How to Become a Medical Science Liaison
The medical science liaison (MSL) professional focuses on providing scientific and educational support and collaboration between healthcare stakeholders like physicians, patients and and bipharmaceutical companies.
PhDs have faced tremendous entry barriers to the MSL career for two major reasons. First, most PhDs lack clinical (or patient care) experience that are inherent in PharmD and MD training programs. Most PhD research projects deal with cells and mice — considered preclinical by industry standards. Second, and perhaps more insidious, is the perception that "PhDs lack people skills". People conjure stereotypes of scientists in white lab coats as eccentric, antisocial or lacking in social graces. Unfortunately, this perception also exists within biopharma, and PhDs aiming for alternative careers beyond the bench have to be prepared to "explain themselves".
PhDs who want to become a MSL can maximize their chances of breaking into this highly competitive career by doing the following:
Understand the mindset of MSL hiring managers
The biggest complaint I've heard over the years of coaching and mentoring aspiring MSLs is "they want MSL experience, but I can't get that unless I become a MSL". I've heard this so many times that I titled my MSL career book, "All MSLs Started with No MSL Experience!" This catch-22 situation has evolved because many entry level MSL candidates don’t possess many of the basic skill sets that hiring managers are looking for. Consequently, hiring managers prefer experienced MSL candidates because they can be reasonably assured that person understands the “ins” and “outs” of what it takes to be an MSL.
Invest in tools, resources, and coaching
Perform due diligence and read everything you can about the MSL role. This six -figure career niche is extremely small, which makes the job market fiercely competitive. There is a dearth of "free" MSL resources because service providers in this niche make their living by focusing on the biopharma clients with big budgets.
Become a master networker
Networking is your only option to get into the minds of hiring managers or learn what you need to know if you can't or aren't willing to invest in tools, resources, or coaching related to the MSL career. You can start with your school's career center or the local postdoc association and see what resources may be available related to an MSL career.
Scientific complexity is increasing in treatment options as biologics are entering markets long dominated by small molecules. This is matched with cross-sector collaboration complexity, as biopharmaceutical companies navigate regulatory and public scrutiny. The MSL profession is only 40 years old, but the MSL role is becoming one of the "rising stars" of biopharma's career offerings. Look for the life sciences industry to hire increasing numbers of MSLs as more biotechnology products enter the market.
To learn more about the MSL career pathway please check out Jane’s new book, "All MSLs Started with No MSL Experience! The Guide to Becoming a Medical Science Liaison" or visit the MSL Jobs website to look for employment opportunities.
Jane,
I would agree on the actual and future importance of MSL. What is your take on M.Sc. candidates with significant experience as potential candidates. Is the industry missing on potential stars by only looking at PhD ?
Your comments on this would be greatly appreciated
Jocelyn: My take is that those with significant clinical and patient care experience who have a good understanding of both the regulatory and commercial facets of the pharmaceutical business will make a good MSL candidate. For MS/MSc, having patient care experience will be the primary competitive edge. Hence, many with nursing backgrounds (MSN, for example) are hired into MSL positions.
Hello,
I have a Ph.D degree in cell and molecular biology degree. I am interested in MSL, but do not have any clue how do i get started?.
Hope you have some suggestion for me.
Thanks