Wanting to learn more about the MSL role? Continue below, and please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions!

Medical Science Liaison

  • A Medical Science Liaison (MSL) is a highly specialized professional within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or medical device industry who serves as a bridge between the company and the medical community.

  • The MSL’s primary role is to engage with key opinion leaders (KOLs), healthcare providers, and researchers to communicate complex scientific and clinical information about the company's products, research, and pipeline. MSLs often provide medical education, support clinical trials, gather insights to inform strategy, and ensure the accurate, ethical dissemination of medical information. They do not engage in direct sales but focus on building strong, evidence-based relationships.

  • MSLs are typically professionals with advanced medical or scientific degrees, such as a PhD, PharmD, MD, or DNP. Others may hold credentials like a DVM, NP, or PA, reflecting their diverse expertise and backgrounds in the medical field.

  • The journey to becoming an MSL is both challenging and competitive. The hiring process is typically rigorous, involving multiple interview rounds with various stakeholders and often requiring candidates to deliver a presentation on a disease state or drug.

What was my path to becoming an MSL?

My journey to becoming a Medical Science Liaison (MSL) has been filled with valuable experiences and unexpected turns. After graduating from pharmacy school in 2019, I completed a PGY1 hospital pharmacy residency. Following this, I was fortunate to be hired by my residency's medical center as the clinic-embedded pharmacist for the outpatient rheumatology clinic. I also provided PTO coverage for the outpatient dermatology clinic.

Over the two years I held this position, I developed a deep understanding of rheumatologic and dermatologic disease states and the advanced therapies used to treat them. My role involved managing prior authorizations, appeals, copay card applications, and free drug programs for specialty treatments—responsibilities that built a solid foundation of expertise in advanced biologic therapies.

After researching the MSL role for about a year, I learned of an opening with Eli Lilly as the Dermatology Medical Science Liaison for Louisiana and Texas. I applied, and to my profound surprise, I was offered an interview shortly after, which led to my first MSL job. While I deeply valued my time as a clinic-embedded pharmacist helping patients access the treatments they needed, transitioning to the MSL role has been one of the best decisions of my career. It has allowed me to merge my clinical expertise with a broader impact in advancing patient care.

Preparing for an MSL Job Interview

CV

CVs in the pharmaceutical and biotech industry are often formatted differently from those in the clinical field. Adapting your CV to align with industry standards can significantly increase your chances of securing a first-round interview. And always make sure your CV is up to date with your most recent accomplishments! In addition, if you are unable to discuss something on your CV, then don’t include it. For example, if you are uncomfortable answering a question about an article you helped write 5 years ago, then it’s better to just leave it out.

Example Industry CV

Interview Questions

The interview process for an MSL position can be intense, often involving two, three, or even four rounds of interviews. To excel, thoroughly prepare for a wide range of questions in advance. It’s helpful to craft versatile answers that can address multiple questions, allowing you to respond confidently without relying on memorized responses. For example, consider this answer: "I managed a difficult situation with a colleague by discussing the issue openly, recognizing they were overwhelmed, and offering to take on more responsibilities to meet the project deadline." This response could effectively address questions about time management, working under pressure, communication, or handling workplace conflicts.

Example MSL Interview Questions

Interview Attire

It's widely understood that dressing your best is essential for any job interview, and this is especially true when interviewing for an MSL position. The pharmaceutical industry values professionalism, and this extends to attire. Dressing appropriately not only demonstrates your respect for the role but also signals your seriousness as a candidate.

For both men and women, a suit is the gold standard and highly recommended. It exudes professionalism and sets the tone for a strong first impression. Women should opt for closed-toe shoes, while men should choose polished dress shoes to complete their look. While other business professional attire—such as a dress or a buttoned shirt with slacks—may be acceptable, they lack the impact and polish of a well-tailored suit. Wearing a suit can help distinguish you from other candidates and reinforce your commitment to securing the role.

Presentation

This is arguably the most challenging and crucial part of the interview process. The hiring manager typically provides guidance on the presentation requirements, but there may be some flexibility. For instance, one manager might assign a specific study for you to base your presentation on, while another might provide a disease state and allow you to choose the drug to present. They will also usually specify the presentation length, such as 25–30 minutes or a brief 5-minute version. It’s wise to prepare both a full-length and a condensed version of your presentation, as interviewers may ask for a short example tailored to a scenario, like presenting to a KOL with limited time.

Example MSL Interview Presentation

Phone Screen

Most pharmaceutical companies begin their candidate selection process with a phone screen. During this step, the hiring manager schedules a brief 10- to 15-minute call to learn more about you and discuss your CV. While it may seem informal or quick, don’t underestimate its importance—this is a critical step in the interview process.

Always approach the phone screen with professionalism and respect. Be mindful of the hiring manager’s time and respond to questions truthfully and confidently. Your demeanor during this call sets the tone for how you’ll be perceived throughout the rest of the process.

Reaching the phone screen stage is an accomplishment in itself, as many applicants don’t make it this far. Take a moment to acknowledge your progress, but stay focused—this is just the beginning of the journey to landing the role.

Appreciation and Follow-up

Congratulations on making it through the entire interview process! This journey has undoubtedly been challenging, but also incredibly rewarding. However, there’s one important step left: following up with a thoughtful thank-you email to your interviewers.

During the interview process, make it a point to collect the email addresses of those you meet, so you can send personalized thank-you messages once the process is complete. If you’re unable to gather their contact information directly, you can ask the HR team coordinating your interview to forward your thank-you notes to the appropriate individuals.

Whether you reach out directly or through HR, sending a polite and concise thank-you email is a crucial final step. It demonstrates professionalism, gratitude, and respect for your interviewers’ time. Taking the time to express your thanks can also leave a positive and lasting impression, setting you apart from candidates who overlook this important gesture.

