At a Glance
- Tasks: Build scientific relationships and deliver educational programmes to healthcare professionals across the UK and Ireland.
- Company: Join a leading medical aesthetics company with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact in healthcare.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and cross-functional collaboration.
- Why this job: Be a key player in advancing medical science and shaping the future of aesthetics.
- Qualifications: Advanced life sciences degree and 5+ years in a senior Medical Affairs role required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 ÂŁ per year.
We are seeking a highly experienced, senior‑level Medical Science Liaison (MSL) to join our growing Medical Affairs team. This is a pivotal, field‑based role covering the UK and Ireland, requiring a seasoned professional with strong scientific credibility, independence, and strategic maturity. The Senior MSL will serve as a scientific bridge between the company and key healthcare professionals — including dermatologists, plastic surgeons, aesthetic practitioners (doctors, dentists, pharmacists, nurses) and other relevant allied healthcare professionals — building trusted, peer‑to‑peer relationships grounded in clinical evidence and advanced scientific exchange.
In addition to traditional MSL responsibilities, this role carries a clear emphasis on face‑to‑face scientific education and training, as well as a defined remit to support commercial colleagues with scientific expertise and to manage off‑label medical enquiries in a fully compliant and ethical manner.
Accountabilities and related performance indicators
- Scientific Exchange & Medical Education
- Develop and maintain peer‑level scientific relationships with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), aesthetic physicians, nurses, and allied healthcare professionals across the UK and Ireland.
- Deliver tailored, evidence‑based presentations, clinical updates, and educational programmes to HCPs in 1:1 and group settings.
- Represent the company at national and international medical aesthetics congresses, symposia, and advisory boards.
- Provide strategic input into scientific content, speaker selection, and briefing for educational events and congress activities.
- Maintain up‑to‑date scientific and competitive knowledge by continuously reviewing relevant literature and market developments.
- Document and track HCP interactions, scientific topics discussed, and key insights through approved CRM systems or available platforms.
- Track and report agreed activity metrics (e.g. scientific interactions, topics discussed, response timelines) in approved systems, in line with compliance requirements.
- Identify, develop and manage relationships with emerging KOLs and thought leaders in the aesthetics space.
- Support clinical investigators with investigator‑initiated trials (IIT) in compliance with relevant SOPs and regulations.
- Sales Team Support
- Partner with the commercial sales team to provide clinical and scientific support that enhances their credibility with HCP customers.
- Deliver scientific training to the field sales team to deepen product knowledge and understanding of clinical evidence.
- Attend customer‑facing meetings alongside account managers when scientific expertise is required (within ABPI and applicable Irish code guidelines).
- Provide product and competitor landscape insights to the sales and marketing teams to inform strategy.
- Develop and review clinical resources, FAQs, and objection‑handling materials in collaboration with Medical Affairs and Marketing colleagues.
- Assist in the development of speaker programmes and peer‑to‑peer educational events.
- Off-Label Medical Enquiries
- Act as a point of contact for managing unsolicited off‑label medical enquiries from HCPs in a fully compliant and documented manner.
- Work closely with the Medical Information and Regulatory Affairs colleagues to ensure responses are accurate, timely, and appropriately referenced.
- Maintain meticulous records of all off‑label enquiries and responses in accordance with relevant SOPs and ABPI/IPHA codes of practice.
- Proactively identify trends in off‑label enquiries to inform Medical Affairs strategy and evidence generation priorities.
- Provide guidance to colleagues on the appropriate handling of off‑label questions, ensuring full compliance with UK and Irish legislation.
- Medical Affairs & Cross‑functional Collaboration
- Contribute to the development and execution of the UK & Ireland Medical Affairs plan.
- Collaborate with the wider Medical Affairs team (including Medical Information, PV, Regulatory, Medical Communications and Professional Relations) on product lifecycle activities.
- Provide field medical insights and intelligence to inform publication strategy, evidence generation, and market access activities.
- Support the review and approval of promotional materials through the medical, legal, and regulatory review process.
- Contribute to pharmacovigilance activities by ensuring adverse events are captured and reported appropriately.
- Systematically capture, document, and communicate structured field insights through approved systems to ensure timely and consistent input into medical and cross‑functional strategy.
Key Working Relationships
- Aesthetics medical affairs colleagues (MSL colleagues within Merz Aesthetics, Scientific Advisors, Medical Information) to work as a team and deliver the Aesthetics medical plan.
- Aesthetics commercial colleagues in marketing and sales to ensure alignment on customer interactions.
