Medical Science Liaison (MSL) - Oncology

Placements24; Paarl; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plan

Professional development

Car allowance

Home office stipend

Performance-based recognition

Job summary

Placements24 is partnering with a leading biopharmaceutical company focused on oncology to recruit a Medical Science Liaison. The role is remote-first with extensive travel across Paarl, Western Cape, and nearby regions, acting as a scientific expert to engage KOLs and healthcare professionals.

The successful candidate will present complex data, support clinical research discussions, and collaborate with medical affairs and R&D while maintaining strict regulatory and compliance standards.

Qualifications

• Advanced scientific degree in life sciences (Ph.D./M.D./Pharm.D. or equivalent).
• Minimum 3 years of MSL/Medical Affairs or clinical research experience in pharma/biotech.
• Extensive oncology knowledge and familiarity with trials and literature.
• Ability to travel 60–70% within the territory.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Build relationships with oncology KOLs and medical professionals in the assigned territory.
• Provide in-depth, balanced information on the oncology pipeline and products.
• Deliver scientific presentations and educational programs to healthcare professionals.
• Gather insights from KOL interactions to inform R&D and trials.
• Support clinical research activities and IIS discussions with investigators.
• Collaborate with medical affairs, clinical development, and R&D teams.
• Attend and represent the company at major medical congresses and meetings.
• Ensure activities comply with industry guidelines and company policies.
• Provide feedback on potential research collaborations and IIS.

Skills

Oncology knowledge

KOL engagement

Communication skills

Public speaking

Data interpretation

Regulatory compliance knowledge

Independent remote work

Education

Ph.D./M.D./Pharm.D. or equivalent in life sciences

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading biopharmaceutical company focused on groundbreaking oncology treatments, is seeking an accomplished Medical Science Liaison (MSL) to join their team. This is a remote-first position, requiring significant travel within the Paarl, Western Cape region and surrounding areas. The MSL is a critical scientific expert responsible for engaging with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) in oncology, disseminating complex scientific and clinical information, and gathering insights to support research and development initiatives. The ideal candidate possesses a strong scientific background, exceptional communication skills, and a deep understanding of oncology and clinical research. This role offers a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between our client's innovative research and the medical community, ultimately advancing patient care.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with leading oncology KOLs, researchers, and medical professionals within the assigned territory.
• Serve as a scientific expert, providing in-depth, balanced, and accurate information on the company's oncology pipeline and approved products.
• Deliver scientific presentations and educational programs to healthcare professionals, both individually and in group settings.
• Gather and report on scientific insights, clinical trends, and unmet medical needs from KOL interactions.
• Support the company's clinical research activities by identifying potential investigators, assisting with trial design discussions, and facilitating data dissemination.
• Collaborate with internal medical affairs, clinical development, and R&D teams.
• Contribute to the development of scientific and medical communication strategies.
• Attend and represent the company at major medical congresses and scientific meetings.
• Ensure all activities are conducted in strict adherence to industry codes, compliance guidelines, and company policies.
• Provide feedback on potential research collaborations and investigator-initiated studies (IIS).

Requirements

• An advanced scientific degree (Ph.D., M.D., Pharm.D., or equivalent) in a life science, medical, or related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience as an MSL, Medical Affairs professional, or in a clinical research/development role within the pharmaceutical or biotech industry.
• Extensive knowledge of oncology, including current treatment paradigms, clinical trial methodologies, and relevant scientific literature.
• Proven ability to engage effectively with KOLs and present complex scientific data.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong presentation and public speaking abilities.
• Demonstrated understanding of regulatory and compliance requirements governing pharmaceutical interactions.
• Ability to travel extensively (estimated 60-70% of the time) within the assigned territory.
• Proficiency in scientific literature review and data interpretation.
• Self-motivated, organized, and capable of working independently in a remote field-based role.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary and bonus structure, comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, and a generous retirement savings plan.
• Professional development is strongly supported through ongoing training and opportunities to attend leading scientific conferences.
• This role is remote-first, offering significant flexibility and autonomy for individuals based in or willing to travel extensively within the Paarl, Western Cape region.
• Additional benefits include a car allowance, home office stipend, and performance-based recognition.