At a Glance
- Tasks: Connect science to real-world practice and improve patient care for rare diseases.
- Company: Join AstraZeneca, a global leader in healthcare innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and professional development support.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on patients' lives while working with cutting-edge science.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in a scientific field and experience in medical roles.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: Field, South of England, Wales, Leicester and Nottingham
Competitive salary and benefits
Introduction to role: Are you ready to turn science into meaningful change for people living with rare disease? In this field-based role, you will connect cutting-edge evidence to real-world practice, shaping how hypophosphatasia (HPP), chronic hypoparathyroidism (HypoPT) and neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) are understood and treated across the UK. Your work will enable launch excellence for current and future indications and elevate the standard of care through informed, compliant scientific exchange.
You will join a high-performing medical team that thrives on cross-functional collaboration and thoughtful challenge. Day to day, you will build trusted partnerships with specialist centres and thought leaders, curate and translate field insights into action, and help design and deliver field medical tactics that map directly to strategic medical plans. Could you see yourself guiding pathway improvements and research collaborations that directly influence patient journeys?
Accountabilities
- Scientific Expertise and Launch Excellence: Build and maintain current, credible therapy area and product knowledge; contribute to the development and implementation of field medical tactics aligned to strategic medical plans; prepare for and support launches and future indications in Rare Bone & Endocrinology and Rare Tumours, with a focus on HPP, HypoPT and NF1; uphold ABPI, company policies and pharmacovigilance requirements.
- External Engagement and Partnerships: Establish and grow scientific partnerships with regional thought leaders, KEEs and specialist centres; identify and progress potential research collaborations with centres of excellence and specialised or highly specialised services; attend relevant scientific congresses and translate learnings into innovative, solution-oriented tactics for local, regional and national implementation.
- Insight Generation and Translation: Drive scientific exchange with HCPs; gather, analyse and distil insights from literature, congresses and field interactions; share actionable insights via appropriate platforms to inform medical strategy, tactical planning and timely follow-up.
- Service and Pathway Improvement: Facilitate clinical pathway mapping and service optimisation initiatives in collaboration with cross-functional colleagues; support practice change and quality improvement within launched and pipeline indications.
- Internal Collaboration and Cross-Functional Alignment: Partner closely with Medical, Market Access, Pathways, Regulatory, Safety, Commercial, Corporate Affairs and Clinical Operations; provide technical input into pipeline pre-launch plans; manage projects to deliver field medical initiatives; share best practices across therapy areas and with medical peers.
- Compliance and Governance: Remain up to date on ABPI Code changes and integrate updates into ways of working; consistently deliver high-quality, compliant scientific exchange and field medical activities.
- Field Presence and Travel: Operate as a field medical expert across the UK, with considerable national travel and some international travel to scientific congresses to maintain strong external engagement and continuous learning.
Essential Skills/Experience
- Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline (e.g. Medicine, Pharmacy or disease-related science) and/or experience within Medical (i.e. MSL, MAA)
- Valid driving license for the UK
- Understanding of the UK rare disease healthcare landscape
- Experience in relationship and stakeholder management
- Proven ability to work effectively both independently and in a team
- Ability to navigate a cross functional environment and manage multiple internal stakeholders
- Understanding of ABPI Code of Practice and its practical application (or willingness to train)
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, oral and written
- Ability to understand, interpret and communicate complex clinical and scientific information clearly to a range of stakeholders
- Able to tailor scientific communication to the needs of expert and non-expert stakeholders while maintaining accuracy and compliance
- Digitally literate and willing to engage with business optimisation driven by data and technology (including use of AI)
Desirable Skills/Experience
- Higher degree in science or business subject
- Project management accreditation or equivalent
- Existing knowledge of relevant therapy areas
- Demonstrated leadership skills, initiative and problem-solving skills
- Project management experience, particularly within medical affairs
- Chairing and facilitation skills
- Ability to understand and apply commercial development perspectives
- Experience in medical affairs, clinical practice, research or the pharmaceutical/biotech industry
- Exposure to strategic planning, launch or pre-launch medical activities
- Proven ability to develop relationships with external stakeholders (e.g., key thought leaders or investigators)
Why AstraZeneca
Join a rare disease-focused medical team inside a global organisation where entrepreneurial pace meets robust investment. You will work close to patients and the clinicians who care for them, using science and insight to shape pathways and prepare for launches that change lives. Expect unexpected teams in the same room unleashing bold thinking, access to leading-edge data and platforms, and support to stretch beyond your lane as you grow your impact. We value kindness alongside ambition, encourage ownership, and back your development so you can define a career of uncommon purpose and scope.
Call to Action
If you're ready to use your scientific expertise to shape standards of care and deliver launch excellence for people with rare diseases, take the next step and share your CV today!
Date Posted 04-Jun-2026
Closing Date 17-Jun-2026
Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.
Medical Science Liaison - South England in Cambridge employer: Alexion
AstraZeneca is an exceptional employer for the Medical Science Liaison role, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises collaboration and innovation in the field of rare diseases. Employees benefit from robust professional development opportunities, access to cutting-edge data, and a supportive environment that encourages ownership and personal growth. With a commitment to making a meaningful impact on patient care, AstraZeneca fosters a sense of purpose and belonging, making it an ideal workplace for those looking to contribute to transformative healthcare solutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Medical Science Liaison - South England in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with professionals in the medical field, especially those involved in rare diseases. Attend conferences, seminars, or local meet-ups to build relationships that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for the role! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to express your enthusiasm for making a difference in patients' lives. Share your insights on how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by knowing your stuff! Brush up on the latest research and trends in rare diseases, particularly HPP, HypoPT, and NF1. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making an impact in the medical field.
We think you need these skills to ace Medical Science Liaison - South England in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Medical Science Liaison role. Highlight your scientific expertise and any relevant experience in rare diseases to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about making a difference in rare diseases and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our team.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves a lot of interaction with healthcare professionals, demonstrate your ability to communicate complex scientific information clearly. Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate this.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our mission!
How to prepare for a job interview at Alexion
✨Know Your Science
Make sure you brush up on the latest research and developments in rare diseases, especially hypophosphatasia, chronic hypoparathyroidism, and neurofibromatosis type 1. Being able to discuss recent studies or breakthroughs will show your passion and expertise in the field.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role involves establishing partnerships with thought leaders and specialist centres, think about how you can demonstrate your relationship-building skills. Prepare examples of past experiences where you've successfully collaborated with stakeholders or managed relationships.
✨Understand Compliance
Familiarise yourself with the ABPI Code of Practice and be ready to discuss how you would apply it in your role. Showing that you understand compliance and governance will reassure the interviewers that you can uphold their standards.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, such as managing a challenging stakeholder or implementing a new medical strategy. Practising these scenarios will help you articulate your thought process and problem-solving skills effectively.
