Neuroscience Specialist (Kansas City, E - MO)

Otsuka America Pharmaceutical Inc. is a global healthcare company with the corporate philosophy: “Otsuka-people creating new products for better health worldwide.” Otsuka researches, develops, manufactures and markets innovative products, focusing on pharmaceutical products to meet unmet medical needs and nutraceutical products for everyday health maintenance. In its evolved customer engagement model, a Neuroscience Specialist engages healthcare providers (HCPs) using in-person, virtual, and digital tools, offering expertise on products and their approved conditions to enhance patient, caregiver, and HCP experiences.

About the role

The Neuroscience Specialist will report directly to the respective Area Business Lead, coordinating with cross-functional colleagues in Medical (MSLs), Market Access (HSAMs), and Patient Support (PELs) under appropriate guidelines. This individual will serve as the primary point of contact for HCP customers, addressing complex on-label information based on approved content. The role is designed to enhance customer engagement, thought leadership, and business planning through proactive outreach to healthcare professionals, facilitating discussions, and elevating insights to inform strategic decisions.

Responsibilities

• Conduct proactive outreach to HCPs on topics such as product access, on-label information, and established patient care guidance.
• Engage customers through various virtual or digital tools and direct them to other colleagues (e.g., Customer Service Specialists) as needed.
• Ensure customer requests are met and solicit feedback on the quality of engagement.
• Facilitate speaker programs to share knowledge and insights.
• Organize local provider groups for discussions on experiences and outcomes with local/regional leaders.
• Elevate opportunities and feedback to the Area Business Lead, including local market insights to inform local strategy and business goals.
• Collaborate compliantly with the ecosystem team to adjust targeting and call point plans based on insights collected from customer-facing roles.

Requirements

• At least one of the following experiences:
  • 2+ years of pharmaceutical or medical device sales experience; less experience considered for employees who successfully complete the Otsuka ReadyNow program.
  • 3+ years of business-to-business (B2B) or equivalent outside sales experience in regulated, clinical, or customer engagement.
  • 2+ years of clinical healthcare experience (e.g., Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant, RN, or similar) with demonstrated patient-facing, medical education, or therapy-focused responsibilities.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex clinical information, influence stakeholders, and translate scientific data into clear, practical value propositions.
• Strong commitment to ethical business practices, understanding of regulatory standards, and ability to execute business activities in compliance with company policies.
• Ability to assimilate and communicate complex clinical and product information.
• Must reside within a commutable distance of 50 miles from the primary city in the sales territory.

Skills

• Territory Analysis / Business Planning:
  • Uses competitive data and business reports to track progress and uncover opportunities, including sales data and promotional budget.
  • Displays knowledge of territory and business conditions that impact sales results to establish near-term priorities.
  • Responds compliantly to competitive threats and opportunities.
  • Educates office staff on payer guidelines and reimbursement procedures to increase pull-through.
  • Effectively utilizes promotional materials.
• Selling Skills, Engagement & Account Pull-Through:
  • Maintains ongoing awareness of internal support team resources and utilizes them appropriately.
  • Applies market and industry knowledge to overcome objections and influence prescribing habits during office calls.
  • Identifies territory professional groups to network and ensure access/exposure to potential key opinion leaders.
  • Builds strong relationships with key office/practice personnel, focusing on patient health in conversations.
  • Takes personal responsibility for follow-through and providing value to accounts by addressing their needs accurately.
  • Delivers effective and balanced office calls and sales presentations using approved marketing materials and technical references with clarity and confidence.
  • Demonstrates competent product knowledge of own products and competition.
• Competencies:
  • Accountability for Results: Stay focused on key strategic objectives, be accountable for high standards of performance, and take an active role in leading change.
  • Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving: Make decisions considering the long-term impact on customers, patients, employees, and the business.
  • Patient & Customer Centricity: Maintain an ongoing focus on the needs of customers and key stakeholders.
  • Impactful Communication: Communicate with logic, clarity, and respect, influencing at all levels to achieve the best results for Otsuka.
  • Respectful Collaboration: Seek and value others’ perspectives, striving for diverse partnerships to enhance work toward common goals.
  • Empowered Development: Play an active role in professional development as a business imperative.

Pay

Minimum $107,362.00 - Maximum $166,750.00, plus incentive opportunity. The range shown represents a typical pay range or starting pay for individuals hired in the role to perform in the United States. Other elements may be used to determine actual pay, such as job experience, specific skills, and comparison to internal incumbents currently in the role.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
• Company-provided basic life, accidental death & dismemberment, short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Tuition reimbursement and student loan assistance.
• Generous 401(k) match.
• Flexible time off, paid holidays, and paid leave programs.
• Additional company-provided benefits.