Medical Science Liaison

IQVIA; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

IQVIA is seeking a Medical Science Liaison (MSL) in Johannesburg, South Africa, on a 12-month fixed-term contract. The MSL will engage with healthcare professionals, KOLs, and academic institutions to support medical strategies and improve patient outcomes.

The role requires field-based scientific engagement, cross-functional collaboration, and travel as needed. The successful candidate will interpret clinical data, communicate complex information clearly, and represent the medical team at

Qualifications

• Master’s, PharmD, or PhD in a life sciences discipline or equivalent.
• Strong ability to interpret clinical trial data and literature.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with KOLs, healthcare professionals, academic institutions and other stakeholders.
• Execute therapeutic-area medical engagement plans aligned with medical strategies.
• Conduct scientific discussions and provide balanced, evidence-based information.
• Respond to unsolicited medical information requests from healthcare professionals.
• Deliver scientific presentations and educational sessions on disease states and approved indications.

Skills

Scientific knowledge

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Stakeholder engagement

Literature evaluation

Education

Master's Degree

PharmD

PhD

Job description

Medical Science Liaison (MSL) – 12-Month Fixed-Term Contract

Location: Johannesburg, South Africa

About the Opportunity

Our client company is seeking a highly motivated Medical Science Liaison (MSL) to join their Medical Affairs team on a 12-month fixed-term contract . This is an exciting opportunity for a scientifically driven professional to engage with key healthcare stakeholders, support medical strategies, and contribute to improving patient outcomes within strategic therapeutic areas.

As a field-based medical expert, you will build and maintain trusted scientific relationships with healthcare professionals, key opinion leaders (KOLs), academic institutions, and other relevant stakeholders. You will serve as a critical link between the medical community and internal teams, ensuring the exchange of accurate, balanced, and evidence-based scientific information.

Key Responsibilities

• Scientific Engagement & Stakeholder Management: Develop and maintain strong relationships with KOLs, healthcare professionals, academic institutions, and other key stakeholders.
• Execute therapeutic area-specific medical engagement plans aligned with broader medical strategies.
• Conduct scientific discussions and provide fair, balanced, and evidence-based medical information.
• Respond to unsolicited medical information requests from healthcare professionals.
• Deliver scientific presentations and educational sessions on disease states and approved product indications.
• Represent the medical team at scientific meetings, congresses, and industry events.
• Medical Affairs & Strategic Support: Gather and communicate medical insights from the field to inform medical and business strategies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Medical Affairs, Commercial, Market Access, and Regulatory functions.
• Provide scientific expertise and support to internal stakeholders.
• Contribute to the development and review of medical and scientific materials.
• Support advisory boards, educational initiatives, and peer-to-peer learning programs.
• Clinical Research & Evidence Generation: Support clinical research activities and collaborate with external research partners where required.
• Stay current with scientific literature, clinical data, emerging research, and industry developments.
• Translate complex scientific information into meaningful insights for both external and internal audiences.
• Compliance & Quality: Ensure all scientific interactions comply with applicable regulatory requirements, ethical standards, and company policies.
• Support pharmacovigilance and product safety reporting processes.
• Maintain the highest standards of scientific integrity and patient focus in all activities.

Qualifications & Experience

• Essential Qualifications: Master's Degree, PharmD, PhD, or equivalent advanced scientific or clinical qualification in a Life Sciences discipline.
• Strong scientific knowledge and ability to interpret clinical trial data and medical literature.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Preferred Experience

• Minimum of 2 years' experience in Medical Affairs within the pharmaceutical, healthcare, biotechnology, or academic environment.
• Strong knowledge and experience of the Gastrointestinal (GI) therapeutic area is required.
• Experience within Oncology, Haematology, or related therapeutic areas will be advantageous.
• Proven ability to engage effectively with healthcare professionals and key opinion leaders.

Key Competencies

• Scientific and clinical expertise
• Relationship-building and stakeholder engagement
• Strategic and analytical thinking
• Strong project and time management skills
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Adaptability and resilience
• Business acumen and commercial awareness
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Additional Requirements

• Valid South African driver's licence.
• Own reliable vehicle available for business travel.
• Ability to work both in the office and in the field.
• Willingness to travel locally and occasionally internationally as required.

Contract Details

This position is offered as a 12-month fixed-term contract . The successful candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to impactful medical initiatives, collaborate with industry-leading professionals, and play a meaningful role in supporting patient care and healthcare advancement.

Company Information

IQVIA is a leading global provider of clinical research services, commercial insights and healthcare intelligence to the life sciences and healthcare industries. We create intelligent connections to accelerate the development and commercialization of innovative medical treatments to help improve patient outcomes and population health worldwide. Learn more at https://jobs.iqvia.com

IQVIA is committed to integrity in our hiring process and maintains a zero tolerance policy for candidate fraud. All information and credent