Sr. Medical Science Liaison, Rare Tumor - West Region

Merck • Boston, MA

2d • Remote

About The Position

The Sr. Medical Science Liaison (MSL) manages an assigned program and defined territory in the West region, establishing and maintaining scientific relationships with key opinion leaders (KOLs) and serving as a scientific expert to the medical community. The role facilitates appropriate scientific information exchange, develops and maintains advanced scientific, medical, and product knowledge, communicates field insights, and disseminates critical scientific data to external stakeholders, including academic, clinical, payer, and patient organization audiences. The MSL provides input to field medical engagement plans supporting clinical development and commercialization and supports company clinical trials in partnership with Clinical Development and researchers. The position works independently with limited direction, may take on leadership roles in team projects and initiatives, and assists the Senior Field Medical Director as needed.

This is a field-based role covering Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Arizona, Hawaii, and Alaska. The employee must reside within the assigned territory and may travel up to 70%, including overnight stays as required by business needs. The role does not offer work-authorization sponsorship; external applicants must be eligible to work in the United States.

Requirements

• Advanced scientific degree or equivalent experience; examples include MD, PhD, PharmD, DNP, an advanced practice degree, NP, PA, RPh, or MSN/RN with oncology experience.
• At least 3 years of MSL experience in the pharmaceutical industry.
• Ability to travel up to 70%, including overnight stays as business needs require.
• Must reside within the assigned territory: WA, OR, CA, NV, AZ, HI, or AK.
• Valid driver's license in good standing.
• Ability to work independently with little direction or oversight and maintain accountability.
• Ability to present clinical and scientific information effectively.
• Ability to understand, review, and communicate complex technical concepts and technologies.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills to collaborate clearly and effectively with colleagues, stakeholders, and vendors in a remote hybrid work environment.

Nice To Haves

• Rare disease experience, particularly in oncology and/or neurosciences.
• Expert proficiency with business software, including Veeva CRM or a comparable customer relationship management tool, Adobe Professional, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Working knowledge of OIG compliance guidance for pharmaceutical manufacturers.
• Ability to embody organizational values of empathy and humility and promote ownership and accountability.

Responsibilities

• Identify KOLs and establish and maintain strong scientific relationships across specialties, academic centers, and community practices at local, regional, and national levels.
• Serve as a scientific expert to the medical community and facilitate appropriate exchange of scientific information.
• Communicate expert opinions, feedback on new data, and clinical trends to Medical Affairs, translating insights into strategic recommendations to advance science and patient care.
• Act as the primary liaison to investigators interested in developing and conducting investigator-initiated research.
• Collaborate with Clinical Operations to support enrollment in company-sponsored trials by identifying clinical trial sites, increasing trial awareness, and interacting with investigators in ongoing studies.
• Provide scientific support and serve as medical lead at medical congresses, including staffing disease-state booths and leading or facilitating clinical and medical discussions.
• Lead committee and project teams supporting MSL strategies, as delegated by MSL leadership.
• Provide clinical presentations and respond to unsolicited questions, as appropriate, in academic, community, and healthcare-provider settings.
• Develop and execute territory plans aligned with local, regional, and national strategies.
• Maintain relationships with clinical decision makers at local, regional, and national institutions.
• Lead the strategy and generation of health-economic and outcomes data and present such data to payer audiences.
• Serve as a Medical Affairs lead for disease-state and outcomes-based product presentations to managed-care customers.
• Mentor new-hire and less-experienced MSLs.
• Manage or lead Field Medical or Medical Director activities and projects, including field medical onboarding programs and creation and maintenance of therapeutic-area training curricula.
• Support the Senior Field Director in translating medical strategy into a national KOL engagement plan and ensuring KOL development translates to individual territories.
• Partner with Global Medical Information colleagues to improve Standard Response Letters and the MIRF process.
• Contribute to medical strategy and medical plans as a senior member of the medical team.
• Provide scientific support to the Medical Director and facilitate medical discussions for medical advisory boards.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Retirement contributions
• Other perquisites
• A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and company performance.
• Position may be eligible for sales- or performance-based bonuses.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior