Surgical Device Liaison

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The Position

Objectives and Scope of Position

The Surgical Device Liaison (SDL) is a field-based, ophthalmic surgical expert assigned to the Therapeutic Area of Ophthalmology (TA) and responsible for ophthalmic surgical technologies and medical products such as the Port Delivery System (PDS). As part of a surgical-technical team of experts, the SDL is the primary contact and trainer for surgical-technical questions from the clinical, outpatient and private practice environment. The SDL is responsible for all aspects of the training of ophthalmologists and clinical / outpatient staff, as well as for the training and technical support on the ophthalmic medical devices / PDS in order to ensure the efficient safety and results for the patient. In addition, in collaboration with the SDL team will generate insights that support and help craft the PDS strategy. As an integral member of the TA, the SDL makes a crucial contribution to clinical development programs, the implementation of local Surgical Excellence programs and the establishment of ophthalmic medical devices / PDS on several levels, both internally and externally.

This position primarily involves the consistent and effective implementation of the following points:

Surgical expert and trainer: Provision of medical device and surgery training at the highest level. Training and ongoing support of ophthalmic surgeons, ophthalmologists and ophthalmic HCPs in the use and application of the ophthalmic medical devices / PDS in compliance with the highest ethical and professional standards and in accordance with all Roche guidelines and instructions

Cross-functional internal and external collaboration: Collaboration with Roche and the investigators to support clinical studies with Roche ophthalmic medical devices / PDS. Collaboration with technical, medical and clinical teams to develop quality standards and quality tools to ensure the quality and specialist knowledge of all aspects of ophthalmic medical devices / PDS for doctors and clinic staff. Communication of user feedback from the market to Roche.

Continuous expansion of specialist knowledge about new developments within the assigned market as well as about company developments in order to function and be perceived as a technical expert.

Primary Responsibilities and Accountabilities

Operational activities:

Independently carry out the preparations and the vital training for all the surgical procedures of the ophthalmic medical devices / Port Delivery System with the ophthalmic surgeons, ophthalmologists and ophthalmic HCPs

Be responsible for the planning and implementation of: all training programs (ophthalmic medical devices / Port Delivery System) of the TAEs and HCPs; Product training; Surgery Education (internal / external); Surgical virtual reality training and events, dry (surgery on artificial eyes) and wet labs (porcine eye)

Accompany all surgical interventions of the ophthalmic medical products / PDS (e.g. implantation / revision / explanation / refilling-exchange of the PDS), ie you are present in the operating room and in the clinic to instruct and support the surgeon, the operating theater and clinic staff during live operations.

Offer remote and on-site support for the application and handling of ophthalmic medical devices / PDS.

Preparation, coordination and communication with the local SDL team and the relevant colleagues from the Therapeutic Area. Agreement and mutual representation, preparation, documentation, update and summary of field and training activities.

Identify the need for training for ophthalmic medical devices / PDS and the need that arises beyond the training in order to provide the best possible support for the development programs for ophthalmic medical devices / PDS, propose solutions and carry out certain projects independently and on your own responsibility.

Strategic activities:

Establishing and growing working relationships internally and externally:

External with clinical trial centers and employees to support phase I-IV clinical studies.

Externally with ophthalmology Therapeutic Area Experts and HCPs on account level.

Internally with cross-functional partners within the Therapeutic Area, such as Medical Experts, Patient Journey and Health System Partners, Clinical Operations and other relevant departments. The cross-functional networking and the exchange with the global teams responsible for PDS / medical devices are also included.

Help advance the development and study program of Roche’s ophthalmic medical devices / PDS. This may include advice on the conception and development of clinical studies and examinations of other ophthalmic medical devices and drug carriers from Roche in close connection with the accountable functions.

Assessment, review and suggestions for revision of protocols to support the development of the assigned medical device(s).

Participation in cross-functional teams in the evaluation, verification, implementation and improvement of products

Act as a technical expert for evaluating clinical feasibility Studies at test centers (“site feasibility”) with ophthalmic medical devices / PDS from Roche

Professional and Technical Requirements

Education/Qualifications:

Degree in science or related field (preferred: PhD, MSc, MD).

Strong ophthalmology background preferred, including experience directly supporting ophthalmic surgery with ophthalmic surgeons.

Significant experience in the pharmaceutical professions, which should include experience in an ophthalmology-related industry at global / affiliate level, with 2 year or more experience in a field customer-facing role.

Minimum: Master degree in science or related field

Leadership, Experience, Skills, Knowledge

Completed scientific, pharmaceutical or medical studies (master’s / license to practice medicine)

Minimum three years of experience in ophthalmic surgery as a medical device trainer and / or comparable experience in the surgical, ophthalmic and clinical environment

Excellent ability to train or teach, demonstrated by strong self-confidence, efficiency and clarity in dealing with different types of trainee audiences.

Willingness to travel domestic 60-70% of the time (approx. 3-4 days / week)

Excellent communication skills, very good knowledge of interviewing, presentation and moderation.

This also includes very high skills in clear and detailed written and verbal communication and high skills in dealing professionally with customers, doctors, nurses and other medical staff

Ability to build resilient and believing customer relationships 

Resilient, high degree of self-organization, independence and assumption of responsibility for patients and their own work.

High perception and readiness for independent, permanent learning.

Great ability to work independently of a remote environment

Excellent attention to detail, good organizational skills and good time management

Highly motivated and flexible team player with a focus on the success of others

Distinct communication skills and lived feedback culture within cross-functional, laterally managed teams

Ability to deal positively with change, as well as entrepreneurial and solution-oriented action

Well-founded, high level of expertise in the area of training in ophthalmic surgery and medtech

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