Do you need a PhD to be an MSL?
MSLs are a point of scientific expertise and as such, they are required to possess advanced scientific/academic training. Most MSLs will come from three different backgrounds: Medical Doctor (MD), Pharmacist (PharmD) or PhD.
Do medical science liaisons get bonuses?
Aside from base salary, MSLs typically receive an annual bonus. The percentage of the bonus varies from company to company. In general, however, it is safe to assume that medical science liaisons’ bonus compensation will depend on both the company’s annual performance and the individual MSL’s performance as well.
Do medical science liaisons travel a lot?
Medical science liaisons may be assigned to a geographic area or region, so extensive travel is common for them. Due to the amount of travel required to liaise and consult with other medical professionals, medical science liaisons may or may not be based in their employer’s physical office.
How many hours do medical science liaisons work?
MSLs work hard. They spend, on average, 46 to 50 hours per week on the job. Half said their in-office work hours vary from week to week.
What is the next step after medical science liaison?
Many MSLs or senior medical communication roles often move into a medical advisor role as a next step in their career. It is also a possible starting point for physicians wanting to move into medical affairs.
How hard is it to get an MSL job?
It is hard to get a medical science liaison job.
In order to get this role, a person will need to concentrate on a specific therapeutic area or disease state (e.g., oncology, cardiology, gastroenterology, infectious diseases, rheumatology) and gain expertise in the field.
What do medical science liaisons wear?
During ALL interviews for an MSL role, you should wear business attire. However, the annual conference will be business casual. Of course, you are welcome to wear business attire if you choose. Just like during an in-person MSL interview, the first impression you make is critical.
What does medical science liaison do?
Medical Science Liaisons are vital to the success of a company. They work throughout a product’s lifecycle, help to ensure that products are utilized effectively, serve as scientific peers and resources within the medical community, and are scientific experts to internal colleagues at companies.
How competitive are MSL jobs?
6 – Medical Science Liaisons positions are very competitive- For every 1 MSL opening there are approximately 200 MSL candidates. The field is growing a lot and is estimated to grow 47% over the next 5 years.
What can I do after medical science liaison?
That being said, other possible career paths for MSLs include: PhD – MSL – Associate brand manager – Brand Manager – Marketing Manager. Pharmacists – MSL – Regulatory Affairs Associate.
What makes a great MSL?
To be a good medical science liaison, a person needs to have a combination of scientific expertise, good communication, and people skills. Medical science liaisons act as a bridge between healthcare companies and physicians; therefore, they need to be both medical experts and good communicators.
What does an MSL do in pharma?
They help ensure that products are used effectively, serve as scientific resources and experts, advise on upcoming advances in treatments, and provide input about relevant scientific and clinical data.
How competitive is MSL?
How hard is it to become an MSL?
It requires higher levels of experience and expertise in order to do well. Some liaisons can get an MSL position with a Masters degree, but most positions require a minimum of a PhD in the area of medical expertise that a company or product requires.
Is a medical science liaison a good job?
Yes, being a medical science liaison (MSL) is a good career.
MSLs establish and maintain relationships with leading physicians, researchers, and clinicians, referred to as key opinion leaders (KOLs) at academic institutions, hospitals, pharma companies, and others.
What skills do you need to be a medical science liaison?
Here are five skills you need in order to be successful as a Medical Science Liaison:
- Communication.
- Confidence & Optimism.
- Patience.
- Time management & Organisation.
- Love for learning.
How often do MSLs travel?
roughly 3 days/week
The MSL position differs across companies but typically, you work from home 1-2 days per week and then travel roughly 3 days/week. It is a very flexible position, in that generally you are responsible for your schedule and are setting meetings.
What degree do I need to be a medical science liaison?
Most companies will require a medical degree, pharmacy degree, or higher science degree such as MSc, or PhD. In the UK most MSLs have a PhD or come from a pharmacy background. An in depth scientific and medical knowledge is also required. Therapy area experience is advantageous.
How much travel does a medical science liaison do?
Due to the nature of the work, extensive travel is common for a Medical Science Liaison (60-80%). They may be responsible for a geographic area or region.