Medical Science Liaison, Rare Diseases, Narcolepsy (Canada-wide)

Role Summary

The Medical Science Liaison supports medical and business strategies for compounds through field-based activities that align with overall medical objectives and scientific communication. This role establishes Takeda’s presence with key opinion leaders (KOLs), healthcare providers (HCPs), academic institutions and healthcare entities in the defined geographies for assigned therapeutic areas. Externally focused KOL/HCP related activities are expected to comprise a minimum of 80% of responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Providing medical insights, intelligence, and recommendations from the field to support the development and life-cycle management of Takeda compounds.
• Offering medical and scientific expertise to commercial partners as needed, within regulatory guidelines.
• Compliantly connecting customers to Takeda to advance medical strategy and improve patient outcomes.
• Build and maintain professional relationships with KOLs/HCPs per individual territory plans developed by the Field Medical Lead.
• Map and profile KOLs/HCPs and other external stakeholder groups to support pre- and post-launch excellence.
• Demonstrate advanced knowledge regarding Takeda disease areas and products as assigned as well as the therapeutic area competitor landscape.
• Analyze, interpret and communicate complex scientific information and engage with KOLs/HCPs in a compliant, fair-balanced, and non-misleading manner.
• Support strategically aligned Takeda-sponsored research and appropriately assist with the facilitation of medical collaborative studies and investigator-initiated research processes.
• Display advanced knowledge of therapeutic area key intelligence topics/questions and effectively collect, interpret, and internally communicate medical insights from KOLs/HCPs to inform and refine medical strategies and/or tactics.
• Execute field-based medical education/other learning activities.
• Support the execution of advisory boards/consultancy meetings as needed.
• Identify and facilitate, as appropriate, partnership opportunities between KOLs/HCPs and Takeda.
• Participate in executing the medical strategy at medical conferences (e.g., staff medical booth, interact with KOLs/HCPs, cover key scientific sessions, internally communicate medical insights).
• Compliantly address unsolicited requests for medical information from health care professionals, including physicians, patient advocacy groups, medical institutions, pharmacy, etc.
• Ensure Medical Scientific Liaison (MSL) metrics (both quantitative and qualitative) are achieved.
• Complete all required customer activity documentation (e.g., CRM entries, insights capture, etc.), training, expense reporting, and other administrative responsibilities in a timely, accurate, and compliant manner.
• Assist with clinical education, publications, communications, training, and advisory/consulting programs to support KOLs’ and company initiatives as needed.
• Assist in identifying, evaluating, and screening qualified research sites for clinical investigation.
• Support clinical trials sites as required per the Enterprise Engagement Model.
• Provide subject matter expertise and clinical and scientific education as needed for cross-functional partners (i.e., internal training).
• Perform all company business in full compliance with all regulations (e.g., IMC, PAAB, etc.), company policies and procedures, and industry or legal requirements.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree (MD, PharmD, PhD) preferred in a related field, such as Health Sciences.
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry and/or relevant clinical experience, or an equivalent combination.
• Previous experience as an MSL is an asset. Experience in the therapeutic area is preferred.
• Bilingual (English/French) is mandatory for positions located in QC.

Skills

• A strong scientific background with a thorough grasp of the pharmaceutical industry and strategic thinking.
• Therapeutic knowledge and ability to quickly gain in-depth understanding of various disease areas.
• Excellent presentation and verbal/written communication skills; ability to interact with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to influence without authority and build relationships with key decision-makers.
• Digital competencies: data analysis, familiarity with digital tools and collaboration platforms, AI and cybersecurity awareness.

Education

• Advanced degree (MD, PharmD, PhD) preferred in a related field.
• Consideration given to candidates with relevant pharmaceutical industry experience, and/or clinical work, research, or academic endeavors.

Travel Requirements

• This is a field-based position.
• Willingness to travel to various meetings or client sites, including overnight trips. Some international travel may be required.

Additional Requirements

• Location: CAN - Remote (Ontario)