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If you’ve Googled “Medical Science Liaison job description,” you’ve probably seen the same thing over and over again:
Bullet points. Buzzwords. A bland list of responsibilities.
But here’s the problem—none of that actually helps you attract a top-performing Medical Science Liaison (MSL).
And if you’re in biotech, pharma, or medical devices, you already know: this is one of the most competitive and nuanced roles to hire for. A great MSL doesn’t just check boxes on a CV. They need scientific expertise and the ability to build relationships with top-tier physicians, navigate regulatory boundaries, and clearly communicate complex data in a high-stakes environment.
Generic job posts don’t convey any of that. And they certainly won’t attract the kind of trusted, strategic partner you’re looking for.
That’s why in this guide, we’re doing things differently. Instead of giving you another lifeless template, we’re going to break down what this role actually looks like, what makes a great job post for it, and how you can stand out in a crowded hiring market.
👉 Before we dive in, we highly recommend reading our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/ —our in-depth guide on writing job descriptions that connect, convert, and actually reflect your company. It’s the foundation behind everything in this article.
In this piece, you’ll get:
- A plain-English definition of what a Medical Science Liaison really does
- Two copy-and-paste job description templates (for experienced and entry-level hires)
- A breakdown of why they work
- A real example of a bad job post (and how to fix it)
- Tips for standing out with perks, videos, and AI-enhanced writing that doesn’t feel robotic
Let’s start with a simple question: What is a Medical Science Liaison—and what are they actually responsible for?
WorkScreen simplifies the hiring process, helping you quickly identify top talent while eliminating low-quality applications. By saving you countless hours and reducing the risk of bad hires, it empowers you to build a team that delivers results
What Does a Medical Science Liaison Actually Do?
Let’s skip the jargon for a moment.
A Medical Science Liaison (MSL) acts as the bridge between pharmaceutical or biotech companies and the broader medical community. But they’re not sales reps—and they’re definitely not just scientists in lab coats.
Think of an MSL as a trusted advisor. They build relationships with key opinion leaders (KOLs)—like top physicians, researchers, and hospital decision-makers—and help translate complex clinical data into meaningful insights.
They don’t pitch products. Instead, they share scientific knowledge, support clinical trials, answer high-level medical questions, and help shape how therapies are understood in the real world.
This role requires a rare blend of deep subject-matter expertise and people skills. An MSL needs to:
- Stay up to date on emerging medical literature
- Travel regularly to meet with healthcare professionals
- Support field teams and internal stakeholders
- Communicate clearly, confidently, and compliantly
In short:
They’re scientists who can talk to doctors, educators who can simplify complex research, and relationship-builders who can represent your brand with credibility.
That’s why a great job post for this role shouldn’t just highlight degrees and acronyms—it should speak to curiosity, emotional intelligence, autonomy, and the ability to navigate ambiguity in a regulated space.
Two Great Medical Science Liaison Job Description Templates
✅ Option 1: Job Description For Experienced MSLs
(Targeting senior-level professionals with oncology experience)
📌 Job Title: Medical Science Liaison – Oncology (Remote, U.S.-Based)
💼 Full-Time | Remote | $135,000–$165,000/year + Bonus + Benefits
🎥 Meet Your Future Team
Before you read further, take 90 seconds to hear from our Medical Affairs team about why this role matters—and what it’s like working at Veritas:
👉 [Watch Video from Hiring Manager or Team Member]
👋 A Note from the Hiring Manager
Hi, I’m Dr. Amelia Tran, Director of Medical Affairs at Veritas Oncology. We’re building a next-generation oncology team focused on advancing breakthrough therapies with both scientific rigor and heart. If you’re passionate about connecting science with real-world clinical impact—we’d love to meet you.
Who We Are
Veritas Oncology is an independent biotech company developing precision immunotherapies for hard-to-treat cancers. Our lead pipeline candidate is in Phase II for triple-negative breast cancer, and we’re actively expanding our U.S. field medical team to support our growing footprint.
We’re headquartered in Cambridge, MA, with a fully remote medical team. As a company, we value scientific transparency, fast decision-making, and treating people like humans—not headcount.
What You’ll Be Doing
This is not a behind-the-desk role. You’ll be out in the field (virtually and in-person), engaging with top oncologists, academic researchers, and clinical trial sites.
- Build and maintain relationships with KOLs and clinical experts
- Deliver scientific presentations and lead clinical discussions
- Support investigator-initiated trials and advisory boards
- Provide internal teams with insights from the field
- Stay up to date on oncology literature and competitive data
- Attend major scientific congresses and contribute to medical strategy
What We’re Looking For
- Advanced degree: PharmD, MD, or PhD in a scientific field
- 2+ years of MSL experience (oncology preferred)
- Strong knowledge of clinical trials and regulatory guidelines
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to travel ~40–50% of the time
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
You won’t be micromanaged here—you’ll be trusted.
We give our MSLs the autonomy to build real relationships, not just repeat talking points. You’ll work directly with senior leadership, contribute to strategy, and be part of a small, tight-knit medical affairs team that values clarity, curiosity, and credibility.
Perks and Benefits
- Remote-first setup with flexible hours
- Competitive base salary ($135K–$165K) + 10% bonus
- Equity package based on experience
- 401(k) with company match
- 20+ PTO days plus company-wide wellness breaks
- Full medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid conference attendance + quarterly learning budget
📥 How to Apply
We respect your time. That’s why we use WorkScreen—so you’re evaluated based on strengths, not buzzwords.
👉 Click here to start your short, structured evaluation: [Insert WorkScreen Link]
We’ll keep you informed every step of the way.
✅ Option 2: Job Description For Entry-Level / Willing-to-Train Candidates
(For mission-driven companies hiring based on potential, not just experience)
📌 Job Title: Associate Medical Science Liaison – Rare Disease (Entry Level, Remote)
💼 Full-Time | Remote | $90,000–$105,000/year + Benefits
🎥 Get to Know Orica
Watch this short video from our leadership team to learn how we support early-career talent and why this MSL role could be the perfect starting point.
👉 [Watch Video]
👋 A Note from the Hiring Manager
Hi, I’m Samuel Greene, VP of Medical Affairs at Orica Therapeutics. If you’re a scientist or clinician eager to transition into the MSL world—and care deeply about improving lives in underserved patient communities—we want to hear from you. No prior MSL experience required.
Who We Are
Orica Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotech developing therapies for ultra-rare metabolic diseases. Based in San Diego, our 60-person team is united by one goal: making treatments accessible for patients who’ve historically been overlooked.
We partner with clinicians, researchers, and advocacy groups to accelerate care—and we invest heavily in training and mentorship to grow the next generation of MSLs from within.
What You’ll Be Doing
You’ll support our Medical Affairs team as a field-facing communicator of science and clinical value.
- Learn the fundamentals of MSL work through structured onboarding
- Support virtual KOL meetings and prepare follow-up summaries
- Conduct literature reviews and assist in slide deck creation
- Attend medical congresses (virtually and in-person)
- Join internal clinical and regulatory meetings
- Shadow senior MSLs and grow into independent field responsibilities
What We’re Looking For
- Advanced degree (PhD, MD, or PharmD) in a relevant life sciences field
- Strong communication and presentation skills
- Scientific curiosity + willingness to learn
- Organized, coachable, and ready to take initiative
- No previous MSL experience required—we’ll train you
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
This is your chance to break into Medical Affairs without waiting for a “minimum 3 years of experience.” We hire for passion, clarity, and potential—not just titles.
You’ll be supported by a team that’s done this before. You’ll be mentored weekly. And you’ll get the tools to succeed, grow, and build a long-term career in biotech.
Perks and Benefits
- $90K–$105K salary depending on background
- Fully remote with equipment and tech support provided
- 401(k) with 5% match
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance (100% employer-paid)
- Tuition reimbursement and quarterly learning stipend
- 25 PTO days + 8 flex days + paid holidays
- Annual wellness stipend for physical/mental health
📥 How to Apply
We use WorkScreen to make hiring fair, efficient, and skills-focused.
👉 Click here to begin your application and evaluation: [Insert WorkScreen Link]
We’re excited to meet you—and we’ll update you at every step.
Don’t let bad hires slow you down. WorkScreen helps you identify the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.
