Medical Affairs & Medical Science Liaison

Introductory resources

• Comprehensive guide to careers in Medical Affairs (LinkedIn Article – presents how MSL careers fit into Medical Affairs careers).
• What is a Medical Science Liaison (MSL)? (12-min video).
• From PhD to MSL (29-min video interview).

Venturing further in this career area

• Medical Affairs – The Roles, Value and Practice of Medical Affairs in the Biopharmaceutical and Medical Technology Industries, 33-page booklet, Medical Affairs Professionals Society.
• Careers in Medical Affairs and Communications, GPS-STEM UC Irvine (YouTube video).
• Career path: Medical Science Liaison, MD Anderson UTHealth Houston Graduate School (1-hour video).
• MSL Podcast episodes – key definitions, interview preparation for MSL jobs, etc.
• Leveraging your scientific value from PhD to MSL (40-min career panel video).

Learning by doing job-related tasks

Intersect Job Simulations have been designed by PhDs for PhDs. To make the most of them, please set up SMART Goals to perform each simulation in a reasonable timeline. When you have completed the task, fill out the Self-Reflection Sheet, which will help you reflect on what you enjoyed (or did not enjoy) about the simulation, and how it can help inform your career exploration efforts.

• MSL Job simulation – Communicating with Healthcare Professionals.

Preparing your transition into this career area

• Transitioning from a PhD to a Medical Science Liaison (MSL) – guide (LinkedIn article).
• Consider joining relevant fellowship and co-op programs, like:
  • the Biogen Worldwide Medical PhD Fellowship program to spend 2 years learning more about Medical Affairs (apply between January 1st and March 31st).
  • the Sanofi_US Medical Affairs Fellowship – to develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviors required for success and career readiness in medical affairs (apply by early May).
  • the Vertex Pharmaceuticals co-op program (includes co-op opportunities in Medical Affairs).
• Explore and reach out to members of the following organizations:
  • Medical Affairs Professionals Society.
  • Medical Science Liaison Society.
• Look for and join relevant thematic groups on LinkedIn, online communities, etc.
• Look for GMS Alumni who have transitioned into this career area.
• The Social Scientist enables early-career scientists to receive mentorship from folks who have transitioned into various careers – connect with industry mentors (scientists, founders, product managers, etc.).
• Analyze job descriptions to learn more about what companies are currently looking for.
• Study company websites, follow them on social media and YouTube.
• Growing your network and having informational interviews with PhDs who have transitioned into careers of interest to you will enable you to learn more about the job’s daily responsibilities, hiring process, career progression, etc., and the sector as a whole.