Senior Medical Science Liaison, Rheumatology

Johnson & Johnson

. Develop and implement a scientific engagement plan for the Southern California territory, including Los Angeles, San Diego, and Hawaii .

Posted 10/26/2026full-timeRemote • California • United StatesSenior💰 $137,000 - $235,750 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in scientific engagement and clinical education within the healthcare landscape, particularly in Rheumatology. Capable of building relationships with key opinion leaders and healthcare providers while utilizing data analysis and strategic thinking to inform medical strategies.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Doctorate Level Degree2+ Years MSL ExperienceScientific/Therapeutic ExpertiseKnowledge of RheumatologyStrong Cross-Functional Collaboration

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Data AnalysisClinical ExpertiseProblem-SolvingStrategic ThinkingScientific Communication

Soft Skills

Relationship BuildingEffective DialogueLeadership

Tools & Technologies

MSL ToolsAI InsightsMicrosoft WordMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft PowerPoint

Certifications & Qualifications

Valid US Driver’s LicenseResidency/Fellowship Preferred

Industry Keywords

Healthcare ComplianceMedical Affairs SOPsClinical ResearchPharmaceutical ExperienceEducational Gaps

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop and implement a scientific engagement plan for the Southern California territory, including Los Angeles, San Diego, and Hawaii
Serve as a field-based scientific and clinical expert on current and future Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine products
Build and enhance professional relationships with key opinion leaders and healthcare provider teams
Provide fair-balanced, objective, non-promotional scientific information and education
Conduct high-quality, two-way scientific exchange with KOLs and HCPs
Identify trends, unmet needs, educational gaps, risks, and opportunities in the treatment landscape
Use MSL tools and AI insights to improve decision-making, efficiency, and outcomes
Identify provider educational needs and deliver tailored, scientifically balanced responses
Present complex clinical evidence through clear, effective dialogue and presentations
Collect and submit actionable insights to inform medical strategy, asset planning, and cross-functional discussions
Support investigators and internal partners for company-sponsored and investigator-initiated studies
Respond to unsolicited research and clinical inquiries with compliant, objective information
Collaborate with MSL field partners, R&D, US and Global Medical Affairs, clinical operations, Sales, and Marketing
Maintain scientific acumen through self-study, journal clubs, seminars, congresses, and peer discussions
Foster inclusion and belonging across internal and external communities
Follow regulatory, healthcare compliance, corporate conduct, Medical Affairs SOPs, and guideline requirements
Develop and implement a performance and development plan with the direct manager
Conduct leadership projects supporting medical planning and organizational capabilities
Complete administrative requirements, including expense reports and activity documentation

Requirements

What you’ll need

Doctorate level degree or equivalent experience required (PharmD, PhD, MD, Advanced Practice Providers, etc.)
Post graduate experience required for Doctoral level candidates, with preference for therapeutic clinical experience
2+ years of relevant experience, including demonstrated success as an MSL
Strong scientific/therapeutic expertise in research, data analysis, clinical expertise, problem-solving, strategic thinking, and cross-functional collaboration
Ability to support a defined territory with up to 70% travel
Must hold a valid US Driver’s License Preferred
Residency/fellowship preferred
Knowledge or experience of Rheumatology therapeutic area
Familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, CoPilot, computers, and remote technologies
Related clinical, research, or pharma work experience
Commitment to learning emerging technologies such as AI
Located in a major metro area; Los Angeles or San Diego preferred

Benefits

Comp & perks

Retirement plan (pension)
401(k) savings plan
Long-term incentive program
Vacation – 120 hours per calendar year
Sick time – 40 hours per calendar year; 48 hours for Colorado residents; 56 hours for Washington residents
Holiday pay, including Floating Holidays – 13 days per calendar year
Work, Personal and Family Time – up to 40 hours per calendar year
Parental Leave – 480 hours within one year of birth/adoption/foster care of a child
Bereavement Leave – 240 hours for an immediate family member; 40 hours for an extended family member per calendar year
Caregiver Leave – 80 hours in a 52-week rolling period
Volunteer Leave – 32 hours per calendar year
Military Spouse Time-Off – 80 hours per calendar year
Inclusive interview process and disability accommodations
Field-based work arrangement