Why These Medical Science Liaison Job Descriptions Actually Work
Most job descriptions fall flat because they read like legal checklists. These two examples were intentionally designed to do the opposite—to connect, clarify, and convert. Here’s a breakdown of why they’re effective:
✅ 1. The Job Titles Are Clear and Specific
Instead of just saying “Medical Science Liaison,” each title includes a specialty (“Oncology” or “Rare Disease”) and a work format (“Remote”). This instantly filters in the right applicants and builds relevance at a glance.
✅ 2. Each Post Starts with a Human Touch
A personal note from the hiring manager makes the post feel real—not mass-produced. It shows candidates that there are actual people behind the job ad who care about the hire, and it sets the tone for a respectful, candidate-first process.
✅ 3. Video Creates Connection
Including a short video adds personality and credibility. It gives applicants a chance to hear from the team, get a feel for the culture, and build trust before they apply. This is especially powerful in remote roles where face-to-face contact is limited.
✅ 4. The “Who We Are” Section is Specific and Mission-Driven
Instead of vague company summaries, these job posts clearly explain:
- What the company does
- What stage they’re in
- What they value
- Why this role exists within their mission
This makes it easy for candidates to self-select based on interest and alignment—not just compensation.
✅ 5. Responsibilities Reflect Real Impact
We avoid listing isolated tasks and instead describe how the role contributes to the business:
- “Support virtual KOL meetings” becomes part of “building trust with the clinical community.”
- “Prepare slide decks” ties into “making complex data clear and useful.”
This shows candidates the why behind their work—not just the what.
✅ 6. Requirements Are Balanced and Inclusive
The experienced MSL role sets a clear baseline (2+ years), while the entry-level post explicitly states “no prior MSL experience required.” That widens the talent pool and attracts ambitious, coachable candidates who might otherwise be discouraged.
✅ 7. “Why This Role Is a Great Fit” Speaks to Motivation
This section is where many companies fall short—or skip altogether. But in these posts, we take time to explain:
- Why the role matters to the company
- What kind of person will thrive here
- How the company treats its team
It’s a pitch to the right kind of candidate—and it screens out those who aren’t aligned.
✅ 8. Perks and Benefits Are Clear and Transparent
Instead of burying the perks at the bottom or omitting them entirely, each post highlights:
- Salary range
- PTO
- Remote setup
- Learning opportunities
- Wellness or flex stipends
Transparency builds trust. Candidates don’t want surprises—they want clarity.
✅ 9. WorkScreen Enhances the Application Process
By including a structured WorkScreen link, these posts show that:
- You respect applicants’ time
- You evaluate based on skills, not just resumes
- You have a clear process (and plan to follow up)
This sets you apart from companies that ghost applicants or rely on generic ATS filters.
A Bad Medical Science Liaison Job Description (and What’s Wrong With It)
To highlight what not to do, here’s an example of a Medical Science Liaison job post that misses the mark.
❌ Bad Job Post Example
Job Title: Medical Science Liaison
Company: Global Pharma Ltd.
Location: Remote
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Summary
Global Pharma is looking to hire a Medical Science Liaison to engage with healthcare professionals and support medical affairs initiatives. The ideal candidate will provide scientific support to internal and external stakeholders.
Responsibilities
- Support the medical affairs team with field activities
- Respond to medical inquiries from HCPs
- Deliver scientific presentations to stakeholders
- Assist in clinical trial site support
- Stay updated on therapeutic area literature
Requirements
- Advanced degree in a scientific field (PhD, PharmD, or MD)
- Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a Medical Affairs role
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills
- Knowledge of clinical development and regulatory standards
How to Apply:
Send your CV and cover letter to hr@globalpharma.com by October 15, 2025. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
🧯 Why This Job Post Doesn’t Work
🚫 1. The Job Title Is Vague and Generic
“Medical Science Liaison” with no therapeutic area or context tells us nothing. Is it oncology? Neurology? Cardiovascular? What kind of experience is relevant here?
🚫 2. The Introduction Feels Cold and Robotic
Phrases like “engage with stakeholders” and “support initiatives” say very little. There’s no warmth, mission, or hint of why this role exists or who it’s for.
🚫 3. No Mention of Company Culture or Mission
The “About Us” section is missing entirely. Candidates have no idea what Global Pharma values, what its products are, or why they should care.
🚫 4. The Responsibilities Are Just Bullet Points with No Context
There’s no explanation of how these responsibilities connect to the company’s goals or the real-world impact of the work.
🚫 5. Requirements Feel Rigid and Exclusionary
There’s no mention of flexibility, willingness to train, or which qualifications are must-haves vs. nice-to-haves. That discourages high-potential applicants who don’t fit the mold perfectly.
🚫 6. No Transparency Around Salary or Benefits
In today’s hiring landscape, candidates expect clarity. Leaving out salary, perks, and work setup makes the post feel outdated and non-competitive.
🚫 7. The Application Process Is Cold and Dismissive
“Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” is a red flag. It tells applicants: You might never hear back from us. That damages employer brand and candidate experience.
🚫 8. No Visual or Human Elements
There’s no hiring manager intro, no video, no personality—nothing that shows this is a real team, not just a corporate formality.
✏️ Takeaway
This is the kind of job post that gets ignored by top candidates—and attracts only those mass-applying to everything. It may technically list responsibilities and qualifications, but it completely fails to connect, inspire, or differentiate the company.
Bonus Tips: Small Additions That Make a Big Difference
Once your job post covers the essentials—like role clarity, tone, and benefits—it’s these bonus elements that can help you stand out from hundreds of other listings. These small touches build trust, improve candidate experience, and show that you’ve actually thought about the person reading the post.
✅ Tip 1: Add a Candidate Security & Privacy Notice
Scams are on the rise, and job seekers are more cautious than ever. Including a short important notice at the end of your post builds instant trust.
Example:
🔒 We take the security and privacy of all job applicants very seriously. We will never ask for payment, banking details, or personal financial information at any stage of the hiring process. If anyone contacts you claiming to be from our company and asking for this information, please report it immediately.
This helps candidates feel safer—and shows you care.
✅ Tip 2: Mention Leave Days and Flexibility Up Front
Everyone values work, but great candidates also care about life. Mentioning your time-off policy, flex days, or wellness breaks in the perks section shows that your company supports balance and wellbeing.
Example language:
“Enjoy 25 PTO days per year, plus 8 flex days you can use however you need—whether it’s travel, a mental reset, or just time with family.”
It humanizes your company instantly.
✅ Tip 3: Highlight Learning & Growth Opportunities
This is one of the most overlooked but most powerful ways to attract high-potential applicants—especially those early in their MSL careers.
Instead of just saying “we offer training,” get specific:
Example language:
“You’ll get one-on-one mentorship with our VP of Medical Affairs, a quarterly learning stipend, and paid attendance to major medical conferences like ASCO or ESMO.”
This speaks directly to candidates who want to grow with you—not just take a job.
✅ Tip 4: Add a Video Element to the Job Post
We’ve mentioned this earlier, but it’s worth repeating. A short Loom or YouTube video from the hiring manager, team lead, or a current MSL can do more than a paragraph ever could.
It helps the candidate see who they’ll work with, get a feel for the team’s personality, and start building emotional connection before they even apply.
Pro tip: Keep it under 2 minutes, and host it somewhere unlisted (YouTube, Loom, Vimeo).
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
✅ Tip 5: Be Clear About Your Hiring Process
Don’t make applicants guess what comes next. Lay out your process up front, including:
- How long it takes
- How many stages there are
- What kind of evaluation to expect
- When they’ll hear back
This reduces applicant anxiety, builds credibility, and shows respect.
Example language:
“We respond to every application within 2 weeks. If shortlisted, you’ll go through a quick skill-based evaluation via WorkScreen, followed by a single video interview. Final candidates will receive an offer or clear next steps within 5 business days.”
These are the kinds of thoughtful, human details that turn an ordinary job post into one that attracts top-tier talent—and leaves a lasting impression, even on those who don’t get hired.
Should You Use AI to Write a Job Description?
With tools like ChatGPT, Jasper, and even built-in features in ATS platforms like Workable or Manatal, it’s never been easier to click a button and generate a job description. Sounds efficient, right?
Yes… but only if you use it wisely.
Here’s the truth: AI can help—but if you use it the wrong way, it can seriously hurt your hiring.
❌ The Wrong Way to Use AI
When companies rely on AI to “just write something quickly,” they end up with job posts that:
- Sound generic and robotic
- Overuse buzzwords without saying anything meaningful
- Miss the company’s real voice and values
- Attract low-effort, copy-paste applicants
- Fail to connect with serious, high-quality candidates
The result? You’ll get flooded with applications—but most won’t be a good fit.
