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Medical Scientific Liaison

Job description

What does a Medical Scientific Liaison do?

A Medical Scientific Liaison, or Medical Science Liaison (MSL) is a position within Medical Affairs where you are the medical expert for your therapeutic area product or group of products of the company in the medical scientific field. You work mainly in the field in conjunction with the Medical Advisor, who is usually based at the office. You collaborate with marketing and sales colleagues, and if there are active clinical studies you also have contact with clinical. More directly, the work brings you into contact with healthcare professionals such as prescribing physicians, specialists, pharmacists and key opinion leaders (KOLs). You can build excellent partnerships with healthcare professionals, and building and maintaining relationships and networks can be particularly satisfying.

An MSL position is often the next step in your career where, for example, you have gained experience as a Product Specialist (sales), as a CRA or in another position within the medical department such as Medical Information Officer. If you happen to have PhD aligned with the therapeutic focus of a specific position, and you meet the right person at the right time, you might be in luck starting your career directly as an MSL!

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What tasks and responsibilities can you expect as a Medical Scientific Liaison?

Your tasks and responsibilities as a MSL are wide-ranging. You contribute to the positioning of your products, identify what is going on in the medical scientific field and provide feedback internally. Some of the responsibilities of a MSL include:

  • signalling and assessing local research possibilities;
  • facilitating and setting up, as well as supervising ongoing clinical studies and investigator-initiated studies from the medical and marketing/sales perspective;
  • attending congresses and conferences;
  • giving input on marketing strategies;
  • presenting medical scientific information;
  • managing medical or scientific marketing projects.

At the same time, you will work with marketing and sales, ensuring that the CGR rules are being complied with, and you will be an active member of the brand team. You will usually report to the Medical Affairs Manager or Head of Medical Affairs, depending on which title is used in the organisation.

What education and skills do you need as a Medical Scientific Liaison?

You will need a completed biomedical or medical study at master’s or PhD level as this is strongly preferred, depending on the organisation. On top of this, you will need the following skills and attributes:

  • knowledge of CGR and GCP guidelines;
  • project management skills;
  • interest in the pharmaceutical industry and market developments;
  • good communication skills in Dutch and English;
  • strategic and analytical flair;
  • a flexible attitude;
  • a driving licence.

Living in the region where you are going to work is desirable, if applicable. Positions are sometimes internationally oriented in which case there would be some travelling required.

What salary can you expect as a Medical Scientific Liaison?

Salaries for MSLs are good, depending on your qualifications and background. In the Netherlands, the starting salary of an MSL varies roughly between €53.100,- and €66.100,- per year. There may also be benefits such as a performance-based bonus and a lease car. Browse our Medical Scientific Liaison vacancies to see what salaries and bonuses are being offered for different job opportunities.

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