Medical Science Liaison (MSL) Big Pharma – Philadelphia, PA

Are you a skilled scientific communicator passionate about advancing healthcare through strong medical insights? We are seeking a Medical Science Liaison (MSL) to join a top-tier pharmaceutical company in Philadelphia, PA. This is an exceptional opportunity to bridge cutting-edge medical research with clinical practice, supporting product strategy and fostering key relationships with healthcare professionals. If you excel in scientific engagement and thrive in a collaborative, fast-evolving environment, this role is designed for you.

Drive Scientific Excellence and Stakeholder Engagement in Philadelphia

A prestigious Big Pharma company based in Philadelphia is looking for a dedicated Medical Science Liaison (MSL) to enhance medical strategy and scientific exchange within their therapeutic areas. The ideal candidate will bring strong clinical knowledge, excellent communication skills, and experience building trusted partnerships with key opinion leaders (KOLs) and healthcare providers. If you are motivated by impactful scientific collaboration and want to contribute to the advancement of innovative therapies, this is your opportunity to make a significant difference.

Key Responsibilities of the Medical Science Liaison (MSL) – Big Pharma

Scientific Expertise & Medical Communication: Serve as a trusted scientific resource by communicating complex medical data and clinical evidence to healthcare professionals, key opinion leaders (KOLs), and internal stakeholders. Ensure accurate and compliant dissemination of scientific information to support product understanding and usage.

KOL Engagement & Relationship Building: Establish and maintain strong, long-term relationships with key healthcare providers, researchers, and thought leaders within assigned therapeutic areas. Collaborate closely to gather insights, identify unmet medical needs, and support clinical development strategies.

Clinical Research Support: Partner with cross-functional teams including medical affairs, clinical development, and marketing to support clinical trials, advisory boards, and investigator-initiated studies. Facilitate scientific exchange and ensure alignment of field insights with company objectives.

Medical Strategy Execution: Translate scientific knowledge and field feedback into actionable insights that inform medical and commercial strategies. Support the development and implementation of medical plans to drive product adoption and optimize patient outcomes.

Training & Education: Provide ongoing medical education and training to internal teams, sales force, and healthcare professionals. Develop scientific presentations and materials that enhance understanding of disease states, treatment options, and product profiles.

Compliance & Regulatory Adherence: Ensure all external communications and interactions comply with industry regulations, company policies, and ethical standards. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant regulatory guidelines affecting medical affairs activities.

Data Collection & Reporting: Gather real-world evidence and competitive intelligence from healthcare providers and clinical settings. Report insights accurately and promptly to internal teams to support decision-making and strategic planning.

Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with commercial, regulatory, and medical teams to ensure alignment and maximize the impact of scientific initiatives. Act as a liaison between the company and the medical community to facilitate seamless communication.

What the Client is Looking for in You

The client is seeking a highly motivated and scientifically proficient Medical Science Liaison (MSL) who can effectively bridge the gap between medical science and clinical practice. You should be an excellent communicator and relationship builder with the ability to engage healthcare professionals and key opinion leaders (KOLs) to support the company’s medical and commercial objectives.

Proven Expertise in Medical and Scientific Communication

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in life sciences, pharmacy, or medicine, with a demonstrated ability to interpret and communicate complex clinical data clearly and accurately. Experience working in pharmaceutical or biotech environments and familiarity with therapeutic areas relevant to the company’s portfolio are highly desirable.

Strong Relationship Building and Networking Skills

You must be adept at developing and maintaining trusted partnerships with KOLs, healthcare providers, and internal cross-functional teams. The client values MSLs who can foster long-term collaborations and act as credible scientific resources within the medical community.

Strategic and Analytical Thinker

The client seeks an MSL who can provide valuable insights from the field to inform clinical development, medical affairs, and commercial strategies. Your ability to analyze data, identify unmet medical needs, and translate scientific information into actionable plans will be essential to your success.

Excellent Interpersonal and Presentation Skills

You should be comfortable delivering scientific presentations and training to diverse audiences, including physicians, nurses, and internal teams. The client values strong verbal and written communication skills, combined with the ability to tailor messages to different stakeholder groups.

Commitment to Compliance and Ethical Standards

Maintaining strict adherence to industry regulations, company policies, and ethical guidelines is critical. The ideal candidate will demonstrate integrity and professionalism in all external interactions and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements governing medical communications.

Self-Motivated and Collaborative

The role requires a proactive, independent approach combined with the ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams. The client values MSLs who are adaptable, resourceful, and committed to continuous learning and professional development.