✅ The Right Way to Use AI
AI should shape your post—not write it from scratch.
If you come prepared with context, AI can be an amazing co-writer. It can help you:
- Refine structure and tone
- Improve clarity
- Rephrase for readability
- Format the final draft faster
But first—you need to feed it the right ingredients.
🧠 Use This Prompt Instead:
When using AI to help draft your job post, try this instead:
“Help me write a job description for our company, Veritas Oncology. We’re hiring a Medical Science Liaison to support our oncology pipeline and connect with KOLs across the U.S.
Our culture is transparent, fast-moving, and science-first. We value autonomy, clear communication, and strong clinical relationships.
We offer $135K–$165K salary, equity, wellness perks, remote flexibility, and professional growth opportunities.
Our hiring process includes a structured evaluation using WorkScreen and a short video interview.
Please use a clear, human tone that feels warm and respectful, not corporate. Focus on what the candidate will do and why it matters.
Here are some notes I’ve written already:
[Insert your own bullet points, tone cues, or even a previous version of a post you liked]”
By giving AI structure, values, and voice—you get something tailored and high-quality that still sounds like you.
🛠 Pro Tip: Use AI to Polish—Not Replace
Think of it like this:
- You write the skeleton.
- AI adds polish, flow, and clarity.
- You review for tone, meaning, and personal touch.
That’s how you keep your post sounding human, aligned with your brand, and effective at attracting the right people—not just anyone.
If your hiring process is stressful, slow, or filled with second-guessing—WorkScreen fixes that. Workscreen helps you quickly identify top talent fast, eliminate low-quality applicants, and make better hires without the headaches.
Need a Quick Copy-Paste Medical Science Liaison Job Description?
✅ Option 1: Conversational, Culture-First MSL Job Post
📌 Job Title: Medical Science Liaison – [Therapeutic Area]
💼 [Job Type] | [Location] | [$Salary Range]
👋 A Note from the Hiring Manager
Hi, I’m [Hiring Manager Name], Medical Affairs Director at [Company Name]. We’re looking for a curious, credible, and people-first MSL who can help bridge science and real-world impact. If you care about evidence-based collaboration and want to help doctors make more informed decisions—you’ll feel right at home here.
🎥 Meet the Team
Before you go further, take 90 seconds to hear from our Medical Affairs team:
👉 [Insert Video Link]
Who We Are
[Company Name] is a [brief description of your company, e.g. clinical-stage biotech, pharma company, or medtech firm] focused on [short phrase about your mission—e.g. autoimmune research, oncology, or rare disease innovation].
We believe in transparency, flexibility, and growing with people who genuinely care about outcomes. We’re building a field team that brings science and empathy together—and we’re excited to find someone who shares that vision.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Build and sustain relationships with KOLs and clinical experts
- Lead scientific discussions and attend key medical conferences
- Translate complex data into clear, credible messaging
- Support investigator-initiated research and advisory boards
- Share insights from the field to inform internal strategy
What We’re Looking For
- Advanced degree (PharmD, PhD, MD) in a relevant field
- [Years of experience, e.g. 1–3 years] of MSL or clinical research experience
- Knowledge of [Therapeutic Area] preferred
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to travel [travel expectations, e.g. 30–50%] in your region
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
We’re not here to micromanage—we’re here to support you.
You’ll have the autonomy to build trusted relationships in the field and contribute directly to strategy. You’ll collaborate with a thoughtful, cross-functional team and get a seat at the table when decisions are made. We’re small enough to move fast—and structured enough to support you every step of the way.
Perks and Benefits
- Remote flexibility + home-office stipend
- Base salary of [$Salary Range] + bonus or performance-based incentives
- Equity or stock options available
- Full medical, dental, and vision coverage
- [#] PTO days + flexible wellness days
- 401(k) or pension plan with company match
- Annual learning budget + paid conference attendance
📥 How to Apply
We respect your time. That’s why we use WorkScreen—so you’re evaluated based on strengths, not just buzzwords.
👉 Click here to complete your structured application: [Insert WorkScreen Link]
✅ Option 2: Traditional “Responsibilities + Requirements” Format
Job Title: Medical Science Liaison
Location: [Location]
Employment Type: [Job Type]
Salary: [$Salary Range + bonus/equity if applicable]
Job Brief
[Company Name] is hiring a Medical Science Liaison to support our [Therapeutic Area] program. This field-based role focuses on scientific exchange, KOL engagement, and support for internal and external medical initiatives.
