Medical Science Liaison (MSL)

Primary Job Function:

·       The Medical Science Liaison (MSL) is a hybrid field- and office-based role, accountable for high‑quality, compliant scientific exchange, the sharing of scientific information and obtaining clinical and/or practice insights to and from healthcare professionals; and for communicating medical insights to relevant internal stakeholders, in order to improve patient outcomes.

·       The incumbent will be responsible for Affiliate Medical Affairs and will be a medical subject matter expert working in collaboration with colleagues including, but not limited to Commercial, Regulatory Affairs, Business Development, and Quality Assurance function.

·       Provides structured and ad‑hoc medical education and scientific training to relevant internal functions in a compliant, non‑promotional manner.

Core Job Responsibilities:

Provide scientific and medical input to launch and cross‑functional teams (Medical, Commercial, Market Access, Regulatory) to support successful oncology brand launch, ensuring scientific accuracy, balance, and compliance with medical governance standards.

Proposal: Build and maintain high‑impact scientific partnerships with oncology Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) to support scientific exchange, gather launch‑relevant insights, and understand unmet medical needs within the disease area.

Leads and facilitates scientific discussion between Abbott staff and external KOLs on Abbott related products and therapeutic areas

Proposal: Contribute to the initiation, execution, and follow‑up of oncology clinical studies, real‑world evidence initiatives, and Medical Affairs projects, in accordance with approved protocols, governance frameworks, and SOPs.

Develop, review, and adapt oncology‑specific scientific materials (e.g., slide decks, disease education content) for external use at local scientific meetings, advisory boards, discussion forums, and formulary or HTA submissions .

Serves as a point of medical query answer provider on queries received from external key stakeholders (e.g. KOLs, doctors, allied healthcare professionals etc.) and internal stakeholders (e.g. other functions such as QA, RA, PV, Commercial team etc.)

Share feedback and scientific insights from HCPs and other stakeholders with cross‑functional teams in line with established processes

Support internal teams to develop scientific and disease‑area understanding through delivery of non‑promotional scientific updates and presentations Support launch readiness activities, including internal medical training, scientific narrative development, and preparation of launch‑related scientific activities.

Operate in alignment with medical governance, compliance requirements, and pharmacovigilance obligations

Minimum Education:

•       Degree / advanced degree (e.g. BPharm, PharmD, MD, PhD) in a relevant scientific discipline is preferred

Minimum Experience / Training Required:

Knowledge

Experience in developing and maintaining expert knowledge in medical therapeutic areas

Awareness and understanding of drug development, clinical trials and medical affairs

Knowledge of critical appraisal of scientific information and effective translation into medical stakeholder messages

Knowledge of standard business procedures including project management, finance and budgeting skills

Prior experience as an Oncology MSL or in an oncology‑focused Medical Affairs role is strongly preferred.

Language

Fluency in English

Fluency in a regional language is a definite asset

Behaviors / Competencies

Leadership capabilities Good leadership and the ability to command the respect and support of the Abbott Medical and Commercial communities

Organizational skills

Sense of urgency and strong goal orientation, and a good track record of meeting deadlines and goals

Communication Excellent communication skills – including written, spoken, and presentation skills

Ability to adjust and navigate communication complexity depending on audience – from executing high-level scientific engagements with external healthcare professionals to explaining clinical data in layman terms to Patient Advocacy Groups or internal colleagues

Adaptability Keeps abreast of new and/or evolving clinical data, practice guidelines and relevant healthcare policies

He/she should also demonstrate flexibility to adapt to changing demands

Integrity and ethics This individual must have a reputation for leading with high integrity and strong work ethics

Teamwork across functional areas Conflict resolution and problem solving

Effective at developing and maintaining strong work relationships across the organization

Experience being an active contributor to cross-functional teams

 

Strategic thinking