Medical Science Liaison, Rheumatology - Great Plains/Gulf Coast

Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine•Horsham, PA

6d•$120,000 - $207,000

About The Position

Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicines is recruiting a field-based Medical Science Liaison (MSL) for Rheumatology in a territory covering Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Alabama. The MSL serves as a scientific and clinical expert on current and future Johnson & Johnson Innovative products, building professional relationships with healthcare professionals and key opinion leaders and providing fair-balanced, objective, non-promotional scientific information and education. The role drives high-quality scientific exchange, territory execution, and actionable insight generation while maintaining scientific integrity, professionalism, and compliance. The MSL stays current on scientific and treatment trends in the therapeutic area and provides appropriate support for investigator-initiated studies, including scientific exchange and connections to internal research and grant processes, without taking on sponsor responsibilities. The MSL develops and implements a territory scientific engagement plan aligned with Medical Affairs strategy and priorities; cultivates relationships with community and academic opinion leaders; and engages in two-way scientific exchange. The role gathers, synthesizes, and applies clinical, scientific, competitive, and territory information; uses AI tools and insights to support decision-making and efficiency; presents relevant evidence in a way that meets healthcare professional needs; and identifies unmet needs and potential evidence-based educational solutions. The MSL also responds to unsolicited inquiries, supports investigators and internal partners, collaborates across a matrixed organization, and contributes insights to medical strategy. Administrative activities, including documentation and expense reporting, must be completed accurately, promptly, and compliantly. The position may involve travel of up to 70% within the territory and for internal meetings and congresses. Birmingham or Kansas City is preferred as a home metro area. The anticipated base pay range is $120,000 to $207,000. Benefits described include retirement and savings plans, long-term incentives, paid time off, holidays, parental leave, bereavement leave, caregiver leave, volunteer leave, and military spouse time off.

Requirements

Doctorate-level degree or equivalent experience, such as PharmD, PhD, MD, or Advanced Practice Provider qualification.
Postgraduate experience is required for doctoral-level candidates; therapeutic-area clinical experience is preferred.
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 the territory with up to 70% travel, including in-territory travel and travel for internal meetings and congresses.
Valid U.S. driver's license.

Nice To Haves

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 ongoing application of new tools.
Residence in a major metro area; Birmingham or Kansas City is preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement a territory scientific engagement plan aligned with Medical Affairs strategy, prioritized medical objectives, and approved core medical assets.
Cultivate professional relationships with community and academic opinion leaders and key healthcare professionals in the territory.
Conduct high-quality, two-way scientific exchange that encourages dialogue, shared understanding, and learning 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 planning and discussions.
Deliver scientific data tailored to healthcare professional needs through clear dialogue and presentations that translate complex clinical evidence.
Engage 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 appropriate role-defined Sales and Marketing contacts.
Maintain scientific acumen through self-study, journal clubs, educational seminars, congresses, and scientific discussions with peers.
Foster inclusion and belonging internally and externally.
Develop and maintain 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

Company consolidated retirement plan (pension) and savings plan (401(k)), subject to plan terms.
Eligibility to participate in the long-term incentive program.
Vacation: 120 hours per calendar year.
Sick time: 40 hours per calendar year, with stated higher allowances for certain state residents.
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 a child's birth, adoption, or foster care placement.
Bereavement leave: up to 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.