Associate Director, Global Scientific Training - Job ID: 1621

As the Associate Director of Global Scientific Training at Ascendis Pharma, your responsibilities include developing and curating scientific training programs aimed at empowering Medical Affairs teams across the globe. You'll collaborate with subject matter experts to create engaging training content that meets rigorous scientific standards. This role also involves facilitating training sessions while utilizing adult learning principles and maintaining a positive learning environment. Additionally, you will constantly look for ways to evaluate and improve training effectiveness, staying current with industry trends and treatment guidelines.

To qualify for the Associate Director, Global Scientific Training role at Ascendis Pharma, candidates should have at least 8 years of experience in biotech/pharma training, along with a PharmD or PhD. Prior experience in Field Medical or Clinical environments is essential. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, proficiency in organizational tasks, and familiarity with Electronic Learning Management Systems are also critical to success in this position.

The Associate Director of Global Scientific Training plays a crucial role in advancing Ascendis Pharma's mission by enhancing the scientific knowledge and skills of the Medical Affairs teams. By developing innovative training programs, you will empower the teams to provide effective support to healthcare professionals and contribute to the successful implementation of therapies that address unmet medical needs. This role directly influences patient outcomes and reinforces the company's commitment to making a difference in people's lives.

At Ascendis Pharma, the working environment for the Associate Director, Global Scientific Training is dynamic and collaborative. The company promotes a culture of learning, innovation, and resourcefulness, where employees are encouraged to contribute to scientific discussions and share knowledge. The role involves both independent and team-oriented work, providing opportunities to engage with talented colleagues globally and create impactful training experiences.

The Associate Director of Global Scientific Training at Ascendis Pharma opens up numerous pathways for career advancement. Given the role's significance in developing training programs and enhancing team capabilities, successful performance could lead to higher leadership positions within the Global Scientific Training department or related fields in Medical Affairs. The experience gained in this role can also prepare you for strategic planning and operational roles within the broader pharmaceutical industry.

I have over eight years of experience in creating tailored training content for diverse medical audiences, where I prioritize alignment with scientific standards while ensuring engagement. I utilize feedback from participants to continually enhance the training materials I develop, ensuring they are effective and up-to-date with industry trends.

My approach to facilitating training sessions focuses on interactivity and inclusion. I incorporate adult learning principles, such as practical application and discussion, to enhance understanding. I also aim to adapt my sessions to meet cultural differences among participants, creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels comfortable contributing.

I believe that measuring the effectiveness of training programs is crucial. I implement both formal and informal assessments, collect participant feedback, and analyze performance metrics post-training. This data-driven approach allows me to make informed adjustments to the content and delivery of training, ensuring continuous improvement.

To stay current with industry trends, I regularly review scientific literature, participate in relevant conferences, and engage with professional networks. I also subscribe to industry journals and follow thought leaders on platforms like LinkedIn, ensuring I'm informed about the latest advancements and best practices in the biopharmaceutical sector.

I proactively identify the cultural backgrounds of my participants and tailor my training approaches accordingly. This may involve adjusting examples, case studies or activities to ensure relatability and understanding across diverse groups, fostering a supportive environment for learning.

For onboarding new employees, I focus on providing a structured yet flexible training schedule that balances foundational knowledge with hands-on practical training. I also ensure access to various learning resources that cater to different learning styles, facilitating both formal and informal knowledge sharing within the team.

In a previous role, I collected feedback from participants regarding a training session focused on a complex therapeutic area. Many expressed the need for more real-world examples. I revamped the program to include case studies and interactive discussions, which resulted in heightened engagement and significantly improved post-training assessments.

I am highly comfortable using technology in training delivery. I leverage a blend of in-person, virtual, and self-guided training formats, incorporating tools such as Learning Management Systems. I continuously explore new technologies that can enhance participant engagement and streamline training processes.

Key qualities of a successful trainer include excellent communication skills, adaptability, empathy, and a deep understanding of the subject matter. Additionally, fostering a positive learning environment and being receptive to feedback are crucial for facilitating effective training sessions and driving engagement.

I view challenging questions as opportunities for deeper engagement. I listen carefully to the question, acknowledge the participant’s perspective, and provide thoughtful, evidence-based responses. If I don't have an immediate answer, I assure them I’ll follow-up with additional information, which builds trust and shows my commitment to their learning.