Job Details
Posted 3 June, 2026
Job Id: 628332
Medical Science Liaison
Job Description
Medical Science Liaison (MSL) – Neurology / Rare Disease
Location: Tokyo, Japan (Field-Based)
Department: Medical Affairs
Reporting Line: Medical Affairs Leadership
People Management: No
Overview
A global pharmaceutical company is seeking a Medical Science Liaison (MSL) to support a specialist Neurology portfolio, with a focus on rare neurological disorders. This is a field-based Medical Affairs position responsible for executing local medical strategy through scientific engagement with healthcare professionals, key external experts, clinical investigators, and patient advocacy groups. The role operates independently from Commercial and focuses on scientific exchange, field insight generation, and evidence development activities.
Market & Candidate Considerations
* The MSL market is highly candidate-driven.
* Salary range is currently being finalised.
* Flexibility exists for strong candidates with relevant experience.
* Candidates with epilepsy expertise are of particular interest.
* English requirements have been relaxed:
- Reading and writing English remain essential.
- Spoken English only needs to be conversational.
* The successful candidate will have regular opportunities to communicate in English with international stakeholders.
* Ongoing English learning and development support is available.
Key Responsibilities
Scientific & External Engagement
* Build and maintain scientific relationships with Key External Experts (KEEs), healthcare professionals, academic institutions, and other relevant stakeholders.
* Conduct peer-to-peer scientific exchange regarding disease state, treatment landscape, clinical data, and emerging research.
* Support stakeholder mapping activities, including Centres of Excellence, referral networks, and emerging experts.
* Respond to unsolicited medical enquiries in a compliant and scientifically balanced manner.
* Represent the company at congresses, advisory boards, and scientific meetings.
* Support late-stage clinical development programs through engagement with investigators, clinical trial sites, and patient advocacy groups.
* Engage with patient advocacy organisations on scientific topics in alignment with Medical Affairs strategy.
* Maintain accurate documentation of field medical activities.
Field Insights & Medical Strategy
* Gather and communicate insights relating to clinical practice, unmet needs, diagnostic challenges, and treatment trends.
* Identify evidence gaps and emerging scientific opportunities.
* Provide timely feedback to Medical Affairs leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
* Contribute to the refinement of local medical strategy through structured insight reporting.
Evidence Generation
* Support feasibility assessments for Investigator-Initiated Trials (IITs) and company-sponsored research.
* Facilitate scientific discussions with investigators.
* Identify potential research collaboration opportunities.
* Support publication planning and scientific data dissemination activities.
Compliance & Governance
* Ensure all activities comply with local regulations, industry codes, and company SOPs.
* Maintain clear separation from promotional activities.
* Demonstrate strong scientific integrity and ethical judgement.
Requirements
Education
* Advanced degree preferred (PharmD, PhD, MD, or equivalent)
* Relevant Life Sciences degree will also be considered
Experience
* 3-6 years of experience within Medical Affairs, MSL, or a related scientific role
* Epilepsy experience strongly preferred
* Strong scientific acumen and ability to interpret and communicate clinical data
* Demonstrated ability to build trusted scientific relationships
* Experience within launch, pre-launch, or evolving therapeutic areas preferred
* Strong insight gathering and communication skills
* Comfortable working independently in a field-based environment
Language Requirements
* Native-level Japanese
* English reading and writing required
* Conversational spoken English acceptable
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, sex, gender identity or expression, disability, age, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations. It is our policy not to discriminate against any applicant or employee, and we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful work environment across all locations in which we operate. We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental to our mission and enhance our ability to serve clients globally. If you have a disability or require any reasonable accommodations during the application or interview process, please inform your recruiter or contact us directly so that we can explore the appropriate arrangements.
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