Director, Medical Affairs (Epilepsy)

Who We Are:

Xenon Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:XENE) is a neuroscience-focused biopharmaceutical company dedicated to drug discovery, clinical development, and commercialization of life-changing therapeutics for patients in need. We are looking for great people who thrive in a respectful, collaborative, inclusive, and productive culture to join the Xenon team.

What We Do:

We are advancing an exciting product pipeline to address indications with high unmet medical need, including epilepsy, depression and pain. Our Phase 3 azetukalner program represents the most advanced, clinically validated potassium channel modulator in late-stage clinical development for multiple indications. In March 2026, we announced positive topline data from our Phase 3 X-TOLE2 study of azetukalner in focal onset seizures (FOS), and we anticipate submitting a New Drug Application to the Food and Drug Administration in the third quarter of 2026. Our Phase 3 epilepsy program also includes a second FOS study, X-TOLE3, which would support regulatory submissions outside the U.S., and the X-ACKT study in primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures, which would support regulatory submissions for an additional epilepsy indication. We also have multiple Phase 3 azetukalner clinical trials underway in major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar depression (BPD), based on topline data from our Phase 2 X-NOVA clinical trial. In addition, we are proud of our strong heritage in human genetics, deep understanding of ion channel biology, and expertise in novel chemistries to enable potent, selective ion channel targeting. We continue to advance an early-stage pipeline of novel therapeutic candidates, including Phase 1 studies for XEN1701 (targeting Nav1.7) and XEN1120 (targeting Kv7), which are important pain targets. Backed by a strong balance sheet to support our growth plans, we continue to build a fully integrated, premier neuroscience company with strong discovery, clinical development, corporate, and commercial operations.

About the Role:

We are seeking a Director, Medical Affairs (Epilepsy) to support and execute the medical affairs strategy for Xenon’s epilepsy program. This role will contribute to medical planning and execution across the product lifecycle, partnering closely with cross-functional colleagues to support clinical development activities and launch readiness. To be successful in this role, you are a scientific or clinical professional with strong therapeutic area knowledge, a passion for evidence-based medicine, and a collaborative mindset. You are comfortable engaging internal and external stakeholders and translating scientific information into meaningful insights that support patient care and organizational objectives.

This position reports to the Executive Director, Medical Affairs and will work collaboratively with Clinical Development, Regulatory, Commercial, Market Access, and other internal stakeholders. This position will be based out of Boston, MA, USA in our Needham office. This role is a hybrid position, requiring a minimum of 2 days per week in the office. We will consider other jurisdictions for exceptional candidates.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Medical Strategy & Execution

• Support the development and execution of medical affairs plans for Xenon’s epilepsy program in alignment with overall medical, clinical development, and commercialization strategies
• Maintain strong understanding of product data, disease state, and evolving clinical landscape to support internal discussions and medical decision making
• Contribute to insight gathering activities and evidence planning to inform medical strategy and launch preparation

Cross Functional Collaboration

• Serve as a key Medical Affairs partner for epilepsy related activities, collaborating with Commercial/Marketing, Market Access, Regulatory, Legal/Compliance, Pharmacovigilance, and other functions as appropriate
• Participate in cross functional forums to ensure scientific alignment and consistent, compliant communication across the development and launch lifecycle
• Review promotional and non promotional materials as a Medical Affairs reviewer to ensure scientific accuracy and compliance with internal and external standards

External Stakeholder Engagement

• Support scientific engagement with healthcare professionals, key opinion leaders, and patient advocacy organizations to gather insights and support medical strategy
• Contribute to advisory boards, investigator interactions, congress activities, and other external scientific exchanges in Epilepsy under appropriate guidance
• Represent Medical Affairs in scientific discussions to advance understanding of Xenon’s research and commitment to patients

Evidence Generation

• Contribute to the planning and oversight of post marketing studies, real world evidence initiatives, and investigator initiated research in Epilepsy
• Partner with RWE, HEOR, and cross functional colleagues to support evidence generation activities aligned with medical strategy

Medical Communications

• Partner with Scientific Communications to support publication planning and development of congress and educational content for Epilepsy
• Review abstracts, manuscripts, and other scientific disclosure materials to ensure accuracy, quality, and compliance
• Support internal training and medical education initiatives related to the epilepsy program

Other Responsibilities

• Perform additional duties as assigned to support Medical Affairs objectives and evolving business needs
• Conduct all activities in accordance with company policies, timelines, and quality standards
• Act in accordance with Company policies, including, for example, the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and ensure policies are understood and followed by direct reports, if any
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• PhD, PharmD, MD, or other recognized doctorate level education with supporting applicable health science background
• 7+ years of experience in progressive Medical Affairs Management positions experience in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry is preferred
• Candidates with a strong medical or scientific background preferably in neurology or psychiatry
• Experience working cross functionally within Medical Affairs, Clinical Development, or related functions
• Prior involvement in Phase IV, investigator initiated, or collaborative research studies
• Experience reviewing scientific publications and participating in promotional material review
• Neuroscience experience preferred; epilepsy experience a plus
• Strong scientific acumen, critical thinking skills, and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple projects and collaborate effectively in a fast-paced, matrix environment
• Excellent writing, communication, and presentation skills
• Must be self-motivated and able to work autonomously
• Willingness to travel up to 25% domestically and internationally

Our Total Rewards program includes base salary, target bonus, and stock options, as well as a full range of benefits including medical, dental, vision, short-& long-term disability, accidental death & dismemberment, and life insurance programs, Employee Assistance Program, travel insurance, and retirement savings programs with company matching contributions.

Xenon encourages time to rest and re-charge through vacation, personal days, sick days, and an end-of-year company shutdown. Xenon highly values employee development and has an expanding Training, Learning & Development program, including a Tuition Assistance program for advanced degrees.