- Given therapy area KOLs to act as partners in the delivery of project to achieve better outcomes for patients.
- Global and Regional Aesthetics colleagues to align on research and global medical projects.
Qualifications, experience and knowledge requirements
Essential Qualifications & Experience
- Advanced life sciences degree (PhD, PharmD, MBChB, MD, or equivalent); candidates with a Master’s and strong MSL experience will be considered.
- Minimum 5+ years’ experience in an MSL or equivalent senior Medical Affairs field role within pharmaceuticals, medical devices, or medical aesthetics.
- Demonstrable experience in a medical aesthetics, dermatology, plastic surgery, or closely related specialty.
- Strong track record of building and maintaining KOL relationships.
- Experience managing off‑label enquiries in a regulated UK/Ireland environment.
- In‑depth knowledge of ABPI Code of Practice and Irish IPHA Code requirements.
- Experience supporting sales teams with scientific and clinical content within compliant frameworks.
Desirable Qualifications & Experience
- Clinical background in dermatology, aesthetics, or related discipline.
- Prior involvement in advisory boards, clinical studies, or publication activities.
- Working knowledge of the aesthetics competitive landscape in the UK and Ireland.
- Experience in training or coaching sales or medical teams.
Skills & Competencies
- Excellent scientific communication and presentation skills — ability to translate complex clinical data for diverse audiences.
- Strong interpersonal and relationship‑building skills with a collaborative, credible approach.
- High degree of integrity, self‑motivation, and professional accountability.
- Commercially aware with the ability to balance scientific independence with business objectives.
- Outstanding attention to detail, particularly in documentation and compliance.
- Proficient in CRM platforms and Microsoft Office suite.
- Full UK driving licence required; willingness to travel across the UK and to Ireland.
Compliance & Regulatory Framework
All activities undertaken in this role must comply with:
- ABPI Code of Practice for the Pharmaceutical Industry (UK)
- IPHA Code of Practice (Ireland)
- Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) guidelines
- Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) requirements (Ireland)
- Company SOPs, medical affairs policies, and applicable data protection legislation (UK GDPR / DPIA framework)
The MSL must maintain a clear separation between medical and promotional activities at all times and is expected to uphold the highest standards of medical ethics and professionalism.
Senior Medical Science Liaison employer: Merz Aesthetics
Contact Detail:
Merz Aesthetics Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Medical Science Liaison
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with professionals in the medical aesthetics field. Attend conferences, workshops, and local meet-ups to build relationships with potential KOLs and other healthcare professionals. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to meet with HCPs, be ready to deliver tailored, evidence-based presentations. Make sure you can discuss the latest clinical updates and how they relate to their practice. This will help you establish credibility and trust.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t shy away from collaboration! Partner with sales teams and offer your scientific support during customer meetings. This not only enhances their credibility but also showcases your ability to work cross-functionally, which is key in this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep it compliant! Always ensure that your interactions and responses to off-label enquiries are fully compliant with UK and Irish regulations. This shows your professionalism and commitment to ethical practices, making you a valuable asset to any team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Medical Science Liaison
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Medical Science Liaison role. Highlight your relevant experience in medical aesthetics, KOL relationship management, and any specific achievements that showcase your scientific credibility.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Use it to express your passion for medical science and how your background aligns with our mission at StudySmarter. Don't forget to mention your experience in training or supporting sales teams!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As an MSL, strong communication is key. In your application, demonstrate your ability to translate complex clinical data into understandable terms. This could be through examples of presentations you've delivered or educational programmes you've developed.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Merz Aesthetics
✨Know Your Science
As a Senior Medical Science Liaison, you'll need to demonstrate your deep understanding of medical aesthetics and related fields. Brush up on the latest research, clinical data, and market trends. Be prepared to discuss how this knowledge can help you build relationships with KOLs and support the sales team.
✨Tailor Your Approach
Each healthcare professional is different, so tailor your presentations and discussions to their specific interests and needs. Think about how you can provide value in each interaction, whether it's through scientific education or addressing off-label enquiries. Show that you can adapt your communication style to suit various audiences.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
Building trust with KOLs and healthcare professionals is key in this role. Prepare examples of how you've successfully developed and maintained professional relationships in the past. Highlight your interpersonal skills and how they have contributed to successful collaborations.
✨Be Compliance Savvy
Understanding compliance is crucial for this position. Familiarise yourself with the ABPI Code of Practice and relevant regulations. Be ready to discuss how you’ve navigated compliance challenges in previous roles, especially when managing off-label enquiries or supporting sales teams.