Medical Science Liaison (MSL) – Respiratory & Immunology
Job Title: Medical Science Liaison (MSL) – Respiratory & Immunology
Introduction to role
AstraZeneca is pushing the boundaries of science to deliver life-saving breakthrough medicines that will improve patients’ lives. In that endeavor, Medical Affairs is a key strategic partner in shaping the optimal performance of the AstraZeneca brands. The Medical Science Liaison is responsible for building scientific partnerships with Key External Experts (KEE) and other healthcare professionals by providing high-quality, up-to-date scientific and medical information. This field-based role involves strong collaboration with the medical affairs manager of the therapeutic area (TA), who is office-based. The MSL continuously builds robust scientific and medical expertise on the therapeutic area, AstraZeneca products, and competitors, combined with business acumen and strong communication skills. As a core member of the brand team, the MSL contributes to delivering strategic and educational medical affairs projects.
Accountabilities
1) Conduct scientific exchange and collect customer insights:
- Stay up-to-date in TA knowledge through active monitoring of scientific literature, congress attendance, and frequent interactions with Key External Experts (KEE)
- Discuss key data sets with experts in F2F contacts or group meetings to identify patient pathways and treatment realities
- Build relationships with experts for advocacy development guided by the TA strategy
- Brief speakers for scientific events
- Document customer and visit information in a customer relationship management tool
- Respond to unsolicited requests for information about unapproved AstraZeneca products or unapproved uses of approved products
- Respond to medical queries via the medical information platform
- Support bridging/early access programs
- Continuously improve communication skills through coaching by line-manager or other coaches in joint visits
- Interact with other MSLs from other countries or TAs to exchange best practices
- Attend international and national scientific and medical congresses in the TA
2) Cross-functional scientific exchange and communication with internal stakeholders:
- Gain profound territory knowledge and share customer insights with internal stakeholders
- Educate sales representatives by providing in-depth information on disease and therapies when required
- Support Clinical operations in site selection, initiation, etc., as needed
3) Gain input from and co-create projects with KEE:
- Develop relationships with KEE and know their interests (customer profiling)
- Conduct and moderate meetings
- Have a sound knowledge of the TA strategy (business acumen)
- Liaise with the brand team to prepare and share relevant insights
4) Manage scientific partnerships with KEE:
- Manage Externally Sponsored Research
- Follow-up on grants/chairs/scientific sponsoring with Key External Experts
5) Deliver key medical input into the brand strategy:
- Work in collaboration with the Marketing and Market Access Departments under the leadership of the medical manager
- Be a member of the cross-functional brand team
- Provide high-quality scientific and medical input into the Brand Teams
- Have a thorough understanding of the promotional standards code (company and local)
- Execute medical affairs projects (e.g., build evidence) of the brand plan according to budget and timelines
6) Be compliant:
- Successfully complete all training requirements
- Comply with all external regulations & internal policies
- Fully understand AZ MSL guide, external interactions policy standards (including but not limited to publications policy, congress policy)
Essential Skills/Experience
• MD/ParmD/PhD/DVM or equivalent
• Significant experience with searching, handling, assimilating, synthesizing, reporting, and presenting scientific data in the healthcare sector
• National mobility and flexibility (organization and attendance of evening meetings)
• Excellent relational and communication skills
• Takes initiative and is proactive while conscious of compliance and process rules in the company
• Presentation skills
• Medical integrity and ethical balance
• Fluent knowledge of English (verbal and written)
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams
Desirable Skills/Experience
• Experience in and knowledge of pharmaceutical medical and marketing processes
• Knowledge of therapeutic area or the ability to acquire this knowledge rapidly. Broad employability in other TAs is an asset.
• Experience in moderation of meetings with HCPs
• Business Acumen
• Proven Project management skills
At AstraZeneca, we fuse the worlds of Medical and Commercial to spot opportunities and pioneer approaches that better serve our patients. Bridging Commercial and Scientific goals, we apply our people and leadership skills to launch cutting-edge products into our growing healthcare ecosystem. With a strong foundation of science and ethics, we run fast but never compromise on doing the right thing. Working at pace in our ever-changing markets takes creativity and imagination. We always feel supported to do this, learning from our failures and working as a team to win together.
Ready to make a meaningful impact? Apply now!
AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.
