Medical Science Liaison, Rare Diseases (Western Canada)

PURPOSE:

The Medical Science Liaison supports medical and business strategies for compounds through field-based activities that align with overall medical objectives and scientific communication.

This role establishes Takeda’s presence with key opinion leaders (KOLs), healthcare providers (HCPs), academic institutions and healthcare entities in the defined geographies for assigned therapeutic areas.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing medical insights, intelligence, and recommendations from the field to support the development and life-cycle management of Takeda compounds.

• Offering medical and scientific expertise to commercial partners as needed, within regulatory guidelines.

• Compliantly connecting customers to Takeda to advance medical strategy and improve patient outcomes.

This role requires a strategic thinker who can inspire others, focus on key priorities, and elevate organizational capabilities in line with Takeda's Leadership Behaviors.

KEY JOB ACCOUNTABILITIES: 

Externally focused KOL/HCP related activities are expected to comprise a minimum of 80% of responsibilities.

• Build and maintain professional relationships with KOLs/HCPs per individual territory plans developed by the Field Medical Lead.

• Map and profile KOLs/HCPs and other external stakeholder groups to support pre- and post-launch excellence

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge regarding Takeda disease areas and products as assigned as well as the therapeutic area competitor landscape.

• Analyze,interpretand communicate complex scientific information and engage with KOLs/HCPs in a compliant, fair-balanced, and non-misleading manner.

• Support strategically aligned Takeda-sponsored research and appropriately assist with the facilitation of medical collaborative studies and investigator-initiated research processes.

• Display advanced knowledge of therapeutic area key intelligence topics/questions and effectively collect, interpret, and internally communicate medical insights from KOLs/HCPs to inform and refine medical strategies and/or tactics.

• Execute field-based medical education/other learning activities.

• Support the execution of advisory boards/consultancy meetings as needed.

• Identify and facilitate, as appropriate, partnership opportunities between KOLs/HCPs and Takeda.

• Participate in executing the medical strategy at medical conferences (e.g., staff medical booth, interact with KOLs/HCPs, cover key scientific sessions, internally communicate medical insights).

• Compliantly address unsolicited requests for medical information from health care professionals, including physicians, patient advocacy groups, medical institutions, pharmacy, etc.

• Ensure Medical Scientific Liaison (MSL) metrics (both quantitative and qualitative) are achieved.

• Complete all required customer activity documentation (e.g., CRM entries, insights capture, etc.), training, expense reporting, and other administrative responsibilities in a timely, accurate, and compliant manner.

• Assist with clinical education, publications, communications, training, and advisory/consulting programs to support KOLs’ and company initiatives as needed.

• Assist in identifying, evaluating, and screening qualified research sites for clinical investigation.

• Support clinical trials sites as requiredper the Enterprise Engagement Model.

• Provide subject matter expertise and clinical and scientific education as needed for cross-functional partners (i.e., internal training).

• Perform all company business in full compliance with all regulations (e.g., IMC, PAAB, etc.), company policies and procedures, and industry or legal requirements.

COMPETENCIES:

Occupational Knowledge and Skills:

• A strongscientific background with a thorough grasp of the pharmaceutical industry and anoutstandingability to think strategically and critically.

• Therapeutic knowledge – prior experience in a therapeutic area is preferred, with a proven ability to quickly gain an in-depth understanding of various disease areas.

• Well-versed in highly technical and scientific languageto communicate with KOLs/HCPs, Medical Affairs, Research and Development, Marketing, as well as other key internal and external stakeholders.

• Firm understanding of the key phases, processes, and techniques involved in both the pre-clinical and clinical aspects of drug development.

• Understanding of the Canadian healthcare infrastructure, particularly the role of academic teaching and research institutes, as well as legislation (e.g., Food and Drug Act), IMC Code of Conduct, Clinical Practice Guidelines, general functions of TPD and provincial formularies, competitor activities, key customer groups, advocacy groups, and general market dynamics.

• Strong business acumen.

• Self-motivated and self-directed, with a proven track record of teamwork, leadership, timely decision-making, and results orientation in meeting objectives.

• Excellent presentation skills.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, fostering respect and trustamong peers, subordinates, superiorsand external stakeholders through excellentinterpersonal abilities.

• Ability to influence without authority and build relationships with key decision-makers.

Digital Competencies:

• Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data to make informed decisions and drive business outcomes.

• Dedication to leading by example through intentional skill development, experimentation and fostering a culture of digital curiosity within the organization.

• Experience working effectively with colleagues in virtual or remote settings, utilizing digital collaboration tools, incl. MS Teams.

• Proficiency in leveraging digital tools, platforms, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other technologies (including Microsoft Office suite) to communicate with impact and perform tasks efficiently and effectively.

• Understanding of cybersecurity threats and best practices to protect sensitive information and systems.

EDUCATION, LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE:

• Advanced degree (MD, PharmD, PhD) preferred.

• Consideration will be given to candidates with relevant pharmaceutical industry experience, and/or clinical work, research, or academic endeavors. 

• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry and/or relevant clinical experience, or an equivalent combination.

• Previous experience as an MSL an asset.

• Experience in the therapeutic area is preferred.

• Bilingual (English/French) is mandatory for positions located in QC.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

• This is a field-based position.

• Willingness to travel to various meetings or client sites, including overnight trips. Some international travel may be required.