Medical Science Liaison (Rare Diseases)

• Permanent Role
• Previous experience essential
• Launch experienece pref
• Excellent opportunity for progression

We are working exclusively with an established pharmaceutical company that is deeply committed to fostering a positive, collaborative culture.

The Medical Science Liaison (MSL) – Rare Diseases is a field-based scientific expert responsible for engaging with healthcare professionals (HCPs), clinical researchers, patient advocacy groups, and other stakeholders to advance understanding of rare diseases and the company’s therapeutic portfolio. The MSL builds strong scientific relationships, supports medical education, facilitates clinical research, and ensures compliant exchange of scientific information.

Key Responsibilities

Scientific Exchange & Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as the primary scientific contact for KOLs (Key Opinion Leaders), specialist physicians, and rare disease centres of excellence.
• Deliver fair, balanced, and non-promotional scientific information on disease state and therapeutic options.
• Gather and communicate medical insights to inform clinical development and strategic planning.
• Build trusted relationships with patient advocacy groups and specialist networks.

Medical Education & Support

• Provide medical and scientific support for advisory boards, conferences, and educational events.
• Develop and deliver scientific presentations tailored to rare disease audiences.
• Support training of internal colleagues (e.g., sales, market access, medical affairs) on disease areas and scientific data.
• Serve as a scientific expert during pre-launch, launch, and post-launch phases of rare disease therapies.
• Identify and engage early adopters, KOLs, and centres of excellence to support awareness and uptake.
• Deliver scientific presentations and educational sessions to prepare HCPs for new therapy integration.
• Provide medical training to internal cross-functional teams (commercial, market access, patient advocacy) ahead of launch.

Clinical Research & Evidence Generation

• Facilitate investigator-initiated studies (IIS) and support company-sponsored clinical trials.
• Identify potential clinical trial sites and collaborate with investigators.
• Provide real-world insights into unmet needs, standard of care, and patient journey in rare diseases.

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure all interactions and activities are compliant with company policies, local regulations, and ethical codes.
• Maintain accurate documentation of scientific engagements and field activity.
• Act as a scientific resource while avoiding promotional activities.

Key Requirements

Education & Experience

• Advanced degree (PhD, PharmD, MD, MSc in Life Sciences or related field).
• Minimum 2–3 years’ experience in Medical Affairs or clinical research (MSL, CRA, or academic research roles).
• Previous experience in rare disease or specialty/ultra-orphan medicines strongly preferred.
• In-depth knowledge of clinical development, trial design, and evidence-based medicine.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong scientific expertise with ability to interpret and communicate complex data.
• Excellent relationship-building and networking skills with KOLs and HCPs.
• Effective communicator – both written and verbal – able to tailor messages to clinical and non-clinical audiences.
• Strategic thinker, with understanding of patient access, regulatory, and healthcare system challenges in rare diseases.
• High integrity and compliance-driven mindset.
• Ability to work independently in a field-based role with national/international travel.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Quality and depth of KOL relationships in the rare disease community.
• Contribution of field insights to medical strategy.
• Support and facilitation of clinical research activities.
• Delivery of compliant scientific education and training initiatives.
• Timely and accurate documentation of medical interactions.

Location & Travel

• Field-based role; frequent travel within assigned territory (approx. 70%).
• Occasional international travel for congresses, investigator meetings, and training.

For a confidentail call please get in touch with Shirley on 086 783 1786