Job Description

JOB PURPOSE The Medical Science Liaison (MSL) establishes Takeda’s medical affairs presence with external stakeholders through scientific exchange and research support. This role is the field-based therapeutic area (TA) expert responsible for execution of the TA specific medical plan in the field, predominantly by establishing, developing, and fostering relationships with key external stakeholders. He/she will contribute to the achievement of business success by putting the patient’s needs and safety into primary focus.

This position is responsible for executing the medical plan in the field by communicating fair-balanced therapeutic area, product-related and clinical information to external stakeholders (e.g. key opinion leaders (KOLs), physicians, academic institutions, hospital formulary committees) and responding to unsolicited requests for medical information. Additionally, this position will provide key insights learned from the medical and scientific community to internal stakeholders to guide the medical and brand plans. This position will work closely with the Medical Manager in the TA to lead the in-field execution of the TAL/MA-developed medical plan. This position will also collaborate cross-functionally to develop and execute medically relevant strategies and tactics as well as provide scientific expertise and training to cross-functional stakeholders as needed.

This position is a field- based position, with approximately 70% time in the field collaborating with KOLs and other external customers as needed.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES OVERALL

• Lead the in-field execution of the Therapeutic Area (TA) Medical Plan by establishing, developing, and fostering relationships with key external stakeholders
• Support medical strategies for compounds via field-based support from the medical function that are aligned with overall corporate goals and objectives
• Maintain a very high level of knowledge and understanding of the latest scientific/medical knowledge in the relevant therapeutic area by conducting literature searches, analysing clinical papers, attending conferences, courses and other such events
• Provide insights from key external stakeholders to internal cross-functional stakeholders as needed to guide the Brand and Medical Plans
  

STRATEGIC PLANNING

• Develop and execute a TA specific MSL scientific engagement plan aligned with the TA Medical Plan to guide field work
• Ensure appropriate and effective external stakeholder management by utilizing objective, aligned scientific criteria to profile KOLs and creates and regularly updates the TA KOL list
• Capture and share in-field insights to support brand, medical and scientific strategy and business development
• Participate as a member of the Brand Team for the assigned TA
• Provides medical and scientific expertise to commercial partners as needed and within regulatory guidelines
  

CONTRIBUTION TO ORGANIZATION THROUGH MEDICAL EXPERTISE

• Participate in the development and implementation of key medical activities (e.g. Advisory Boards, Focus Group Meetings, medical education and peer-to-peer training activities) as directed by the Therapy Area Lead
• Create or support the development of medical/scientific materials and slide decks as needed (e.g. MSL slide decks and advisory board slides) and ensure the content is appropriately reviewed and approved as per Takeda policies
• Identify educational opportunities that are aligned with Takeda’s medical education strategies
• Provide medical booth and session coverage at scientific meetings and report information of strategic interest to cross-functional internal stakeholders
• Provide clinical presentations and medical information to managed markets, government accounts, and other external stakeholders upon request and as appropriate
  

EVIDENCE GENERATION

• Support ongoing/future Company Studies (MACS/CCR and global led Clinical/R&D studies)
• Support the development and implementation of the LOC TA evidence generation plan
• Support unsolicited requests from HCPs for investigator-initiated sponsored research (IISR) proposals by providing appropriate investigator support as per Takeda SOP
• Develop and support national disease registries and RWE projects for relevant disease areas as needed
  

PATIENT-CENTRICITY

• Provide support and/or leadership in planning and implementation of patient access programs as needed and as per local regulatory requirements
• Prioritize patient safety by following all PV-related processes
• Support reporting of product-related medical safety issues by providing input on product-related quality issues and incidents to the local PV-team

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS

• Required: Masters Degree in Life Sciences, Pharmacy or similar discipline. Preferred: A Doctoral Degree in Life Sciences (e.g. Ph.D.) or medical post-graduate (e.g. MD) or equivalent

• 0-2 years working experience in medical affairs in pharmaceuticals, healthcare industry, or academia

• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to develop relationships easily, even with challenging people
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English; fluency in other languages is a plus
• Excellent oral presentation skills
• Strong planning & organization skills with ability to prioritize
• Independent and self-driven with a positive work ethic
• Proven track record of teamwork, cross-functional collaboration, and leadership
• Results oriented with high sense of urgency and adherence to timelines
• Meticulous and strong analytical skills
• Ability to engender trust and respect of peers and superiors
• High integrity, ethical & professional mindset
• Well versed in highly technical and scientific languages
• Acts with integrity, fairness, honesty, and perseverance
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook