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JOB DESCRIPTION

Medical Science Liaison (MSL)

Role overview

The Medical Science Liaison (MSL), also known as the Regional Scientific Expert, is the medical contact for the region and plays a key role within pharmaceutical companies.

Specialising in specific therapeutic and medical areas, they are the first point of contact for healthcare professionals, clinical trial teams, medical representatives and marketing/sales staff, who they inform and help on a daily basis to find scientific and medical answers to their various queries.

As Regional Medical Department (RMR) lead, he/she is responsible for developing scientific partnerships to optimise patient care and develop clinical research.

 

Alternative Job Titles

  • Regional Scientific Manager
  • Regional Scientific Expert
  • Regional Scientific Advisor
  • Regional Medical Referent (RMR)
  • Regional Scientific Coordinator

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Missions principales

Main Responsibilities

The Medical Science Liaison (MSL) is a healthcare professional who acts as a liaison and point of contact between the pharmaceutical industry or medical device manufacturers and healthcare professionals such as doctors, researchers and pharmacists. The MSL's role is to represent the industry to healthcare professionals, in particular by presenting products and research data at medical conferences, symposia and other scientific events.

An MSL, or Regional Scientific Leader, must provide accurate, up-to-date and impartial scientific information on medical products and devices, the results of clinical trials and advances in medical research. Scientific information should be provided to healthcare professionals in response to their questions or during educational presentations.

This professional must establish and maintain solid relationships with healthcare professionals, including medical experts, opinion leaders, researchers and professional associations. Building strong relationships is important to ensure effective and ongoing communication with healthcare professionals.

The Medical Science Liaison (MSL) is responsible for organising and delivering medical training to healthcare professionals. This training may take the form of face-to-face presentations, webinars, group meetings or online training modules.

The MSL must gather information on trends in medical research, current clinical practices, patient needs and the preferences of healthcare professionals. This information is then used to inform new product development, marketing strategies and research initiatives.

Competencies & Skills

 

  • In-depth knowledge of science and medical research: a Regional Scientific Manager must have a solid scientific background in the healthcare field, as well as a thorough understanding of research and the latest medical advances. They must be able to understand the results of clinical trials and communicate scientific information effectively to healthcare professionals.
  • Communication skills: MSLs must have exceptional communication skills to establish and maintain effective relationships with healthcare professionals. They must be able to communicate complex scientific information clearly and concisely, and adapt to different communication styles depending on their audience.
  • Teaching skills: MSLs must be able to design and deliver medical training courses for healthcare professionals, using appropriate training methods for each audience.
  • Project management skills: MSLs are often involved in coordinating complex medical projects, such as clinical trials and post-marketing studies. They need to be able to manage these projects effectively by keeping to deadlines, managing resources and communicating effectively with stakeholders.
  • Data analysis skills: a Regional Scientific Manager must be able to understand and analyse complex scientific data, such as the results of clinical trials and epidemiological data, in order to communicate relevant information to healthcare professionals.
  • Knowledge of regulations and ethics: MSLs must understand the healthcare regulations and laws governing interactions with healthcare professionals, and work in compliance with the ethical and legal rules in force.
Main missions

Education & Training

Long studies and medical/scientific training are required to work as an MSL.

  • State Diploma of Doctor of Medicine
  • State Diploma of Doctor of Pharmacy
  • Doctorate in science, health, physics, chemistry/materials
  • Master 2 in science (medicine, biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, etc.)
  • Science engineering degree

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