Senior Medical Science Liaison (Gastroenterology) - Texas

Ardelyx; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 185,000 - 232,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Parental leave

Equity awards

Health plans

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Flexible time off

Holiday shutdown

Job summary

Ardelyx, a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company, seeks a Senior MSL to provide advanced scientific engagement and medical education programs. You will develop and implement medical strategies with KOLs across academic and healthcare networks, mentoring peers and contributing to national field medical initiatives.

You’ll lead scientific exchanges, navigate FDA/PhRMA guidelines, and support strategic objectives while traveling locally, regionally, and nationally as needed.

Qualifications

• Doctorate level or equivalent with 5+ years MSL/Medical Affairs experience.
• Advanced clinical/medical expertise with strong data interpretation skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary field-based medical liaison to external/internal stakeholders.
• Establish and manage relationships with local, regional, and national thought leaders.
• Present unbiased, evidence-based information to healthcare professionals on request.

Skills

MSL experience

Scientific expertise

Communication skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Travel readiness

Mentorship

FDA knowledge

Education

PharmD/PhD/MD/DNP

Advanced Medical masters (NP/PA)

Job description

Ardelyx is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on redefining treatment approaches for patients with significant unmet medical needs. By combining scientific innovation with a collaborative, purpose-driven culture, we strive to create meaningful impact for patients.

Team Ardelyx is united by a shared mission and guided by our core values: Passionate, Fearless, Dedicated, and Inclusive. We foster an inclusive environment where employees are respected, supported, and empowered to make an impact — both within our company and in the lives of patients we serve.

Position Summary:

The Senior Medical Science Liaison (Senior MSL) serves as a field-based advanced technical, scientific, and medical expert, answers product-related questions from HCPs, and provides clinical/scientific presentations and medical education programs. The Senior MSL is responsible for developing, coordinating, and assuring implementation of Ardelyx’s corporate, scientific, and clinical strategies with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) within academic, clinical, and healthcare organizations. These scientific exchanges will support and/or expand current therapeutic concepts, as well as ensure the safe and effective utilization of Ardelyx’s assets.

The Senior MSL builds upon the foundational responsibilities of the MSL by providing advanced scientific engagement, deeper strategic input, and informal leadership across the Field Medical Affairs function. The Senior MSL is recognized as a subject matter expert, mentor to peers, and key contributor to national field medical initiatives as required, playing an important role in aligning field insights with broader medical strategy.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary field-based medical liaison in providing medical information and scientific exchange to external/internal stakeholders
• Identify, establish, and manage collaborative relationships with local, national, and regional medical/scientific leaders/investigators to identify and address scientific needs
• Present healthcare professionals and decision makers with accurate, unbiased, balanced, and timely answers to unsolicited requests for information in the therapeutic field responsible
• Establish scientific and clinical relationships with thought leaders and academic/community centers to expand research and educational opportunities
• Engage in non-product discussions regarding scientific topics (e.g., disease state, diagnosis, epidemiology, unmet medical need, population health, etc.)
• Prioritize and work effectively in a self-directed manner in a constantly changing environment, including ability to obtain, integrate and communicate HCP feedback
• Participate in advisory boards and other company meetings
• Attend key medical and scientific congresses and conferences (local, regional and national) as needed
• Lead department-wide projects and participate in cross-functional activities that serve strategic initiatives
• Provide strategic insights by maintaining expertise in the therapeutic area and related fields to effectively communicate scientific insights and support strategic objectives
• Monitor the competitive environment for advances and trends in the therapeutic area, including new treatment management and therapies, competitive products and provide feedback to internal stakeholders on specific initiatives of competitors
• Serves as peer leader to mentor and coach new or junior MSLs, supporting onboarding, training, and field excellence

Qualifications:

• Doctorate degree (PharmD, PhD, MD, DNP, etc) in biological sciences with 5+ years of MSL Medical Affairs expertise within the therapeutic area or equivalent experience
• Advanced Medical/Scientific masters degree (NP, PA) with combined extensive clinical expertise will be considered
• Ability to apply technical expertise and solutions to diverse/individualized situations
• Critical data analysis skills
• Excellent communication & presentation skills
• Networking skills and the confidence to interact with senior experts on a peer-to-peer level
• Demonstrated ability to integrate and work in cross functional network/matrix
• Prior experience in mentorship of medical science liaisons
• Demonstrated project management ability
• Knowledge of FDA and OIG requirements, as well as the PhRMA Code, including regulations governing compliant scientific exchange
• Ability to travel locally, regionally, and nationally as requested/required; up to 70% travel
• Valid driver’s license

The anticipated annualized base pay range for this full-time position is $185,000-$232,000. Ardelyx utilizes industry data to ensure that our compensation is competitive and aligned with our industry peers. Actual base pay will be determined based on a variety of factors, including years of relevant experience, training, qualifications, and internal equity. The compensation package may also include an annual bonus target and equity awards, subject to eligibility and other requirements.

Ardelyx also offers a robust benefits package to employees, including a 401(k) plan with generous employer match, 12 weeks of paid parental leave, up to 12 weeks of living organ and bone marrow leave, equity incentive plans, health plans (medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision),life insurance and disability, flexible time off, annual Winter Holiday shut down, and at least 11 paid holidays.

Ardelyx is an equal opportunity employer.