Job Description
Medical Science Liaison Oncology
Role Summary
The MSL is a field-based (80% field based) medical professional whose primary responsibility is to engage in non-promotional peer-to-peer communication & provide medical/scientific information to Scientific Leaders (SLs) and Key Decision Makers (KDMs) based on cutting-edge scientific exchange and services oriented towards the stakeholders professional interests & needs.
The MSL is responsible for ensuring that he/she is fully versed in the therapeutic area and up-to-date on all major studies product information on our and other companies relevant therapies clinical data and relevant pipeline data to provide the most balanced data to SLs KDMs and the healthcare community to improve patient care.
The MSL will develop and maintain highly effective relationships with new and existing SLs and KDMs and will also provide medical advice to internal stakeholders such as medical & access colleagues.
Responsibilities and Primary Activities
Engagement with External experts
Engaging in non-promotional peer-to-peer exchange of medical and scientific information with SLs or KDMs
Gaining deep insights on disease therapeutic area and healthcare needs data gaps and challenges.
Representing V&I GMSA (Value & Implementation Global Medical Affairs) at local or regional non-promotional Medical events (e.g. Medical Congresses and Symposia).
Responding to unsolicited requests for medical scientific pipeline or marketed product information or indications from SLs or KDMs.
Responding to unsolicited requests for information on company research and/or grant activities
Responsible along with the Field Medical & Health System Lead to develop and follow up on scientific leaders (SL) engagement plan.
Is recognized as the scientific expert in the disease product and therapeutic areas assigned by acting as speaker and/or discussant in external meetings.
Internal support
Participating in the development of country Medical Affairs Plans (cMAP) and implementation of activities identified in the cMAP.
At Global Clinical Trials Organization or Center for Observational and Real World Research personnel request supporting the identification of potential study investigators for sponsored studies Local Data Generation (LDG) and Investigator Studies Program (MISP)
Providing insights internally on the scientific gaps ideas and other topics gathered from scientific exchange
Supporting company colleagues by providing on-label or disease state scientific training to our personnel in the therapeutic area when requested and where allowed
Medical Functional Expertise
Builds and maintains expertise and knowledge of scientific gaps on the disease epidemiology product(s) and indication(s) assigned.
Identifies implements and supports investigator-initiated studies local epidemiologic and non-interventional data generating opportunities
Ensures 100% compliance with all applicable company SOPs and guidance local and international industry regulations and standards.
Strategic Medical Support
Implements the local medical affairs activities within the agreed timelines and budget utilizing the knowledge of our and our competitors products and therapeutic options within the indications.
Gives medical input into the medical plans market access strategies uptake of our products in guidelines and the selection of the most recent/appropriate data and references to be used.
Tactical Medical Support
Provides input on/drafts local publications/abstracts/reports/medical reviews and medical training materials.
Reviews expert reports to support reimbursement or formulary listing processes and is involved in the development of value dossiers.
Evaluates scientific value of projects for which support is requested from the company.
Required Qualifications Skills & Experience
Minimum
MD PharmD PhD in life sciences
Minimum 3 years in the role
Relevant therapeutic experience in oncology
Minimum 3 years experience in healthcare institutions in clinical epidemiology and/or health systems
Availability to travel up to 35% when required
Fluent in written and spoken English language
Preferred
Field-based medical experience
Demonstrated record of scientific/medical publication
Skills / Knowledge / Competencies
A team player with excellent interpersonal skills and a proactive can do attitude.
Strong scientific baseline knowledge in therapeutic area of oncology understanding of clinical trials design and conduct implementation and interpretation of clinical data sound scientific and clinical judgment and an eagerness to continue to learn more in assigned therapeutic Area.
Excellent communication and presentation skills and great listening skills.
Delivers value to internal and external stakeholders through innovation and collaboration and by understanding and meeting their needs; acts with candor and courage.
Ability to work effectively in a matrix organization.
Has solid business acumen and excellent understanding of core systems and metrics.
Makes strengthens and maintains contact with those that can contribute to achieving the set goals. Utilizes the network purposefully
Simultaneously handling multiple tasks and ability to work under pressure
Works to develop new skills and abilities and seeks/accepts feedback on performance
Corporate culture competencies of Leadership Behaviors and high ethical standards
Inclusive Mindset and Behavior
Demonstrates eagerness to contribute to an environment of belonging inclusion equity and empowerment
Leads by example and serves as a role model for creating leading and retaining a diverse and inclusive workforce
Required Skills:
Adaptability Adaptability Advisory Board Development Business Research Clinical Data Clinical Trials Core Systems Data Analysis Emergency Care Epidemiology Healthcare Education Health Economics Market Access Medical Affairs Medical Marketing Strategy Medical Review Medical Writing Nursing Oncology Oncology Marketing Peer-to-Peer Pharmaceutical Industry Product Information Project Management Scientific Communications 3 morePreferred Skills:
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Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully
Merck & Co. Inc. Rahway NJ USA also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC Rahway NJ USA does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place introductions are position specific. Please no phone calls or emails.
Employee Status:
RegularRelocation:
VISA Sponsorship:
Travel Requirements:
Flexible Work Arrangements:
HybridShift:
Valid Driving License:
Hazardous Material(s):
Job Posting End Date:
03/24/2026*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFOREthe listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.
Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey, USA is known as “Merck” in the United States, Canada & Puerto Rico. We are known as “MSD” in Europe, Middle East, Africa, Latin America & Asia Pacific. We are a global biopharmaceutical leader with a diverse portfolio of prescription medicine ... View more