Senior Medical Science Liaison, Rheumatology

Johnson & Johnson

. Develop and implement a scientific engagement plan for the Southern California territory .

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

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates strong scientific and therapeutic expertise, particularly in Rheumatology, while effectively engaging with healthcare professionals and key opinion leaders. Capable of leveraging AI tools for improved decision-making and executing Medical Affairs strategies in a compliant manner.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Doctorate Level Degree2+ Years MSL ExperienceScientific/Therapeutic ExpertiseRheumatology KnowledgeCross-Functional Collaboration

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Data AnalysisProblem-SolvingStrategic ThinkingScientific CommunicationClinical Expertise

Soft Skills

Relationship BuildingAdaptabilityLeadership

Tools & Technologies

MSL ToolsAI ToolsMicrosoft WordMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft PowerPoint

Certifications & Qualifications

Valid US Driver’s License

Industry Keywords

Medical AffairsHealthcare ComplianceEthical ConductCommunity EngagementAcademic Partnerships

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop and implement a scientific engagement plan for the Southern California territory
Engage in two-way scientific exchange with key opinion leaders and healthcare professionals
Cultivate professional relationships with community and academic HCPs/KOLs
Use MSL tools and insights to guide customer engagement strategy and identify gaps, risks, and opportunities
Leverage AI tools and insights to improve decision-making, processes, efficiency, and outcomes
Identify provider educational needs and provide tailored, scientifically balanced responses
Deliver scientific data through clear dialogue and presentations tailored to HCP needs
Collect and share actionable insights informing 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 objective, compliant information
Execute Medical Affairs strategy and MSL priorities while adapting to evolving data and organizational priorities
Collaborate compliantly 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 internally and externally
Maintain competence in regulatory, healthcare compliance, ethical conduct, and Medical Affairs policies
Develop a performance and development plan and conduct leadership projects with the direct manager
Complete administrative requirements, including expense reports and activity documentation

Requirements

What you’ll need

A Doctorate level degree or equivalent experience is required (PharmD, PhD, MD, Advanced Practice Providers, etc.)
Post graduate experience is 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 preferred
Familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, CoPilot, computers, and remote technologies
Related clinical, research, or pharma work experience preferred
Commitment to learning emerging technologies, such as AI
Located in a major metro area; Los Angeles or San Diego preferred

Benefits

Comp & perks

Consolidated retirement plan (pension)
Savings plan (401(k))
Long-term incentive program
Vacation – 120 hours per calendar year
Sick time – 40 hours per calendar year
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 the 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
Disability accommodation support during the interview process