Medical Science Liaison

A Medical Science Liaison (MSL) is a clinical research professional who specializes in translating scientific and medical information and building relationships between groups of people, such as physicians and industry personnel. The MSL type of position can also be called a Clinical Research Scientist, and Regional Science Manager. Many of the job descriptions say that a “qualified candidate” will have a PhD, PharmD, or MD. A few key responsibilities include: establishing and maintaining peer relationships with key opinion leaders (KOL; usually clinical/research leaders in specific therapeutic area); developing educational materials and support programs for personnel; maintaining thorough knowledge of literature and data in therapeutic area; and independently managing home-based work with extensive travel. MSLs usually cover a specific regional area, that can range from one or two states up to regions with more than five states.

It is important to take the time to talk with professionals in the field before pursuing a MSL position. Many local MSLs are willing to talk with aspiring young professionals.

Things to Know About Medical Science Liaisons

MSLs frequently spend 70% of their time traveling, and it isn’t something you can take lightly.
Interpersonal communication skills are a must. It’s not enough to think that you are outgoing or a “people-person”. Building and maintaining relationships is a lot of work.
Company culture is a key consideration. Being a great fit with the MSL team and the company will be very important. Understand the company culture and know how you’ll contribute.

Compensation and benefits

Medical science liaison positions offer a generous base salary, bonus incentives, and excellent benefits. In addition, most companies will also provide a company car and expense budget.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Develop and maintain professional relationships with key opinion leaders and academic centers to ensure their access to current medical and scientific information. Conduct Round Table and Advisory Board sessions to ensure accessibility of scientific information.
Present data on client products to healthcare professionals including physicians, hospital practitioners and formulary committees, consultant pharmacists and others. Partner with such groups to identify opportunities for the development of treatment guidelines.
Facilitate identification and presentation of research opportunities for consideration in support of client products and customers. Assist in implementation of protocol development and administration for proposals to be supported. Uncover unique opportunities to develop/implement drug utilization and pharmacoeconomic analysis.
Provide information to local experts to assist in keeping their presentations current and ensure they have medical and scientific information necessary when responding to questions encountered during their presentations.
Conduct on-going training to field sales personnel and others, providing up to date knowledge of product, uses, and external data. Serve as local medical and scientific resource planning for communication of product information.
Strong scientific and pharmaceutical knowledge and experience
Strong team, leadership, planning and written/verbal communication skills
Strong presentation and teaching skills
Strong interpersonal skills
Strong organizational skills
Ability to learn and effectively convey clinical and non-clinical technical information
Ability to work independently
Ability to lead and influence key decision makers
Ability to develop and maintain strong relationships
Ability to travel between 25-75% (depending on territory)
MUST be self-motivated with the ability to work independently. These positions are field based (out of a home office environment)

Resources

The Medical Science Liaison Society: The Medical Science Liaison Society (MSLS) is a non-profit professional organization dedicated to advancing the MSL career and helping those interested in pursuing an MSL career. This society is an excellent global resource for MSL professionals in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, CRO, and other healthcare industries.

Survey of Medical Liaisons

Recruiters and Employers

The Carolan Group
William Halderson Associates
Elwood Staffing (formerly SOS Employment Group)
MSL Jobs search (SRA), SRA International, Inc. (SRA job search; formerly Constella Group)

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