"I firmly believe that the MSLA program will help all aspiring MSLs get hired."
The Medical Science Liaison Alliance program is an excellent and accurate representation of MSL life. The depth with which the authors have examined this role is astounding. It is clearly suggestive of the fact that a great deal of time was spent in researching and describing the role with great clarity and accuracy. As an MSL myself, I have greatly enjoyed going through the advanced training modules of the program and I firmly believe that the MSLA program will help all aspiring MSLs get hired. In addition new MSLs like myself could also glean new information. I have no hesitation in recommending this program for anyone who is exploring industry roles and would like to understand the MSL position as well as individuals who have decided to become MSLs and are looking for information that will help lead them to their first MSL role.
Medical Science Liaison at Jazz Pharmaceuticals
Sunayana Banerjee, Ph.D.
My goal is to help all MSL Alliance members get hired as MSLs and thrive as MSLs.
"We worked hard to put together a very advanced but easy to follow program specifically for PhDs interested in MSL roles. The program goes in depth into every aspect of the unique MSL hiring process, as well as what you need to know to excel as an MSL. The program also gives you access to a network of MSLs currently working in industry and, unlike other programs, is reasonably priced and exclusively focused on PhDs. The program is also run by a board of MSLs and includes a certification program. Each module includes a board certified exam and by passing the exam, you will receive a certificate from our board. If you have a PhD and want to get hired into an MSL role, this is the only program you need."
Yuri Klyachkin, Ph.D. MSLA Program Leader & Regional Science Liaison at Celgene
A international recruiting survey found that Medical Science Liaison (MSL) positions have increased by over 38% and is one of the fastest growing, science-related jobs in the world. A recent McKinsey & Company report found that MSL roles will continue to increase rapidly through 2020. The same report also showed that advanced degree holders with a strong scientific background will be hired more and more for these roles.
MSL positions can be found in a variety of healthcare-based sectors including pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device sectors. The biggest misconception regarding MSL positions is that it is a sales position. This is not true. In reality, MSLs act as scientifically trained field personnel who are considered to be part of a company’s medical staff. Most MSLs are not even allowed to discuss drug prices or conduct sales. This provides MSLs with more freedom to learn and teach. As a result, they gain a deeper knowledge of therapeutic areas and are able to discuss detailed medical and scientific issues with physicians. Currently PhDs with scientific knowledge have a significant advantage in finding employment. However, MSL positions are highly competitive with only 1-2% of applicants getting hired. Cheeky Scientist’s Medical Science Liaison Alliance will give you access to the MSL network and MSL-specific information you need to get hired into a top MSL position.
"The MSL Alliance program includes numerous strategies for turboboosting your value to MSL employers."
MSL hiring managers are always looking to see if you can talk with breadth and depth and with a clinical bent versus your prototypical PhD who has their head buried in a lab notebook and can only talk about their research topic and animal study results. The MSLA program focuses on bridging this gap. This “pivot” in your mindset and training as the MSLA program calls it is critical to getting hired as an MSL and is required for being successful in any MSL role. The MSL Alliance program includes numerous strategies for turboboosting your value to MSL employers. For example, you’ll learn how to leverage grand rounds as a grad student or postdoc, how to build authentic relationships with MDs and medical residents, and how to use this experience during interviews.
Medical Science Liaison at Bristol-Myers Squibb
Marlies Ozias, Ph.D.
The MSLA program outlines exactly what I did during my interview to get hired and exactly what I do now as a MSL.
"The MSLA program outlines exactly what I did during my interview to get hired and exactly what I do now as a MSL. In fact, I learnt a thing or two myself and I am glad that there is always something new to learn. The MSLA workbooks in particular are very well thought out. I think they really bring the essence of what the MSL role is and truly prepares one for the MSL interview. It is very comprehensive and covers everything and yet is focused. I strongly recommend joining the program!"
Mathura Shanmugasundaram, Medical Science Liaison at OneOme
I never felt overwhelmed and found myself constantly thinking, ‘Wow, these are great insights into the MSL hiring process and the MSL role.
"The Medical Science Liaison Alliance provides a great background into the role and daily life of an MSL. The advanced training videos and workbooks were well-organized and broken into easily digestible chunks of content. I never felt overwhelmed and found myself constantly thinking, “wow, these are great insights into the MSL hiring process and the MSL role”. The MSLA program does an incredible job teaching PhDs how to be more engaging by reviewing core concepts in the fields of relatability and emotional intelligence, while staying focused on the key strategies required for getting hired into an MSL role."
Aaron Kellogg, Ph.D., Medical Science Liaison for GI/IM Division at Shire
I finally landed my dream job as an MSL with three different offers in one week!
"After wasting 6-months trying to get an MSL job my way, I finally decided to give the MSLA process a shot (I was a very early member). I quickly expanded my network and started getting several phone interviews a week and at least one in-person interview every other week. I finally landed my dream job as an MSL with three different offers in one week! My only regret is that I didn’t trust the process sooner. "
Elizabeth Thatcher, Ph.D., Medical Director at Piramal Life Sciences
