Medical Science Liaison - Lung/Head & Neck Oncology - Sacramento, CA

Johnson & Johnson•Sacramento, CA

About The Position

Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicines is recruiting a field-based Medical Science Liaison specializing in lung, head and neck oncology. The role is based in the Sacramento territory, with additional travel to Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, and Idaho. The MSL serves as a scientific and clinical expert on current and future products and develops professional relationships with healthcare professionals and key opinion leaders. The position provides fair-balanced, objective, non-promotional scientific information and education, supports high-quality scientific exchange and territory execution, and generates actionable insights while adhering to scientific integrity, professionalism, and compliance standards. The MSL develops a territory scientific engagement plan aligned with Medical Affairs strategy and approved medical materials; cultivates relationships with community and academic opinion leaders; and uses clinical, scientific, competitive, and territory information to guide customer engagements. The role delivers relevant scientific data through dialogue and presentations, responds to unsolicited inquiries, and supports investigators and internal partners with company-sponsored and investigator-initiated studies. It also collaborates with cross-functional partners, stays current on scientific and treatment trends, and uses AI tools and insights to improve decision-making and efficiency. The MSL works with the Field Director to develop and implement a performance and development plan and may contribute to leadership or enterprise initiatives. The position requires timely, accurate, and compliant administrative work, including activity documentation and expense reporting. The territory may require up to 70% travel, including internal meetings and congresses.

Requirements

Doctorate-level degree or equivalent experience, such as PharmD, PhD, MD, or Advanced Practice Provider qualification.
Postgraduate experience for doctoral-level candidates.
In-depth scientific and/or therapeutic knowledge.
Knowledge of research and/or healthcare systems.
Proficiency in data gathering and analysis, clinical expertise, problem solving, interpersonal influence, cross-functional collaboration, strategic thinking, and competitive landscape analysis.
Ability to support a territory with up to 70% travel, including in-territory travel, internal meetings, and congresses.
Valid U.S. driver's license.

Nice To Haves

Therapeutic-area clinical experience.
At least 2 years of relevant experience, preferably in an MSL role.
At least 2 years of therapeutic-area experience.
Residency or fellowship.
Board certification for candidates with clinical degrees.
Demonstrated commitment to learning emerging technologies such as AI through exploration, iteration, and applying new tools over time.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement a territory scientific engagement plan aligned with Medical Affairs strategy, prioritized medical objectives, and approved core medical assets.
Build professional relationships with community and academic opinion leaders and key opinion leaders in the territory.
Conduct high-quality, two-way scientific exchange with healthcare professionals in the relevant disease area.
Use MSL tools and insights to plan customer engagements by collecting, synthesizing, and applying clinical, scientific, competitive, and territory-level information.
Leverage AI tools and insights to enhance decision-making, streamline processes, and improve efficiency and outcomes.
Monitor direct and indirect competitors and incorporate relevant, evidence-based clinical context into compliant scientific engagement.
Present scientific data tailored to healthcare professional needs and translate complex clinical evidence into meaningful discussion.
Work with healthcare providers and internal partners to identify challenges or unmet needs and propose evidence-based solutions or educational initiatives.
Collect and submit timely, high-quality, actionable insights that inform medical strategy and cross-functional discussions.
Respond to unsolicited inquiries about Johnson & Johnson products and research from external stakeholders.
Provide point-of-contact support to investigators and internal partners for company-sponsored and investigator-initiated studies.
Collaborate compliantly with internal stakeholders, including MSL field partners, R&D, U.S. and Global Medical Affairs, Clinical Operations, and role-defined Sales and Marketing partners.
Maintain scientific acumen through self-directed reading, journal clubs, educational seminars, congresses, and scientific discussion with peers.
Foster inclusion and belonging internally and externally.
Develop competence in regulatory and healthcare compliance guidelines, corporate conduct and ethics policies, and Medical Affairs SOPs and guidelines.
Work with the Field Director to develop and implement a performance and development plan, and potentially contribute to leadership or enterprise initiatives.
Complete administrative requirements accurately, promptly, and compliantly, including activity documentation and expense reporting.

Benefits

Eligibility to participate in the Company's consolidated retirement plan (pension) and savings plan (401(k)), subject to the terms of the plans.
Eligibility to participate in the Company's long-term incentive program.
Vacation: 120 hours per calendar year, subject to applicable policy and date of hire.
Sick time: 40 hours per calendar year, with different amounts specified for employees residing in Colorado or Washington.
Holiday pay, including floating holidays: 13 days per calendar year.
Work, Personal and Family Time: up to 40 hours per calendar year.
Parental Leave: 480 hours within one year of the birth, adoption, or foster care of a child.
Bereavement Leave: 240 hours for an immediate family member and 40 hours for an extended family member per calendar year.
Caregiver Leave: 80 hours in a 52-week rolling period.
Volunteer Leave: 32 hours per calendar year.
Military Spouse Time-Off: 80 hours per calendar year.