Responsibilities
- Engage with healthcare professionals and scientific experts
- Deliver clinical presentations and attend key medical conferences
- Support advisory boards and external research initiatives
- Translate medical data into actionable field insights
- Serve as the internal expert on the assigned therapeutic area
Requirements
- PharmD, PhD, MD, or equivalent degree in life sciences
- [#] years of experience in a medical affairs, research, or MSL role
- Familiarity with [Therapeutic Area] and clinical development processes
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to travel [#]% of the time
Benefits
- Competitive base salary + [bonus/equity if offered]
- Remote flexibility or hybrid work setup
- Comprehensive healthcare coverage
- [#] days PTO + wellness leave/flex days
- 401(k) with employer match
- Budget for continued education or conference attendance
How to Apply
We use WorkScreen to streamline hiring and ensure a fair, skill-based evaluation process.
👉 Click here to apply: [Insert WorkScreen Link]
Let WorkScreen Handle the Next Step of Your Hiring Process
Now that your job post is ready and tailored to attract the right candidates—what happens next matters just as much.
Most companies still rely on resumes and vague interviews to make hiring decisions. That’s exactly how the wrong applicants sneak through—and the best ones slip away unnoticed.
That’s where WorkScreen.io comes in.
🧠 WorkScreen helps you:
✅ Quickly identify your most promising candidates
WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants on a performance-based leaderboard—making it easy to spot top talent, save time, and make smarter, data-driven hiring decisions.
✅ Easily run one-click skill tests
With WorkScreen, you can administer one-click skill tests to assess candidates based on real-world ability—not just credentials like résumés and past experience. This helps you hire more confidently and holistically.
✅ Eliminate low-effort or AI-generated applications
WorkScreen automatically eliminates low-effort applicants who use AI Tools to apply, copy-paste answers, or rely on “one-click apply.” This way, you focus only on genuine, committed, and high-quality candidates—helping you avoid costly hiring mistakes.
Whether you’re hiring one MSL or building out an entire medical team, WorkScreen gives you a faster, smarter, and more reliable way to evaluate talent—with zero guesswork.
Ready to start hiring the right way?
FAQ
A Medical Science Liaison (MSL) focuses on scientific engagement, relationship-building with key opinion leaders (KOLs), and sharing evidence-based insights. They don’t promote or sell products—they provide non-promotional, credible medical information and support clinical strategy.
A Medical Representative, on the other hand, is part of the commercial/sales team. Their goal is to promote products to healthcare providers and drive prescriptions or purchases, often using approved marketing materials.
In short:
- MSLs educate and advise
- Reps promote and sell
A Medical Advisor typically works in-house and is involved in strategic planning, reviewing promotional materials, overseeing trials, and advising internal stakeholders across commercial, regulatory, and R&D teams.
A Medical Science Liaison works in the field and focuses on engaging external experts (doctors, researchers, etc.) to exchange scientific information and gather clinical insights.
Think of it this way:
- Medical Advisors = internal strategists
- MSLs = external scientific connectors
When hiring an MSL, look for a mix of:
- Scientific credibility (advanced degrees, familiarity with therapeutic areas)
- Emotional intelligence (empathy, listening, adaptability)
- Clear communication (able to explain complex data to different audiences)
- Autonomy and initiative (they work independently most of the time)
- Relationship-building ability (especially with KOLs and thought leaders)
Bonus points for those with experience navigating compliance, clinical trials, or medical congresses.
In the U.S., the average base salary for an MSL ranges from $135,000 to $165,000 per year. This can vary based on:
- Therapeutic area (oncology and rare diseases tend to pay more)
- Geography
- Level of experience
- Whether the role includes bonuses, equity, or additional perks
Entry-level MSLs may start closer to $100,000–$120,000, while senior-level or specialized MSLs can earn $180K+ with performance bonuses.
Not always. Many MSLs hold advanced degrees like PharmD, PhD, or MD—but companies hiring for potential may also consider candidates with master’s degrees and relevant clinical or research experience. Some companies are open to training high-potential hires into the MSL path.
