Medical Science Liaison (MSL)

HSO way of working

In fulfilling our roles, we are
•    Accountable for our own capabilities and development. 
•    Focused on delivering results without excuses, and 
•    Alive to the sensitivities, risk, and impact we have on others and work in a way that helps others do their work effectively.

We are looking for people who
•    See beyond self and are impact focused.
•    Consider the needs, challenges, and objectives of every person they interact with
•    Exhibit positive reinforcement to help others succeed.

Job Description
About the role
Job Title: Medical Science Liaison (MSL)
Works closely with and have impact on: Global Medical Affairs, Clinical Affairs, Marketing, Regulatory Affairs, R&D
Reports to: VP, Global Medical Affairs
Function: Global Medical Affairs
Work Location/Site: Japan / HSOJ

Role Overview
The Medical Science Liaison (MSL) is a field-based scientific expert responsible for advancing scientific exchange, evidence generation, and external stakeholder engagement in ophthalmology. This role is responsible for high-quality data discussions and support of investigator-initiated trials (IITs), operating independently of commercial promotion. The role requires a self-starter who can work autonomously, take initiative, and execute independently in a dynamic field environment. As a novel role within the organization, the Regional Medical Affairs Manager also contributes to shaping medical engagement models appropriate for ophthalmic device innovation.

Duties and Responsibilities
•    Establish and maintain peer to peer scientific relationships with ophthalmic surgeons, academic investigators, and key opinion leaders.
•    Lead unbiased scientific discussions related to clinical data, surgical outcomes, and evolving standards of care in ophthalmology.
•    Support the evaluation, initiation, and management of Investigator-Initiated Trials (IITs) in compliance with regional and/or local regulations and internal governance.
•    Identify unmet medical needs and scientific data gaps and communicate actionable scientific insights to internal stakeholders.
•    Support post market research, real world evidence generation, and registry activities where applicable.
•    Provide scientific input into medical education initiatives and non-promotional training programs.
•    Represent the company at scientific congresses, advisory boards, and academic meetings.
•    Collaborate cross functionally to ensure alignment between medical strategy, clinical evidence, and regulatory requirements.
•    Must demonstrate the ability to operate autonomously in the field, proactively identify priorities, manage activities with minimal direction, and independently drive execution of approved Medical Affairs plans and stakeholder engagements, including planning and conducting KOL visits, identifying and escalating scientific insights, coordinating follow-up on IIT opportunities, and prioritizing congress and field activities based on medical strategy.
•    Support Quality Assurance and Safety in the review and follow-up of elevated product complaints when needed, including providing medical and scientific input within the scope of Medical Affairs.
•    Ensure all activities adhere to applicable laws, regulations, and company SOPs governing Medical Affairs activities.]

Requirements
Experience
•    Prior experience (4-6 years) in Medical Affairs, such as Regional Medical Affairs Manager, Medical Advisor, or Scientific Affairs roles, within an ophthalmic device or pharmaceutical company.
•    Demonstrated experience engaging in scientific data discussions with healthcare professionals.
•    Experience supporting or managing Investigator-Initiated Trials (IITs), clinical studies, or evidence generation activities.
•    Experience working within highly regulated healthcare or life sciences environments.

Skills/Accreditations 
•    Strong scientific and clinical acumen in ophthalmology.
•    Ability to translate complex clinical data into meaningful scientific dialogue.
•    Working knowledge of regional and/or regional biodevice industry and medical affairs compliance standards.
•    Excellent communication skills in English and regional/local language (written and spoken).
•    High degree of professionalism, autonomy, ethical judgment, and the ability to work independently as a self-starter.

Academic Qualifications 
•    Advanced degree in a scientific or clinical discipline (MD or equivalent) with specialty training in ophthalmology.

Travel requirements 
•    Approximately 60-75% of time annually