Medical Science Liaison - Ophthalmology (Southwest)

Job description

Job Description

Novartis is recruiting for a Medical Science Liaison (MSL) to cover the Southwestern US Region. Preferred area of residence is within the area of coverage: Los Angeles, CA ; San Diego, CA; Phoenix, AZ.

A global healthcare leader, Novartis has one of the most exciting product pipelines in the industry today. This pipeline consists of innovative medicines brought to life by diverse, talented, performance driven people. This makes us one of the most rewarding employers in our field. We're committed to peak performance, improving the quality of life, and embracing and leveraging diverse backgrounds, cultures and talents to achieve competitive advantage.

The MSL will serve as a liaison to the medical/scientific community and will be responsible for establishing, developing and maintaining relationships with prominent experts in the Retina / Ophthalmic Therapeutic Area within the geographic area of coverage.

The MSLs are members of the field-based team of medical professionals who function as the external component of the US Clinical Development and Medical Affairs (US CD&MA) organization. They are responsible for developing and enhancing professional relationships with medical thought leaders involved in various phases of product development and lifecycle. MSLs provide medical information through scientific exchange and peer-to-peer interactions, in a fair-balanced manner and provide clinical/scientific support for the US CD&MA department.

Major Accountabilities:
• Develop peer-to-peer relationships with medical/scientific experts, as well as other influencers and leaders of the scientific and healthcare community, utilizing scientific and medical evidence-based information.
• Strategically prepare and support the development, launch and commercialization of products through scientific exchange.
• Seek external expert insight to inform the company’s understanding of the therapeutic environment.
• Serve as a liaison to the medical/scientific community and with responsibility for identifying, developing and maintaining relationships with top external experts
• Ensure the appropriate dissemination of clinical and scientific information regarding marketed and pipeline compounds in a timely, compliant and ethical manner per local SOPs and Working Practices.
• Communicate to identified experts the latest emerging data, using pre-approved information, in response to unsolicited healthcare professional inquiries.
• Implement clinical and educational strategies in collaboration with other colleagues for designated customers.
• Develop peer to peer scientific relationships, assess disease state awareness, and facilitate activities in which medical/scientific experts are uniquely qualified to engage or collaborate in with Novartis.
• Contribute to identification of medical/scientific experts/key stakeholders in line with local strategies.
• Understand how to navigate within a matrix and manage the infrastructure to coordinate resources and align work efforts.
• Effectively prioritize, allocate and manage financial resources; regularly monitor expenditures and budget variances within area of responsibility.
• Comply with all credentialing requirements for any healthcare institution (e.g., hospital) which is part of the MSL call plan, including, among other things, routine background checks, medical testing (i.e., Tuberculosis test) or proof of immunizations, training on facility policies, and adherence to confidentiality and/or HIPPA agreements.
• The position requires approximately 60% travel.

EEO Statement

The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers and take pride in maintaining a diverse environment. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or any other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Desired profile

Minimum requirements

Position will be filled at level commensurate with experience.

• Terminal degree, including, but not limited to, MD, DO, OD, PharmD, or PhD, in a scientific specialty. Other terminal degrees will be considered depending on experience level.
• Minimum of 2 years of Postdoctoral experience, or equivalent, in the pharmaceutical industry (preferred) or other healthcare environment
• Proven competencies: influencing skills, clinical research insight, business and market knowledge
• Excellent communication, presentation and time management skills required; must be adaptable, flexible and able to work well within a team and relate effectively with people at all levels of the organization including upper-management and with disease experts
• Demonstrated ability to succeed in ambiguous situations and able to effectively contribute and work in a complex matrix environment.
• In depth knowledge of US legal, regulatory, and compliance regulations and guidelines
• Ability to partner with key internal stakeholders to understand Novartis’ key objectives
• Fluent in English (oral and written).
• Proven ability to develop and foster peer-to-peer, credible relationships with Medical Experts/decision makers.
• Prior MSL experience preferred. Working knowledge of the Healthcare System and of the research procedures as well as the ICH guidelines, GCP and other ethical guidelines relevant to the pharmaceutical industry.
• Thorough knowledge of clinical medicine, disease management, and medical research in at least one therapeutic area of interest. Ophthalmology therapeutic experience is preferred.
• Thorough understanding of Drug and Device Development and Approval Process
• Understanding of Healthcare and Payer Landscape/Business and Marker Knowledge
• Strong personal integrity and customer focus.
• Excellent interpersonal communication, negotiation and advanced presentation skills.
• Must be able to adapt, organize, prioritize, and work effectively, with minimal supervision, in a constantly changing field-based environment
• Active membership in professional society(ies) is a plus.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel) and associated hardware is required.
• Must be a strong team player and effectively interface with other internal departments, including Corporate Customers, Regional Business Units, Marketing, Sales, New Product Commercialization, Medical Affairs, Research, and Business Analysis.
• A valid US Driver’s License and a good driving record are required.
• The MSL position is associated with approximately 60% travel.