Medical Science Liaison UK & Ireland
What We Do
Essential Pharma is an international specialty pharmaceutical company dedicated to maintaining access to clinically differentiated, niche medicines in small patient populations. Our high-impact portfolio includes over 300 medicines covering ten therapeutic areas, with a focus on the central nervous system (CNS), gastroenterology, ophthalmology, and rare diseases. Our products treat patients in more than 70 countries.
We are proactive in identifying low volume, difficult-to-manufacture therapeutic products, and late-stage clinical development assets that target rare diseases. Our recent acquisition of Renaissance Pharmaceuticals is a significant milestone for Essential Pharma, the groups second product for treatment of a rare disease, and the first development-stage asset in our portfolio.
In December 2024, Essential Pharma announced a €900 million recapitalisation with partners Gyrus Capital, welcoming AlpInvest and new strategic financing from Sixth Street.
Our business is comprised of around 70 people based out of our offices in Surrey UK, Malta, France, Spain and Switzerland.
Objective / Purpose of Role
This field-based role will serve as the scientific and clinical expert responsible for developing and maintaining professional relationships with approximately top KOLs in the Respiratory therapeutic area community across academic institutions and centres of excellence.
The Medical Science Liaison is an integral member of Medical Affairs Team and is responsible for collaborating with internal and external stakeholders, bringing insights to inform local medical plans and representing Essential Pharma’s Respiratory portfolio as a scientific expert. Must demonstrate a proactive approach and effective communication skills to contribute to the advancement of the product
Key Activities / Key Responsibilities
- Identify, engage, and manage relationships with top-tier KOLs and external experts in the Respiratory therapeutic area.
- Serve as the primary medical point of contact for KOLs in the UK and Ireland, building strong and credible long-term relationships based on scientific integrity and mutual interest.
- Conduct high-level scientific discussions to communicate relevant clinical and scientific data, including ongoing or completed clinical trials, disease state information, and therapeutic landscape updates.
- Support the Medical Affairs Director with scientific advisory boards, speaker programs, and congress engagement plans
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Clinical Development, Commercial, and Market Access to ensure strategic alignment with Medical Affairs and timely communication of field insights.
- Gather, analyse, and report actionable scientific and competitive intelligence from field interactions to inform internal strategy.
- Ensure compliance with all regulatory and legal requirements, including company SOPs and industry guidelines e.g. ABPI Code of Practice, IPHA/EFPIA Codes of Practice and all relevant regulatory requirements.
- Serve as a resource to investigators and sites involved in company-sponsored clinical trials; assist with site identification, patient enrollment support, and data collection when appropriate.
Qualifications
- Advanced degree (PhD, PharmD, MD) strongly preferred; MS in life sciences with extensive MSL experience may be considered.
Experience
- Minimum 3–5 years of MSL experience in cystic fibrosis and respiratory areas
- Demonstrated success engaging and managing KOLs or high-impact HCPs in a scientific exchange capacity.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to clearly articulate complex scientific concepts.
- Comfortable working independently and cross-functionally in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
- Willingness to travel extensively (up to 60–70%).
Competencies
- Strong Agile thinker who can adapt to situations of high-speed change
- Candidate must demonstrate a Growth mindset and willingness to learn
- Must demonstrate integrity and high ethical standards
- Previous demonstration of working effectively as part of team with strong collaboration
- Results orientated and accountable for actions
What We Offer
- Competitive Salary
- £150 towards your home office – claim purchases back on expenses.
- Healthcare Insurance
- Pension – you contribute 5% and we offer 5%.
- Life Insurance – lump sum (tax free) death benefit of 4 x basic salary.
- Enhanced Family Leave
- Enhanced Sick Pay
- Annual Leave – 25 days
- Discretionary Annual Performance Bonus
What To Expect
- We wholeheartedly embrace agile working, recognizing that it enables individuals to bring their authentic selves to work. Our commitment to living by our values forms the bedrock of our inclusive culture, where everyone's voice is valued and respected.
- Treating each other as adults fosters a sense of autonomy and responsibility, while our inherent social nature is nurtured through engaging groups and events. We understand the significance of forging connections in the workplace, and our dedication to facilitating these bonds is underscored by regular access to our CEO. Grounded in the principles of dynamism, responsibility, trustworthiness, and collaboration, our values guide our interactions. Furthermore, our unwavering dedication to employee growth and learning is evident through our commitment to personalized development plans, as we believe in fostering an environment where all individuals can thrive.
- Right from the interview stage, we encourage candidates to ask us questions, as we understand that it's just as important for us to be the right fit for you as it is for you to be the right fit for us.