FAQs About the Role – Medical Science Liaison (MSL) – Big Pharma

1. What are the key responsibilities of the Medical Science Liaison in this role?

As a Medical Science Liaison (MSL), you will serve as a scientific expert, communicating clinical and medical information to healthcare professionals and key opinion leaders (KOLs). You will support clinical research, gather insights from the field, provide medical education, and contribute to the development and execution of medical strategies. Collaboration with cross-functional teams and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards are also vital aspects of the role.

2. What qualifications and experience are required for this position?

The ideal candidate will have an advanced degree in life sciences, pharmacy, medicine, or a related field, with experience in pharmaceutical or biotech industries. Strong knowledge of relevant therapeutic areas and experience engaging with healthcare providers and KOLs are important. Excellent communication skills and familiarity with clinical research and medical affairs are highly valued.

3. What skills and qualities are essential for success as an MSL?

Key skills include scientific expertise, effective communication, relationship-building, and strategic thinking. You should be able to translate complex medical data into clear, actionable information and build trust with healthcare professionals. The role requires independence, adaptability, and a strong commitment to ethical practices and compliance.

4. What challenges can I expect in this role?

Challenges may include staying current with rapidly evolving clinical data and therapies, managing multiple stakeholder relationships, and ensuring accurate scientific communication in a highly regulated environment. Balancing scientific rigor with commercial objectives while maintaining compliance is crucial.

5. How does the MSL role impact the company’s success?

The MSL plays a key role in shaping medical strategy, facilitating scientific exchange, and supporting product adoption. By building trusted relationships and providing valuable insights from the field, you help drive innovation and optimize patient outcomes, directly contributing to the company’s growth and reputation.

6. What is the company culture and work environment like?

The company promotes a collaborative, innovative, and patient-focused culture. You will work alongside dedicated professionals in a fast-paced environment that values continuous learning, scientific excellence, and ethical conduct. Opportunities for professional development and cross-functional collaboration are abundant.

What Remuneration Can You Expect from This Job?

As a Medical Science Liaison (MSL) with a leading Big Pharma company in Philadelphia, PA, you can expect a competitive compensation package designed to attract highly qualified scientific and medical professionals. The remuneration for this role typically includes:

1. Base Salary

The base salary for an MSL varies depending on experience, therapeutic expertise, and company size. Typically, in a large pharmaceutical company, the annual base salary ranges between $90,000 and $140,000, with senior-level MSLs or those with niche expertise earning more.

2. Performance-Based Bonuses

Most MSL compensation packages include annual bonuses tied to performance metrics such as scientific engagement quality, contribution to medical strategy, and support of clinical research initiatives. Bonuses usually range from 10% to 25% of the base salary, reflecting individual and company performance.

3. Equity & Stock Options

Many Big Pharma companies offer equity incentives such as stock options or restricted stock units (RSUs). These equity awards align your interests with company growth and provide long-term financial benefits, especially in publicly traded firms.

4. Benefits & Perks

MSLs receive comprehensive benefits including:

Health, dental, and vision insurance
Retirement savings plans with company matching
Paid time off and sick leave
Professional development and continuing medical education (CME) support
Travel allowances to attend conferences, meetings, and field visits

5. Signing Bonuses & Relocation Assistance

For highly qualified candidates, some companies offer signing bonuses or relocation packages, especially if you’re moving to Philadelphia for the role. These incentives vary but can range from $5,000 to $20,000 depending on the company and candidate profile.

Total Compensation Potential

Combining base salary, bonuses, equity, and benefits, the total annual compensation for an MSL in Big Pharma can range from approximately $100,000 to $170,000 or higher, depending on seniority, therapeutic area expertise, and company size.

How to Apply

If you are a motivated and scientifically skilled professional with a passion for bridging medical science and pharmaceutical innovation, we invite you to apply for the Medical Science Liaison (MSL) role with a leading Big Pharma company in Philadelphia, PA. This is an exciting opportunity to engage with key healthcare stakeholders, contribute to scientific strategy, and support cutting-edge therapeutic advancements.

To apply, please submit your updated resume along with a cover letter highlighting your experience in medical affairs, clinical research, therapeutic expertise, and scientific communication. Emphasize your ability to build strong relationships with healthcare professionals, deliver complex medical information clearly, and support cross-functional teams in a highly regulated environment.

This role offers a rewarding career path where you will impact patient outcomes by facilitating the exchange of scientific knowledge and fostering collaboration between medical experts and pharmaceutical development teams. Apply today to advance your career as a Medical Science Liaison in Philadelphia, PA!

For more information or to explore similar opportunities, please visit our Big Pharma Recruiting Experts page.

Job Category: Big Pharma

Job Type: Full Time

Job Location: Philadelphia

Medical Science Liaison (MSL) Big Pharma – Philadelphia, PA