Senior Medical Science Liaison (MSL) - Infectious Diseases

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 950,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Medical Science Liaison to cover the infectious diseases field in the Nelspruit region. The role focuses on peer-to-peer scientific exchange, presenting data, and gathering insights from KOLs and HCPs.

Extensive local travel is required to build relationships and support research initiatives. The candidate should hold an advanced life sciences degree and have 5+ years in medical affairs/MSL roles, with strong communication and statistical interpretation skills.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a life sciences or healthcare discipline.
• Minimum 5 years as an MSL or in medical affairs within pharma.
• Deep Infectious Diseases knowledge and clinical trial understanding.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute territory plans engaging KOLs and HCPs in infectious diseases.
• Establish scientifically-based relationships with key stakeholders.
• Present complex clinical data and information about products and pipeline.
• Respond to unsolicited medical information requests with accurate data.
• Gather insights on treatment landscapes and unmet medical needs.
• Identify investigators for clinical trials and support research initiatives.
• Collaborate with medical affairs, clinical development, and research teams.
• Represent the company at conferences, symposia, and advisory boards.
• Ensure compliance with industry codes and company policies.
• Provide scientific input to internal teams based on field insights.

Skills

Presentation skills

Scientific communication

Clinical data interpretation

Literature review/synthesis

Interpersonal skills

Travel readiness

Education

Ph.D./M.D./PharmD/DVM or equivalent

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global biopharmaceutical company focused on addressing unmet medical needs, is seeking a highly motivated and scientifically adept Senior Medical Science Liaison (MSL) to cover the infectious diseases therapeutic area within the Nelspruit region. This field-based role is crucial for establishing and maintaining peer-to-peer relationships with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) and healthcare professionals (HCPs) in the infectious diseases community. You will serve as a scientific expert, disseminating complex clinical and scientific information about the company's products and research programs, and gathering valuable insights from the medical community. This is an outstanding opportunity to represent a leading company and contribute to the advancement of infectious disease treatment. The position requires extensive scientific knowledge and excellent communication skills. The territory will focus on Nelspruit, Mpumalanga , and surrounding areas.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a territory plan to effectively engage with KOLs and HCPs in the infectious diseases field.
• Establish and foster strong, scientifically-based relationships with key stakeholders.
• Present complex clinical data and scientific information regarding company products and pipeline in a balanced and objective manner.
• Respond to unsolicited medical information requests from HCPs and provide accurate, up-to-date information.
• Gather insights on treatment landscapes, clinical practice patterns, and unmet medical needs from the medical community.
• Identify potential investigators for clinical trials and support company-sponsored research initiatives.
• Collaborate with internal medical affairs, clinical development, and research teams.
• Represent the company at medical conferences, symposia, and advisory board meetings.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant industry codes, regulations, and company policies.
• Provide scientific and clinical input to internal teams based on field insights.

Requirements

• Advanced degree (Ph.D., Pharm.D., M.D., DVM, or equivalent) in a relevant life science or healthcare discipline.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience as a Medical Science Liaison or in a related medical affairs role within the pharmaceutical industry.
• Deep scientific and clinical knowledge in the field of Infectious Diseases.
• Proven ability to establish and maintain strong relationships with Key Opinion Leaders and healthcare professionals.
• Excellent presentation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong understanding of clinical trial design, data interpretation, and statistical analysis.
• Ability to travel extensively within the assigned territory (approx. 60-70%).
• Proficiency in scientific literature research and synthesis.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage time effectively.
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive compensation package, including a substantial annual bonus and car allowance.
• Comprehensive benefits include premium private medical and dental coverage, a generous retirement plan, and life insurance.
• Professional development is strongly encouraged, with opportunities for advanced training, conference attendance, and career advancement within a global organization.
• The company fosters a collaborative and scientifically driven culture, supporting a healthy work-life balance.
• This is a challenging and rewarding field-based role providing significant impact in the fight against infectious diseases in the Nelspruit region.