Medical Science Liaison

Work Your Magic with us!  

Ready to explore, break barriers, and discover more? We know you’ve got big plans – so do we! Our colleagues across the globe love innovating with science and technology to enrich people’s lives with our solutions in Healthcare, Life Science, and Electronics. Together, we dream big and are passionate about caring for our rich mix of people, customers, patients, and planet. That's why we are always looking for curious minds that see themselves imagining the unimaginable with us.  

United As One for Patients, our purpose in Healthcare is to help create, improve and prolong lives. We develop medicines, intelligent devices and innovative technologies in therapeutic areas such as Oncology, Neurology and Fertility. Our teams work together across 6 continents with passion and relentless curiosity in order to help patients at every stage of life. Joining our Healthcare team is becoming part of a diverse, inclusive and flexible working culture, presenting great opportunities for personal development and career advancement across the globe.

Position Summary:

We are seeking a passionate and knowledgeable Medical Science Liaison (MSL) to join our Healthcare team at Merck (Pty) Ltd. In this critical role, you will act as a local expert in the Cardiology, Metabolism and Endocrinology therapeutic areas (TA), leading medical strategies and initiatives that enhance patient care and support our mission. The ideal candidate will possess comprehensive scientific knowledge and excel in stakeholder engagement, communication, and collaboration.  

Key Responsibilities:

Strategy:

• Act as the Local Medical Affairs TA expert through in-field and office-based activities.
• Support the Local TA leadership team in developing TA, launch, and brand strategies, and lead Medical Affairs tactics.
• Lead Medical Affairs activities in the assigned territory in alignment with local Medical Launch and Brand strategies.
• Consolidate and communicate trends, market insights, and unmet needs identified in the field.

Operations:

• Develop medical materials, review marketing materials, and conduct training sessions.
• Ensure scientific and clinical accuracy for specific products or brands.
• Comply with relevant training and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Maintain up-to-date Good Clinical Practice (GxP) knowledge through internal and external training.
• Conduct local internal scientific training and ensure continuous medical education for existing teams and new employees.
• Develop and implement territory medical plans with assigned healthcare professionals (HCPs).
• Enhance external trust in the company's science and products through fair and balanced medical communication.
• Maintain comprehensive and in-depth scientific knowledge of the TA when executing assigned tactics.
• Ensure operational excellence by sharing best practices.
• Map the treatment landscape and medical environment for new indications or programs in the therapeutic area.
• Support the planning and tracking of the TA-specific medical budget.

Data Generation and Scientific Communication:

• Lead or support medical studies, assist in coordinating local clinical projects, and contribute to site selection for clinical projects.
• Lead the local publication process, ensuring alignment with local, regional, and global publication plans.
• Deliver accurate and timely scientific information to assigned HCPs to ensure the safe and appropriate use of company products.
• Act as a resource and liaison for Investigator-Sponsored Studies (ISS) and investigators aligned with the Medical Affairs strategy.
• Coordinate with Clinical Development and Clinical Operations to provide field support for research studies and assist in selecting clinical study sites.
• Assimilate, process, and share medical information with stakeholders.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Provide training to HCPs and support the realization of educational programs and events delivered by Medical Affairs.
• Interact with local stakeholders in the medical community within the therapeutic area, following pre-defined metrics and local regulations.
• Identify and engage with key members of the medical community, including thought leaders and other healthcare stakeholders.
• Represent the company at medical education programs, events, and meetings, supporting patient advocacy activities as appropriate.
• Facilitate partnerships with external stakeholders on innovative research and healthcare solutions.
• Collaborate with internal colleagues in developing and delivering medical or cross-functional initiatives.

Education:

• University degree (Bachelor’s) required, preferably in scientific field of relevance to position
• Secondary / advanced scientific degree (e.g., MSc, PharmD, PhD, DO, MD) required
• Scientific and / or clinical training in area of relevance to position strongly preferred 
• Other advanced degree (non-scientific) and/or business degree / training is advantageous 

Work Experience:

• Clinical or clinical research experience specific to therapeutic area preferred, advanced degree advantageous
• Secondary / advanced scientific degree (e.g., MSc, PharmD, PhD, DO, MD) required
• Scientific and / or clinical training in area of relevance to position strongly preferred 
• Other advanced degree (non-scientific) and/or business degree / training is advantageous 

Work Experience:

• Clinical or clinical research experience specific to therapeutic area preferred, advanced degree advantageous
• Substantial professional, clinical or research experience in a scientific or related field required (minimum of 2 years)
• Previous MSL or related pharmaceutical experience preferred
• Prior industry experience is advantageous
• Knowledge of regulatory environment
• Knowledge and experience of methodology of clinical research and Good Clinical Practice preferred
• Knowledge and experience in project management

Job specific Competencies & Skills:

• Fluency in English (oral and written)
• Valid code B driver's licence with own vehicle
• Excellent communication skills
• Good presentation skills                                                                  
• Computer literacy
• Strong analytical skills     
• Highly developed interpersonal and teamwork skills
• Advanced scientific knowledge, relationship building and networking skills
• Ensure compliance with global and local, external and internal regulations, standards, policies and SOPs
• Strong ability to evaluate publications on scientific content and communicate peer to peer on the scientific content with External Stakeholders
• Good conflict resolution / management skills

This role is an employment equity position and the company prioritizes such applications.  As per the Company’s Employment Equity Plan, the Company encourages previously disadvantaged employees to apply.

What we offer: We are curious minds that come from a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. We celebrate all dimensions of diversity and believe that it drives excellence and innovation, strengthening our ability to lead in science and technology. We are committed to creating access and opportunities for all to develop and grow at your own pace. Join us in building a culture of inclusion and belonging that impacts millions and empowers everyone to work their magic and champion human progress!
 
Apply now and become a part of our diverse team!