Tips for Success

  • When pursuing a career as a Medical Science Liaison (MSL), identifying your niche is crucial due to the diverse range of available MSL roles. For instance, my previous experience in a rheumatology and dermatology clinic allowed me to develop in-depth knowledge of these disease states and their associated therapies. When I began applying for MSL positions, I focused exclusively on roles in rheumatology and dermatology. This targeted approach leveraged my existing expertise, maximizing my chances of success in securing a position where I could immediately add value.

  • Once you secure an interview, focus on identifying unique aspects of your background or experiences that can help you stand out to the hiring manager. These personal touches can serve as excellent conversation starters and help build rapport during the interview process. For example, during my first MSL interview with Eli Lilly, I highlighted that I was pursuing an MBA at the time. This became a key discussion point because the hiring manager also held an MBA, which made me relatable and memorable. Additionally, I mentioned my experience playing college softball, which resonated strongly with the hiring manager, as his daughter-in-law had also played college softball. Incorporating personal elements like these not only sets you apart from other candidates but also makes you more relatable and approachable to interviewers, fostering a stronger connection.

  • Breaking into an MSL role can be challenging. While the job market has expanded, the availability of positions often fluctuates, and the interview process is both rigorous and competitive. You'll likely be up against highly qualified candidates who are also striving to secure the same role. Landing an MSL position may take time, so it's important to stay positive and extend grace to yourself throughout the process. It may sound cliché, but prioritizing your mental health is essential during this journey. Remember, setbacks are part of the process—don’t let them deter you. With hard work, perseverance, and the right mindset, success is within reach!

 Fun FAQs!

  • From my experience as a US-based MSL, entry-level MSLs can earn between $145,000 and $175,000 annually, with experienced MSLs often surpassing $200,000 in base salary. Mastering salary negotiation is a crucial aspect of the interview and job acceptance process, so it’s essential to refine your negotiation skills as you prepare to embark on your MSL career.

  • Absolutely! You can receive both a sign-on bonus when joining a company and an annual bonus, typically paid out once a year as a percentage of your base salary—usually ranging from 16% to 20%. Negotiating the sign-on bonus is a key part of the contract process, so it’s important to approach this strategically.

  • Fleet cars are a fantastic perk! While they vary by company, many organizations are transitioning to electric vehicles, though employees often have the flexibility to choose based on their specific needs. These vehicles are typically small SUVs—for example, Eli Lilly uses Chevy Equinoxes, while Sanofi provides Toyota Highlanders. Additionally, most companies provide a gas card, which is another great benefit. However, it's essential to review and follow your company’s policy on gas card usage to ensure compliance.

  • The vacation benefits are amazing! Most pharmaceutical companies have a company-wide shutdown between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, giving you the entire week off without using any of your vacation time. Beyond that, you're generally free to use your vacation days as you wish, provided it doesn’t conflict with team meetings or major conferences. If you have a planned vacation during these times, you can usually work out a solution by coordinating with your manager. Vacation allowances are typically comparable to other industries, starting with 80 hours of PTO for employees in their first 1–5 years and gradually increasing with tenure.

  • Retirement benefits in the pharmaceutical industry are outstanding! Some companies, like Eli Lilly, still offer pensions, although vesting typically requires a certain tenure (e.g., 5 years at Lilly). Most companies provide a 401(k) plan with generous matching contributions. For example, Lilly matches up to 6% of your salary, while Sanofi offers 1.5 times your contribution up to 6%, meaning if you contribute 6%, the company adds 9%. This robust matching often compensates for the absence of a pension. Additionally, many companies now offer Roth 401(k) options, allowing after-tax contributions, which can provide significant long-term tax benefits. If you’re unsure about the differences between Roth and traditional 401(k) contributions, consulting a financial advisor is a smart move.

  • It depends on three key factors: the size of your territory, your location, and your performance metrics. Metrics, which measure how MSLs demonstrate their value to the company, primarily focus on live interactions. These include face-to-face meetings, phone calls, web conferences, or conversations with providers at conferences. The industry standard is typically around 25 live interactions per month, though this can vary significantly. For instance, Lilly’s algorithm has set metrics at approximately 50–60 live interactions per month, which often requires more travel.

    The size of your territory also plays a significant role. If your territory spans multiple states with low population density, you’ll likely travel more than someone covering a single, densely populated state. Additionally, proximity to a major airport can impact travel convenience—those near large airports benefit from direct flights, while smaller-town residents may face more connections.

    A bonus to the travel is the opportunity to earn rewards points for flights, hotels, and car rentals. Be sure to sign up for loyalty programs like Marriott, Delta, and Enterprise to take full advantage of this perk!

  • Conferences and team meetings are truly exciting experiences! Conferences, also known as congresses, take place all over the country—and sometimes internationally—and you’ll usually work with your manager to decide which ones to attend each year. Destinations can range from Honolulu, Colorado, and Orlando to Chicago, Europe, and even the Caribbean! Team meetings are another fantastic opportunity to connect with your colleagues in person. These gatherings are typically held at the company’s headquarters, such as Eli Lilly’s in Indianapolis or Sanofi’s in Boston, and offer a great mix of collaboration and camaraderie.

  • In the United States, maternity and paternity leave benefits in the pharmaceutical industry are exceptional! Mothers receive ample time to bond with their newborns, while fathers are also granted a generous leave. For example, at Sanofi, both parents are eligible for 14 weeks of fully paid parental leave, with mothers receiving an additional 6–8 weeks of short-term disability leave. This means mothers can enjoy a total of 20–22 weeks of fully paid leave! Since maternity leave policies vary by company, it’s essential to check with your benefits department for the specific details of your organization’s offerings.