Medical Science Liaison

The Medical Science Liaison serves as an ambassador and an advocate for Pfizer science within the healthcare community. By virtue of his/her training, the MSL is well-positioned to discuss and provide scientific and therapeutic information to Health Care Professionals and Researchers (Medical and Scientific Leaders) viewed by their peers to be authorities in a therapeutic field.

 MAIN ACTIVITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Engagements with External Experts:

In collaboration with the Medical Lead, the MSL develops and implements a KOL engagement plan as part of annual objectives and investigates and develops an understanding of KOL needs as well as the organizational structure/governance of the KOL’s affiliated institution.

• Develop an understanding of regional and national thought-leaders and the healthcare environments in which they work through effective professional engagements with Medical and Scientific Leaders that are centered on science and the credible exchange of unbiased scientific information.
• Interact with healthcare organizations and authorities, healthcare professionals, clinical investigators, and other healthcare organizations providing fair, balanced, and scientifically rigorous medical and clinical information.
• Meet with healthcare professionals who might be interested in engaging in a scientific discussion regarding a product´s medical and clinical profile in the context of approved prescribing information as well as in response to unsolicited questions or requests for information.

Knowledge acquisition:

• Collects medical insights and intelligence from regular field interactions; interprets and communicates scientific and related market trends to Medical and Scientific Affairs and cross functional team colleagues.
• Attends key national and/or regional scientific meetings and advisory boards as assigned and provides insights of key highlights relevant to the therapeutic area and/or products.
• Maintains advanced scientific expertise and understanding of the relevant therapeutic area disease, pre-marketed and approved products.
• Develops familiarity with competitor products.

Knowledge translation:

• Presents non-promotional approved scientific exchange information related to the safe and effective use of Pfizer products to KOLs and other stakeholders.
• Provides scientific/medical support as assigned to Medical Lead, Patient Access and Government Relations colleagues.
• Identifies opportunities/speakers for regional Medical Education events that align with the Medical Affairs TA Strategic Plan and collaborates with Medical Lead to develop and implement the program, including speaker training and content development for other learning activities.
• Participates in the development and implementation tactics identified in the Medical Affairs Operating Plans.
• May represent the medical at non-promotional local or regional medical events (e.g. Medical Congresses and Symposia), and may collaborate in the coordination of pre-event information and communication of post-event summaries.

Clinical research:

• Develops an understanding of the KOL and affiliated institution’s capability/experience with clinical trials.
• Alert investigators to Pfizer’s program for Investigator Initiated Research Studies (IIRs) and Collaborative Research Studies (CRs) and to the process for submitting investigator designed proposals for review and approval
• Facilitates submission of IIR/CR proposals according to SOPs encourage and facilitate research publication of IIR/CR studies supported by Pfizer, in strict compliance with Pfizer policies and local regulations.
   

Non-Promotional Scientific Information:

The MSL is to engage exclusively in activities conductive to scientific exchange eg. Advisory boards, continuing professional or medical education events (CPD/CME), medical meetings, medical forums/summits (including Pfizer hosted meetings that are medical/scientific in nature).

• Engage in discussions regarding scientific and clinical evidence surrounding new and existing Pfizer products and claims.
• Provide relevant scientific background information for formulary decisions, treatment guidelines and Public Health programs.
• Provide fair balanced, objective, scientific information and education to health care providers, formulary committees, and basic scientists and to internal business partners as required by identified business needs.

Competency and development:

The MSL is responsible for ensuring that he/she is fully versed in the therapeutic area and up to date on all major studies, both ongoing and completed, competitive product information and clinical data.

• Commits to the ongoing learning of scientific advances in the assigned TA and continually developing competencies.

Medical Governance:

• Maintains in-depth knowledge and understanding of Medical Governance framework, global and local SOPs, Rx & D and local guidelines.
• Ensures that all activities are compliant with medical governance guidelines and are consistent with the Corporate Code of Ethics.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Medical Degree, Pharmacy Degree or PhD degree or Masters level degree in health sciences required (recognized Medical qualification e.g. MD, MBBS or Pharmacist are required).
• The position is field-based with upwards of 75% required travel (car, train and plane) to manage assigned geography.
• Ability to use field-based electronic or other communication tools for all aspects of job are critical, as well as the ability to maintain excellent relationships with scientific experts and health care providers.
• Knowledge of clinical research methodology, implementation and interpretation, sound scientific and clinical judgment, and eagerness to learn more in depth in the therapeutic area.

KEY ATTRIBUTES

• Strong, confident, and engaging presentation skills.
• Outstanding communication and skills and the ability to function within a team environment.
• Handling of multiple tasks at the same time and working under pressure.
• Proactive “can do” attitude and passion for vaccines and for the science related to the products.
• Strong customer facing skills, listening skills, probing skills, and flexibility.
• Corporate culture competencies of Leadership Behaviors, including Business Integrity.
• English proficiency only required. Local language proficiency is preferred but not required.
   

Pfizer is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable equal employment opportunity legislation in each jurisdiction in which it operates.