Abbott is a global healthcare leader, creating breakthrough science to improve people’s health. We’re always looking towards the future, anticipating changes in medical science and technology.
In Germany, Abbott has approximately 4,000 employees working in manufacturing, research and development, logistics, manufacturing, sales and marketing. They are located at Abbott`s German headquarters in Wiesbaden and its sites in Neustadt am Rübenberge, Wetzlar, Eschborn, Cologne, Jena, Hamburg and Munich.
At Abbott, you can do work that matters and help people to live a healthier and full life, grow your career, and learn, be your true self. You will have access to:
A company that is recognized as one of the best big companies to work for as well as a best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists.
This position works out of our Cologne location in the Abbott Rapid Diagnostics Germany GmbH.
The Medical & Scientific Affairs Lead (m/f/d) Western Europe for Infectious Disease Diagnostics is responsible for providing scientific, clinical, and strategic medical leadership to support the company’s diagnostic portfolio across the West Europe region. The role ensures high-quality medical engagement with healthcare professionals (HCPs), key opinion leaders (KOLs), professional societies, and public health stakeholders, while enabling the successful launch and lifecycle management of infectious disease diagnostic solutions.
The position requires strong expertise in infectious diseases, laboratory diagnostics, and West Europe region healthcare systems, along with the ability to translate complex science into impactful medical strategies. Additionally, it requires substantial experience in leading medical affairs activities across multiple countries and acting as a strategic partner to regional and global leadership teams within a complex matrix organization.
Your Tasks:
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Carries out duties in compliance with established business policies and procedures.
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Demonstrates commitment to the development, implementation and effectiveness of applicable Quality Processes as per ISO, FDA, and other regulatory agencies.
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Responsible for exhibiting professional behavior with both internal/external business associates that reflects positively on the company and is consistent with the company’s policies and practices.
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Responsibility to understand and maintain awareness of the quality consequences which may occur from the improper performance of their specific job.
Medical Strategy & Scientific Leadership
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Lead the development and execution of multi-country medical affairs plans across Western Europe.
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Develop and execute regional medical affairs plans for infectious disease diagnostics in alignment with global and regional strategies.
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Provide expert medical input into product positioning, clinical evidence generation, market access activities, and go‑to‑market initiatives.
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Conduct scientific landscape assessments, identifying unmet needs and opportunities for medical differentiation.
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Translate regional healthcare insights into strategic recommendations for EMEA and global leadership teams.
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Drive alignment of local market medical activities with regional business priorities
Stakeholder Engagement
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Establish strategic relationships with key stakeholders across multiple Western European healthcare systems.
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Leverage existing expert networks and accelerate their expansion
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with infectious disease specialists, laboratory directors, public health authorities and KOLs across the Western Europe region.
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Lead and participate in advisory boards, scientific exchanges, and clinical education initiatives.
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Serve as the primary medical point of contact for external stakeholders and internal Commercial teams in the West Europe Region.
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Represent Abbott in regional and international scientific forums and policy discussions where appropriate.
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Demonstrate excellent presentation and communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage and influence diverse scientific, clinical, and stakeholder audiences.
Medical Education & Scientific Communication
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Develop and deliver high-quality medical training for internal teams (commercial, market access, regulatory, etc.).
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Provide scientific support for congresses, symposia, workshops, and customer meetings.
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Review and approve promotional and non‑promotional medical content in accordance with healthcare systems regulations in the West Europe Region.
Clinical Evidence & Real‑World Data
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Lead regional evidence generation activities, including investigator-initiated studies, real‑world evidence programs, and clinical collaborations.
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Oversee regional evidence generation priorities and ensure alignment with EMEA medical objectives.
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Analyze and communicate scientific data to internal and external stakeholders.
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Ensure medical insight collection and feedback into global development teams.
Compliance & Governance
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Ensure all medical activities comply with internal policies, industry standards, French regulations (DMOS, ANSM), and ethical guidelines.
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Support the legal and regulatory review of scientific materials.
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Advanced degree in Medicine, Pharmacy, Biology, or related life sciences (MD, PharmD, PhD preferred).
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Strong background in infectious diseases and/or clinical microbiology.
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Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in diagnostics, medical devices or pharmaceutical industry.
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Minimum of 5 years of Medical Affairs experience with regional or multi-country responsibilities and increasing strategic leadership accountability.
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Demonstrated experience leading or coordinating medical affairs activities across multiple countries or regions within an international organization.
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Proven ability to lead complex cross-functional projects in a matrix environment.
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Familiarity with local regulatory requirements, promotional review, and compliance frameworks
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Understanding of the healthcare ecosystem in the West Europe Region, including hospital labs, private labs, and public health structures.
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Excellent communication and presentation skills, both in German and English.
Follow your career aspirations to Abbott for diverse opportunities with a company that can help you build your future and live your best life. Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to employee diversity.
We ask for your understanding that we only consider online applications via our online application portal. Applications by email or post cannot be processed. Original documents will not be returned.
Connect with us at www.abbott.com, on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/abbott-
