the intersection of medicine, data science, health economics, and technology, this leader will serve as a key partner to Clinical Development (Kardigan & Prolaio), Data Science, Commercial, and IT functions to ensure digital/AI capabilities and HEOR evidence generation plans are scientifically rigorous, compliant, and aligned with medical and enterprise strategy. Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Digital & AI Strategy (Medical Affairs)
Define and lead the Medical Affairs digital innovation and AI roadmap with Prolaio, aligned with therapeutic area and enterprise priorities across drug–device portfolios
Identify, prioritize, and operationalize AI/ML and advanced analytics use cases to support medical strategy, insights generation, and scientific exchange
Ensure digital and AI solutions adhere to scientific, ethical, regulatory, and compliance standards across pharmaceutical and medical device contexts
Medical Insights, HEOR/RWE & Evidence Enablement
Lead technology-enabled approaches to generate medical and economic insights from clinical, observational, and digital data sources
Partner with Prolaio Data Scientists to support outcomes research, value demonstration, and evidence needs using advanced analytics and AI-enabled methodologies
Translate analytical outputs into actionable medical and health economic insights to inform medical strategy, real-world evidence, publications, and external engagement
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner with Clinical Development and Device Development teams to align digital and AI initiatives with clinical programs and post-market evidence needs
Collaborate with Data Science, Digital, and IT teams to design, develop, validate, and deploy AI-enabled solutions
Work with Commercial and Market Access teams (in a medical, non-promotional capacity) to support appropriate use of medical and economic insights
Engage Legal, Compliance, Privacy, and Quality partners to ensure responsible use of AI and data in pharmaceutical and medical device environments
Team Leadership & Capability Building
Establish operating models, governance frameworks, and best practices for digital and AI initiatives, as well as HEOR/RWE evidence generation
Advance digital, AI, and HEOR literacy across the Medical Affairs organization
External Engagement & Innovation Ecosystem
Evaluate and manage external partnerships with technology vendors, analytics providers, medical device companies, digital health organizations, and academic medical centers and/or health systems
Engage external experts, academic partners, and key opinion leaders on digital innovation and outcomes-focused initiatives
Represent Medical Affairs in internal and external forums related to digital health, AI, and value-based healthcare
Qualifications and Preferred Skills
Required
Advanced degree required (MD, PharmD, PhD, or equivalent scientific degree)
10–12+ years of experience in Medical Affairs, HEOR, or a related function within biopharma and/or medical device organizations
Demonstrated experience leading or partnering on digital innovation, advanced analytics, or AI-enabled initiatives
Working knowledge of HEOR methodologies, real world outcomes research, and value evidence generation
Understanding of regulatory and compliance considerations for both pharmaceuticals and medical devices
Proven ability to lead cross-functional, matrixed teams
Preferred
Experience spanning both pharmaceutical and medical device portfolios
Familiarity with AI governance, validation, and responsible AI principles in healthcare
Experience working with external technology, device, or digital health partners
Publication and scientific presentation experience including outcomes or value-based evidence
Experience managing teams in a matrixed environment, with proven ability to influence and lead through change
Exact Compensation may vary based on skills, experience and location.
