Medical Science Liaison

Syneos Health; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 190,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits (medical, dental and vision)

401k company match

Flexible paid time off (PTO)

Job summary

Syneos Health in Chicago, IL seeks a Medical Science Liaison to engage with healthcare professionals and support the execution of clinical trials. This role requires expertise in scientific exchange, strong communication skills, and an advanced degree.

The ideal candidate will have 2+ years of clinical trial support experience and a deep understanding of Neurology & Rare Disease. The position offers a salary between $190,000 and $210,000, along with competitive benefits.

Qualifications

• 2+ years’ experience supporting clinical trial operations, patient recruitment, or site engagement.
• Knowledge of clinical trial/research design and understanding of clinical study results.
• Ability to travel.

Responsibilities

• Engage in peer-to-peer scientific dialogue with healthcare professionals.
• Cultivate strategic scientific relationships with key opinion leaders.
• Support effective study startup and trial execution.

Skills

Scientific dialogue skills

Interpretation of clinical data

Communication skills

Knowledge of Neurology & Rare Disease

Patient recruitment experience

Education

Advanced degree (PharmD, PhD, MD, DNP, PA)

Job description

Updated: June 16, 2026 Location: Chicago, IL, United States Job ID: 16068

Overview

Researched and relatable, science‑driven and social, you’re an extroverted expert who thrives in fast‑paced clinical environments. Your advanced training has prepared you to rapidly expand your expertise and stay at the forefront of scientific innovation. You build strong relationships with ease, engage comfortably with thought leaders, and excel at collaborating with investigators and study sites. Poised, articulate, and scientifically grounded, you excel as a listener, educator, and a connector of new opportunities. In this Medical Affairs role, you will serve as a scientific expert responsible for nonpromotional scientific exchange, insight gathering, and strategic engagement with key opinion leaders and healthcare professionals. Simultaneously, you will partner with clinical research stakeholders to support the successful execution of clinical trials through site engagement, patient recruitment support, and enrollment optimization.

Responsibilities

The Medical Science Liaison is a field‑based, scientific, and clinical expert who strategically supports both the medical objectives of the program and the successful execution of clinical trials. Key aspects of this role include engaging in peer‑to‑peer scientific dialogue with healthcare professionals and serving as a key field resource for study sites.

• Establish, cultivate, and maintain strategic scientific relationships with KOLs, principal investigators, study coordinators, and other healthcare professionals while developing a strong understanding of clinical practice and evolving therapeutic landscapes.
• Partner with Clinical Development, Clinical Operations, CRO partners, and investigative sites to support effective study startup, protocol understanding, and trial execution.
• Execute nonpromotional scientific exchange and communicate clinical and scientific data through presentations, educational programs, and scientific discussions.
• Collaborate with investigative sites to develop and implement patient identification, recruitment, and retention strategies to support enrollment goals, including building out referral networks.
• Monitor site engagement and enrollment activity, proactively identify and help resolve operational barriers impacting study execution or patient recruitment, and facilitate communication for timely issue escalation.
• Gather, analyze, and communicate actionable medical insights, as well as field‑based insights related to recruitment challenges, site engagement trends, and operational needs to support cross‑functional internal teams.
• Serve as a therapeutic and scientific resource for healthcare professionals by addressing unsolicited medical questions and facilitating meaningful scientific dialogue.
• Maintain deep scientific and clinical expertise through continuous learning, scientific literature review, and awareness of emerging data and treatment trends.
• Support congress activities, advisory boards, and other medical education initiatives as appropriate.

Qualifications

Along with your ability to remain at the forefront of your field, you must possess:

• Advanced degree preferred (e.g., PharmD, PhD, MD, DNP, PA, or equivalent)
• 2+ years’ experience supporting clinical trial operations, patient recruitment, or investigative site engagement required
• Knowledge of clinical trial/research design, conduct, and understanding of clinical study results
• Deep scientific knowledge and genuine passion for Neurology & Rare Disease
• Experience in Epilepsy & Pediatrics is a strong plus
• Experience engaging healthcare professionals in scientific exchange
• Ability to interpret and communicate complex clinical and scientific data
• Strong presentation, oral, and written communication skills with the ability to effectively engage a variety of clinical research stakeholders
• Willingness to travel
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel by car and air

Salary & Benefits

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $190,000 to $210,000. The base salary range represents the anticipated low and high of the Syneos Health range for this position. Actual salary will vary based on various factors such as the candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiency for the role. In addition, some positions may include a company car or car allowance and eligibility to earn commissions/bonus based on company and/or individual performance.

The benefits for this position include a competitive compensation package, health benefits (medical, dental and vision), company match 401k, flexible paid time off (PTO) and sick time. Because certain states and municipalities have regulated paid sick time requirements, eligibility for paid sick time may vary depending on where you work. Syneos Health complies with all applicable federal, state, and municipal paid sick time requirements.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Syneos Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, marital status, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status and will not be discriminated against. If you are an individual with a disability who requires reasonable accommodation to complete any part of our application process, please contact our Accessibility team for assistance.