Medical Science Liaison

Job Description Summary

The Medical Science Liaison (MSL) role is a field based, customer-facing, non-promotional medical and scientific position. The MSL’s key objective is to create impact through advancing clinical practice within the assigned territory that leads to improved patient outcomes. The MSL must demonstrate deep therapeutic expertise, understand territory and market influences, engage scientifically with Healthcare Providers (HCPs) and medical experts, manage, and develop their territory and execute all relevant activities in alignment with the medical strategic and tactical plan – while functioning within the Novartis Code of Conduct, Ethics/Compliance policies and Working Practice documents. The MSL will Inform and shape medical strategy through application of a curious mindset to collect impactful and actionable insights, understanding the potential strategic impact of critical insights.

Job Description

This is a field-based and remote opportunity supporting key accounts in an assigned geography: Western Region. Preferred candidate will reside near a major airport in Portland (WA, OR). Novartis is unable to offer relocation or sponsorship for this role. Please only apply if this location is accessible for you.

Key responsibilities:

• The MSL will leverage scientific expertise and market knowledge to establish and build professional relationships and engage with HCPs (including community physicians, pharmacists, medical experts, nurses, and other healthcare professionals) and other thought leaders in geographical area as aligned with medical strategy.

• The primary responsibility of the MSL is to engage with customers - customer engagements may include but are not limited to: emerging data discussions, clinical trial activities, uncovering barriers in patient journey, understanding market dynamics within their territory, exploration of areas of unmet medical need, pipeline discussions, educating on disease state and product, capturing adverse events, and capturing medical insights through all stages of product lifecycle.

• Must demonstrate strategic territory vision and ensure appropriate territory identification, mapping, and planning of Medical Engagements (MEs) and Key Accounts as aligned to medical strategy and in collaboration with internal Novartis colleagues. This includes:

  • a. identification of key stakeholders with influence on the patient journey and in the disease space throughout the product development lifecycle to establish strategies for education, engagement, and partnership

  • b. identification of opportunities for partnership with academic centers, centers of excellence, and/or systems of care to drive impact within the assigned territory

  • c. identification of opportunities to involve HCPs or MEs when a specific medical need is identified (e.g., publications, clinical trial participation, etc.)

  • d. identification of opportunities for internal collaboration with other Novartis stakeholders to drive forward therapeutic area, clinical, or product goals as appropriate

• Provide clinical trial support for company sponsored trials facilitating relevant medical activities and working cross-functionally with Medical Affairs and Clinical Operations colleagues.

• Regularly and effectively collaborates with internal colleagues (e.g., HEOR, access, marketing, commercial, sales) within the assigned therapeutic area and territory to advance clinical practice while maintaining customer centricity and a One Novartis approach in accordance with Novartis compliance standards.

• Maintain in-depth knowledge of assigned therapeutic area and Novartis compounds to serve as a medical resource to customers and internal colleagues (in accordance with Working Practice Documents).

• Maintain in-depth knowledge of internal policies and external regulations (e.g., field medical Working Practice Document (WPD), travel policy, expense policy, state and local laws, institutional policies) and how they affect day-to-day responsibilities.

• Execute all administrative responsibilities and training (e.g., Veeva CRM, voicemail, e-mail, expense reports, compliance modules, etc.) in a timely manner, including profiling of core customers and ensuring up-to-date information in the CRM.

• Champion emerging responsibilities as strategic priorities and territory needs evolve.

• Proactively drive personal and professional development.

Essential Requirements:

• Education: Graduate degree in science or healthcare required; doctoral degree preferred (MD, PhD, DNP, PharmD, etc.) 

• Leveling Guidelines: the position will be filled at level commensurate with experience.

  • Experience for Manager Level: 0-3 years of experience in a Field Medical position within the pharmaceutical industry or as an MSL is required OR 3-5 years of relevant medical affairs, clinical research, or related experience in a scientific or clinical setting preferred.

  • Experience for Associate Director Level: Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a Field Medical-based position within the pharmaceutical industry or as an MSL is preferred OR 5-7 years of relevant medical affairs, clinical research, or related experience in a scientific or clinical setting required.

• Experience all levels: 

  • Strong clinical knowledge including pharmacotherapy, treatment guidelines, clinical research processes, medical expert engagement strategies, and FDA promotional guidelines, regulations, and ethical guidelines applied to the pharmaceutical industry is required. 

  • Candidates will perform their duties in accordance with applicable law, regulations, and Novartis policies. 

  • Works within Ethics, Compliance and Promotional policies (Novartis & Federal) and ensures those around them do the same. 

  • Works to ensure a diverse and inclusive environment free from all forms of discrimination and harassment. 

  • Adherence with Company policies, state and federal laws and regulations 

  • Candidate must reside within territory, or within a reasonable daily commuting distance of 50 miles from the territory border. Field based, customer-facing position majority of the time with approximately 60-70% travel required to achieve performance and business objectives (face to face, virtual, email, telephone, etc.). Must have a valid driver’s license.

Desirable Requirements:

• Previous experience in assigned or related therapeutic area is preferred. 

NOTE: Above level experience criteria are not an exhaustive list. 

Driving is an Essential Function of this Role: Meaning it is fundamental to the purpose of this job and cannot be eliminated. Because driving is an essential function of the role, you must have a fully valid and unrestricted driver’s license to be qualified for this role. The company provides reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified individuals with medical restrictions if an accommodation can be provided without eliminating the essential function of driving.

COVID-19 Vaccine Policy (customer-facing roles only): While Novartis does not require vaccination for COVID-19 or proof of a recent negative test result for COVID-19 at this time, employees working in customer-facing roles must adhere to and comply with customers’ (such as hospitals, physician offices, etc.) credentialing guidelines, which may require vaccination. As required by applicable law, Novartis will consider requests for reasonable accommodation for those unable to be vaccinated. This requirement is subject to applicable state and local laws and may not be applicable to employees working in certain jurisdictions. Please send accommodation requests to [email protected].

For Field Roles with a Dedicated Training Period: The individual hired for this role will be required to successfully complete certain initial training, including home study, eight (8) or fewer hours per day and forty (40) or fewer hours per week.

Novartis Compensation Summary:

The pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between; for Manager: $145,600 - $270,400 year and for Associate Director: $160,300 - $297,700 year. The final salary offered is determined based on factors like, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience, and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. Novartis may change the published salary range based on company and market factors.

Your compensation will include a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards.

US-based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. In addition, employees are eligible for a generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves.

To learn more about the culture, rewards and benefits we offer our people click here.

EEO Statement:

The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. 

Accessibility and reasonable accommodations

The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to [email protected] or call +1(877)395-2339 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

Salary Range

$160,300.00 - $297,700.00

Skills Desired

Building Construction, Business Analysis, Business Networking, Clinical Practices, Clinical Research, Clinical Study Reports, Collaboration, Curious Mindset, Disease Management, Diversity & Inclusion, Drug Development, Epidemiology, Medical Information, Medical Research, Medical Writing, Microsoft Word, Phase Iv Clinical Trial, Product Placement, Scientific Support