Medical Science Liaison, Cardiovascular – Michigan Territory

Field-based, customer-facing, non-promotional medical and scientific role focused on advancing clinical practice and improving patient outcomes within the assigned territory (Michigan). The successful candidate should reside in or near Ann Arbor, Detroit, Grand Rapids, or a major airport in the territory. Relocation support is not offered, and visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

About The Role

The Medical Science Liaison (MSL) leverages scientific expertise and market knowledge to establish and build professional relationships with Healthcare Providers (HCPs), medical experts, and thought leaders. The role involves engaging with customers on emerging data, clinical trials, patient journey barriers, market dynamics, unmet medical needs, pipeline discussions, disease education, adverse event reporting, and medical insights across the product lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Engage scientifically with HCPs (community physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals) and medical experts in alignment with medical strategy.
• Demonstrate strategic territory vision through identification, mapping, and planning of Medical Engagements (MEs) and Key Accounts, including:
  • Identifying key stakeholders influencing the patient journey and disease space to establish education, engagement, and partnership strategies.
  • Partnering with academic centers, centers of excellence, or systems of care to drive impact.
  • Involving HCPs or MEs in addressing specific medical needs (e.g., publications, clinical trial participation).
  • Collaborating internally with Novartis stakeholders to advance therapeutic area, clinical, or product goals.
• Provide clinical trial support for company-sponsored trials and facilitate relevant medical activities in collaboration with Medical Affairs and Clinical Operations.
• Collaborate regularly with internal colleagues (e.g., HEOR, access, marketing, commercial, sales) to advance clinical practice while maintaining customer centricity and compliance with Novartis standards.
• Maintain in-depth knowledge of the assigned therapeutic area, Novartis compounds, internal policies, and external regulations (e.g., field medical Working Practice Document, travel policy, state/local laws).
• Execute administrative responsibilities (e.g., Veeva CRM, expense reports, compliance training) and ensure up-to-date customer profiling in the CRM.
• Champion emerging responsibilities as strategic priorities and territory needs evolve.
• Proactively drive personal and professional development.

Requirements

• Graduate degree in science or healthcare required; doctoral degree preferred (MD, PhD, DNP, PharmD, etc.).
• For Manager Level: 0-3 years of experience in a Field Medical position within the pharmaceutical industry or as an MSL, or 3-5 years of relevant medical affairs, clinical research, or related experience in a scientific/clinical setting.
• For Associate Director Level: Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a Field Medical-based position within the pharmaceutical industry or as an MSL, or 5-7 years of relevant medical affairs, clinical research, or related experience in a scientific/clinical setting.
• Strong clinical knowledge, including pharmacotherapy, treatment guidelines, clinical research processes, medical expert engagement strategies, and FDA promotional/ethical guidelines.
• Must reside within the territory or within a reasonable daily commuting distance (50 miles from the territory border).
• Field-based role requiring approximately 60-70% travel (in-person, virtual, email, telephone).
• Valid driver’s license; driving is an essential function of this role.
• Adherence to Novartis Code of Conduct, Ethics/Compliance policies, and applicable laws/regulations.
• COVID-19 vaccination may be required based on customer (e.g., hospital, physician office) credentialing guidelines.
• Successful completion of initial training, including home study and up to 40 hours per week.

Skills

• Deep therapeutic expertise and ability to apply a curious mindset to collect actionable insights.
• Strategic thinking and ability to align territory activities with medical strategy.
• Strong collaboration skills with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proficiency in administrative tools (e.g., Veeva CRM, expense reporting).
• Preferred: Experience in the assigned or related therapeutic area.

Pay

Expected annual pay range at commencement of employment:

• Manager: $145,600 - $270,400
• Associate Director: $160,300 - $297,700

Final salary is determined based on relevant skills and experience. Compensation includes a performance-based cash incentive and eligibility for annual equity awards (role-dependent).

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, life, and disability benefits.
• 401(k) with company contribution and match.
• Generous time off package (vacation, personal days, holidays, and other leaves).