Sr. Director/Executive Director, Medical Science Liaison

Artiva Biotherapeutics•San Diego, CA

1d•$260,000 - $295,000•Remote

About The Position

This is a rare player/coach opportunity — as Artiva's first field medical hire, you will own your region as a hands-on MSL while simultaneously building and leading our national field medical team. The Director/Executive Director, Medical Science Liaison role is highly entrepreneurial. The Lead MSL (East/West) will serve as both the foundational field medical expert in their region and the Director/Architect responsible for building, scaling, and managing the company’s broader national MSL team from the ground up. We are seeking a strategic-minded Medical Science Liaison to drive our pre-commercial and launch readiness. In this highly visible role, you will be the cornerstone of our field medical strategy. Initially as an individual contributor and then as a player/coach as you build your team.

Requirements

Minimum 5 years of Medical Affairs experience, 10 years preferred, in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, with direct ownership of: KOL mapping, KOL engagement, scientific exchange, advisory boards, medical insights and competitive intelligence.
Formal training and hands-on experience in Immunology and/or Inflammation (e.g., PharmD, MD, PhD, or equivalent scientific background strongly preferred).
Proven ability to operate in a highly external, travel-intensive role. Travel ~60%
Strong understanding of Medical Affairs compliance and scientific exchange standards.
Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to engage credibly with leading physicians and researchers.

Nice To Haves

Experience in early- to mid-stage biotech.
Prior leadership experience building or scaling Field Medical Affairs as a Player/Coach
Experience supporting clinical-stage programs and pre-launch activities.

Responsibilities

Architect of the national Key Opinion Leader (KOL) engagement strategy, identifying and prioritizing academic researchers, community clinicians, and advocacy groups.
Lead peer-to-peer scientific discussions regarding the company’s therapeutic pipeline, mechanisms of action, and complex clinical data.
Plan and execute medical advisory boards, symposia, and clinical training sessions for healthcare providers.
Provide clinical presentations, facilitate Investigator-Initiated Trials (IITs), and support clinical trial site engagement.
Deliver compliant, objective, and scientifically accurate responses to unsolicited medical information requests.
Support clinical trial operations by identifying potential trial sites, assisting with feasibility assessments, and promoting enrollment.
Act as the strategic bridge between the field and headquarters by synthesizing clinical insights and competitive intelligence into actionable recommendations to inform Medical Strategy.
Collaborate with Clinical, Regulatory, and Commercial teams (while maintaining strict compliant medical independence) to ensure a seamless product launch and patient access strategy.
Architect of the strategic plan for major medical congresses (e.g., ACR, EULAR, regional specialty society meetings).
Coordinate pre-congress preparation and delegate session coverage responsibilities across the broader MSL and HQ teams.
Lead peer-to-peer scientific discussions, facilitate data dissemination, and manage the medical booth/display presence.
Gather, synthesize, and report actionable field intelligence (emerging clinical data, competitor pipelines, and unmet needs) from congresses to internal Commercial and R&D teams.
Work alongside Marketing, Clinical Operations, and Market Access teams to ensure launch readiness and accurate scientific messaging.
Provide ongoing medical and scientific training to internal colleagues, including field sales teams.