Medical Science Liaison, R&I, Gulf Full-time

Medical Science Liaison (MSL) possesses extensive scientific expertise in the respective therapeutic area and engages in scientific discussions and presentations with KEEs about the disease area, and clinical data in a non-promotional context.

This role is accountable for generating actionable insights from KEEs and communicating these to the brand team to shape the Medical and Brand strategy.

This role is responsible for a highly strategic product and disease area that involves working extensively with external stakeholders to forge strong relations and foster scientific and strategic partnerships within major hospitals and institutions/ authorities in their assigned territory and non-traditional stakeholders (E.g. policy and decision makers, payer groups, government, researchers, and others to help bridge the gaps and provide health system solutions.

Typical Accountabilities

Build, enhance, maintain advocacy of Key External Experts (KEEs)

• Identify, prioritize, and expand KEEs to include non-traditional stakeholders (E.g. policy and decision makers, payer groups, government, researchers, and others) based on scientific/clinical expertise and practice change influence within a specific hospital and institution/ authorities, and engage in robust scientific discussions and medical advancements in a balanced, objective, and accurate way.
• Identify, and prioritize accounts based on patient care pathway and map the multidisciplinary team and maturity.
• Provide AZ with an understanding of the local medical community, clinical practice trends, HCP insight and real or perceived gaps in current scientific knowledge, patient journey, and disease management.
• Foster scientific partnerships with KEEs to help advance disease understanding and to achieve evidence-based changes in medical practice that are consistent with Medical Affairs strategy & objectives, such as:
  • Interact in the field with the medical community in the context of various medical projects such as clinical trials, Non-Interventional Studies, Investigator Sponsored Studies (ISSs), scientific exchange.
  • Identify potential speakers and train speakers as appropriate for local events.
  • Provide recommendations for advisory board / round table discussion participants and serve as faculty/facilitators for advisory board meetings.
  • Present scientific data to HCPs in both group (Medically led meetings) and one on one setting.
  • Facilitate continuing medical education events for HCPs.
  • Support evidence generation in the region aligned with the medical strategy of disease area and product.
  • Build and implement scientific programs to address unmet medical needs in priority disease area(s)
• Collect and share actionable insights that enhance the value and appropriate use of AZ products and disease management to internal stakeholders.
• Engage in strategic planning meetings and medical-scientific presentations with medication access stakeholders, institutional decision makers and other external stakeholders to drive better clinical decisions and enhance medication accessibility within the assigned hospital or institution. These discussions are scientific in nature and must be clearly separated from promotional and/ or other business discussions.
• Organize and facilitate scientific events on healthcare institutions and their multi-disciplinary teams related to the therapeutic area to ensure holistic approach to patient care within their hospital and institution.
• Embed a comprehensive healthcare system and patient experience understanding in prioritized hospitals and institutions to transform care and improve patient outcomes.

Act as scientific expert in priority disease area for internal stakeholders

• Demonstrate expertise and knowledge of AZ products, emerging therapies, competitors, patient and treatment trends, clinical trials, and scientific activities within the disease area and continuously updates this expertise and knowledge.
• Provide the AZ internal stakeholders with an understanding of the local medical community, clinical practice, trends and real or perceived gaps in current scientific knowledge and medical treatment options/ guidelines through periodic therapeutic area and product trainings.
• Provide scientific support at AZ sponsored educational events.
• Plan and execute regional medical activities during the product launch processes.

Medical Information

• Respond to unsolicited requests for information about unapproved AZ products or unapproved uses of approved products, presenting such information in an objective, well balanced, substantiated manner that is scientific in tone and content, free of promotional messages, truthful, and is not misleading.
• Demonstrate appropriate response and documents the provision of accurate, scientific data in response to unsolicited scientific questions posed by healthcare providers with Company Policies, and applicable laws, regulations, and ethical standards.

Essential

• Experience with the healthcare environment and related dynamics in the UAE/Gulf countries is a must.
• Fluency in English.
• Bachelor’s degree in medicine, Pharmacy, Pharmacology or a degree in biomedical sciences
• A postgraduate degree would be an advantage.
• Excellent ability to learn and acquire scientific concepts and knowledge.
• Demonstrated expertise in synthesizing scientific information and communicating it effectively at the peer level with HCPs.
• Ability to work in matrix multicultural organizations and collaborate effectively with commercial counterparts
• Exceptional communication skills, both oral and written, as needed to deliver comprehensive presentations and facilitate discussions with small/large groups of health care providers and internal management (in English)
• Excellent problem-solving ability in addition to strong negotiation skills.
• Ability to demonstrate good business judgment.
• High sense of urgency and commitment to excellence in the achievement of objectives.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills to demonstrate leadership and initiative and demonstrated ability to work in a self-directed manner.

Desirable

• Demonstrated business acumen and track record of end-to-end project management.
• Respiratory biologics or specialty care experience is preferable.
• Full understanding of the medical role in driving innovative value strategies and supporting patient access to evidence-based treatment is an advantage.
• Other relevant pharmaceutical industry experience or previous clinical experience as an HCP (pharmacist, doctor) is preferable.
• Established track record of basic or clinical research.

External

• Key External Experts
• Key Decision Makers – Change Advocate
• Health Care Professionals
• Clinical Investigators – Research Experts
• Professional Associations and Societies
• Patient Associations

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.

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