Medical Science Liaison, Obesity
About The Position
The Medical Science Liaison (MSL) is a field-based scientific resource and trusted peer to the obesity medicine community as Viking advances programs through late-stage clinical development. The role builds credible relationships with leading experts, clinical investigators, and healthcare professionals; contributes to clinical trial execution; and shares field insights to inform medical strategy and evidence generation. The position calls for a strong scientific foundation in obesity and metabolic disease, field medical experience, and a commitment to improving patient outcomes. The MSL develops and executes territory engagement plans, provides balanced scientific exchange, supports Viking-sponsored clinical studies, and gathers insights on clinical practice, unmet needs, treatment paradigms, and the competitive landscape. The role collaborates across Medical Affairs, Clinical Development, Clinical Operations, Regulatory, Medical Information, and other functions. Travel of 50–75% is required, primarily within the assigned territory, by car and air.
Requirements
- Advanced doctoral degree in life or clinical sciences (Pharm.D., Ph.D., M.D., D.O., or equivalent); nurse practitioner or physician assistant degrees will be considered.
- At least 3 years of experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, a health system, or a related clinical research setting.
- Deep scientific knowledge of obesity, endocrinology, metabolism, or a related therapeutic area.
- Strong understanding of obesity and cardiometabolic disease, including treatment approaches, emerging therapies, and relevant scientific literature.
- Ability to critically evaluate clinical data and communicate complex scientific information clearly to diverse healthcare audiences.
- Excellent scientific presentation and interpersonal skills, including the ability to establish credible peer-to-peer relationships with external experts and healthcare professionals.
- Knowledge of clinical trial processes, including site identification, feasibility assessment, and investigator engagement.
- Understanding of compliance requirements governing scientific exchange, medical information responses, and field medical activities.
- Ability to gather and synthesize field insights, identify evidence gaps, and communicate findings to inform medical strategy.
- Strong territory planning, organizational, and time-management skills, with the ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with Medical Affairs, Clinical Development, Clinical Operations, Regulatory, and other cross-functional teams.
- Proficiency in CRM systems and accurate, timely documentation of field interactions and insights.
- Valid driver's license.
- Ability to travel 50–75%, primarily within the assigned territory, by car and air.
Nice To Haves
- Prior MSL experience is strongly preferred.
- Established relationships within the obesity and cardiometabolic medical community are preferred.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute a territory plan for engaging key opinion leaders, clinical investigators, centers of excellence, health systems, and professional societies across the cardiometabolic spectrum.
- Establish and maintain peer-to-peer relationships with external experts and healthcare professionals, including those at community practices and integrated delivery networks.
- Deliver scientifically balanced, evidence-based presentations.
- Respond accurately and compliantly to unsolicited medical information requests.
- Identify healthcare professionals’ educational needs and address them with fair, balanced, tailored scientific content.
- Support clinical trial site identification, feasibility assessment, and investigator engagement for Viking-sponsored studies conducted through external CROs.
- Provide scientific support to active and prospective trial sites and facilitate communication between investigators and Clinical Operations.
- Gather and synthesize field insights on clinical practice patterns, treatment paradigms, unmet needs, and the competitive landscape in obesity management.
- Identify evidence gaps and contribute to medical strategy and publication planning.
- Collaborate with Clinical Development, Regulatory, Medical Information, and other cross-functional partners to ensure field insights inform strategic planning.
- Serve as a scientific resource at medical congresses, advisory boards, roundtables, and investigator meetings.
- Support identification and development of external experts and contribute to speaker training as requested.
- Participate in project teams supporting MSL strategy, training, and operations, and contribute to field medical metrics, dashboards, and SOPs.
- Document field interactions and insights accurately and promptly in the assigned CRM or system, and complete required training and administrative tasks on time.
- Remain current on emerging literature, treatment guidelines, and the competitive landscape.
- Ensure activities comply with applicable laws, regulations, industry codes, and Viking policies.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
