Senior Clinical Support Specialist

Job Title: Senior Clinical Support Specialist (SCSS)

Location: Hyderabad, Kolkata, & New Delhi

About GastroLab India

GastroLab India is a pioneering company in gastroenterology diagnostics, specialising in novel diagnostic tools like Electrogastrography (EGG) and other GI physiology test assays. We are committed to improving patient outcomes by helping clinicians adopt and integrate these revolutionary diagnostic solutions into everyday practice.

Position Overview  

The field-based role of Senior Clinical Support Specialist (SCSS) is a scientific and strategic role, where the primary focus is on engaging clinicians, building lasting relationships, and driving the adoption of GastroLab India's innovative diagnostic technologies with key external stakeholders. The SCSS is not only necessarily involved in the routine execution of EGG studies but also serves as a pivotal figure in mapping the market, segmenting it by potential, and working closely with internal teams and clinicians to create tailored milestones. A core responsibility includes mentoring Clinical Application Interns (CAIs) to ensure the effective implementation of these milestones. The Senior CSS also plays an essential role in shaping therapy solutions through close collaboration with the client’s field team (e.g., pharmaceutical companies).

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Clinician Engagement

•  Building Rapport with Clinicians: Develop long-term relationships with gastroenterologists and other GI specialists. The CAS will work with these professionals to foster understanding and confidence in GastroLab’s diagnostics, especially Electrogastrography (EGG).
• Clinician Support: Help clinicians recognise the potential of EGG by identifying patient cohorts that could benefit from diagnostics and helping them interpret test outcomes, thus driving effective treatment decisions.
• Therapy Shaping: Partner with the client’s field team, such as pharmaceutical company representatives, to shape therapy recommendations based on the diagnostic data gathered from EGG and other GI assays. These recommendations will be critical in helping clinicians choose appropriate interventions for their patients.

2. Market Mapping and Segmentation

• Market Potential Assessment: Analyze the region to map out key gastroenterologists and GI centres with high potential for adopting GastroLab’s diagnostics. Segment the market based on patient demographics, clinical needs, and technological readiness.
• Engagement Strategy: Develop and execute a well-structured engagement plan targeting high-potential clinicians and institutions, ensuring they are educated on the benefits of GastroLab’s solutions and ready to integrate them into their practices.

3. Milestone Creation and Mentorship for Clinical Application Interns (CAI)

• Milestone Setting: Set specific, achievable milestones for each gastroenterologist engaged. These could range from increasing the number of EGG studies conducted to proving how EGG aids in choosing appropriate patient therapies.
• Mentoring CAIs: The SCSS will mentor Clinical Application Interns, guiding them in achieving the set milestones. The SCSS will regularly check in with interns, providing feedback and troubleshooting issues to ensure the successful execution of their tasks.
• Measuring Success: Continuously evaluate the progress made by CAIs in expanding the use of EGG studies at assigned sites. Success will be measured through specific KPIs, such as the number of new clinicians engaged, studies conducted, and clinician feedback on therapy decisions.

4. Driving EGG and Diagnostic Test Adoption

• Overcoming Adoption Barriers: Work with clinicians to address and reduce the steep learning curve associated with EGG and other novel diagnostic tools. Tailor engagement strategies to overcome these barriers ensure clinicians feel confident incorporating EGG into their diagnostic process.
•  Case Study Creation: Develop and analyse case studies to identify the key challenges and barriers to adopting EGG in specific practices. Implement practical, actionable strategies to overcome these challenges, ensuring that at least one new user is onboarded monthly.

5. Weekly Action Plan and Strategic Meetings

• Structured Weekly Agenda: Devise a clear, focused weekly agenda to ensure the maximum impact of engagement with clinicians. This will include setting specific objectives, reviewing case studies, scheduling engagements, and adjusting tactics based on ongoing feedback.
•  Collaborative Meetings: Participate in weekly meetings with the internal clinical team, client’s field teams, and CAIs to discuss progress, share insights, and adjust strategies as needed. These meetings will ensure alignment and allow for quick resolution of any issues.

6. Data Analysis and Reporting

• Pattern Recognition and Analysis: Review and analyse clinical data from EGG studies to identify potential patterns that can help gastroenterologists make more informed decisions. Share these insights in concise, actionable reports.
• Feedback Mechanisms: Implement feedback loops with gastroenterologists participating in training and support sessions. Use this data to improve the training process, troubleshoot barriers, and adjust engagement strategies.

7. Presentations and Educational Initiatives

• Clinician Training Presentations: Prepare and deliver presentations explaining the clinical value and practical applications of EGG and other GI diagnostics. These presentations will focus on simplifying the learning curve for clinicians and encouraging greater adoption.
• Continuous Learning: Continuously educate yourself and the clinical teams on new developments in GI diagnostics, ensuring that both internal and external stakeholders are kept up-to-date with the latest advancements.

8. Therapy Coordination with Client’s Field Team

•  Close Coordination: Work closely with the client’s field team to ensure that diagnostic data from EGG studies is effectively used to inform therapy decisions.

Skills and Competencies Required

1. Strategic Thinking and Market Analysis:

•  Expertise in mapping and segmenting market potential based on clinical need and technological readiness.

2. Relationship Building:

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build lasting relationships with clinicians and healthcare professionals. 

3. Leadership and Mentorship:

•  Experience mentoring junior staff, setting clear goals, and guiding them to achieve success in clinical settings.

4. Clinical Knowledge:

•  A deep understanding of GI physiology, the clinical applications of EGG, and other diagnostic tools.

5. Presentation and Communication:

•  Excellent presentation skills, capable of simplifying complex technologies and effectively communicating them to clinicians.

6. Data Analysis:

•  Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret clinical data and present actionable insights to clinicians and internal teams.

Performance Metrics

• Clinician Engagement: Increase in the number of gastroenterologists adopting EGG and other diagnostics.
• Milestone Achievement: CAIs succeed in reaching clinical milestones, such as increasing the number of EGG studies conducted.
• Market Growth: Expansion of GastroLab diagnostics into new regions and among new clinicians.
• Therapy Shaping: Positive impact on therapy decisions made by clinicians through diagnostic data.
• Continuous Feedback: Effective use of feedback from clinicians to continuously improve engagement strategies.

Qualifications

Only those candidates who have the following:

• A strong interest in life sciences and IVD/MD diagnostic technologies.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to travel and work at multiple sites within the base city and neighbouring significant towns.
• A minimum of MSc is required; however, advanced scientific training and academic credentials, generally PhD, MD, or Pharm D, are preferred.

Advantageous:

• Clinical experience in situations where direct/or indirect decision-making authority for patient care was demonstrated (e.g. direct patient care, treatment protocol development, therapy guidelines development, traditional clinical practice settings) or medical liaison experience.
• Assisted in writing, submitting, and publishing peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts.
• Experience in designing and monitoring investigator-initiated clinical trials.
• This is a field-based role. The minimum expected time in the field is 60%, rising to 80% depending on project development and execution of support activities.