Medical Science Liaison and Medical Affairs Careers: Non-Bench Pharma and Biotech Jobs for PhDs in the US and Europe - Panel Discussion and Networking

Wednesday, June 22 at 12pm-1:30pm EDT on Zoom

(5pm-6:30pm BST/6pm-7:30pm CEST)

The Zoom meeting link will be emailed to registrants the day before the event.

Join us for this panel discussion and networking event on Zoom, where 6 MSLs and Medical Directors, including PhD/postdoc alumni from NYC institutions, discuss how they transitioned from academia to a career as an MSL (some during the pandemic) at small and large pharma and biotech companies in the US and Europe.

You will learn more about what this career path entails and will hear perspectives from people who recently landed the job and from professionals involved in recruiting for full-time positions.

Professionals will share their expert advice during a panel discussion, and you will get the chance to ask them your questions during a networking session using Zoom breakout rooms.

This event is co-organized by the MSK Office of Career and Professional Development, INet NYC, and the Tri-I Biotech Club. Graduate students and postdocs may register for the event.

TOPICS

We will discuss:

• PART 1:
• What are the main responsibilities in an MSL or Medical Director job? Why were you initially interested in this type of career, and why did you think you would be a good fit for it?
• What is your particular role in your company, what therapeutic area do you focus on, and what region do you cover? Why were you interested in working in this therapeutic area and in covering this territory?
• What does a typical day look like for you in terms of the types of meetings you have and the amount of travel you do? As travel has changed drastically during the pandemic, what does the long-term future of an MSL career look like in terms of the amount of travel?
• How is your work evaluated - are there certain benchmarks to reach or certain outcomes from your meetings that are expected?
• How did you prepare to be a strong candidate before applying to jobs? In general, how can PhDs be compelling candidates for these jobs? Is a certain type of prior work experience or certification/coursework expected or required? Did you take or would you advise taking any paid MSL courses before applying to jobs?
• PART 2:
• How do roles and responsibilities differ for MSLs working in larger vs smaller companies? What type of environment would be best for a PhD transitioning into their first MSL job, in terms of receiving training while in the job?
• Do you have tips for creating a strong resume, in terms of both content and format? How can a PhD highlight why they are a strong candidate for an MSL position on their resume?
• Do you have tips for succeeding in interviews? Can you tell us what your interview process entailed and how you prepared for it? Do interviews usually include an assignment or presentation?
• How did you search for MSL jobs when you were on the job market? Would you recommend working with a recruiter when on the job market? Would you recommend contracting for a company if a full-time position is not available?
• What are some typical career trajectories for an MSL in general and for MSLs in your company in particular? Where do you see your career headed in the next few years/ how has your career progressed from your first MSL role? Does this career provide a good work/life balance?

SPEAKERS

Our speaker line-up includes:

• Global pharma and biotech companies
• Opportunities across the US and in Europe
• Alumni from NYC institutions who went straight from the PhD or postdoc into an MSL position
• Junior and senior MSLs and Medical Directors
• Former academic scientists who started their industry career during the pandemic

Owen Clark, PhD

Medical Science Liaison, Associate Director - Breast, Gyn, and Pediatric Neuro Oncology

Novartis Oncology

New York, USA

https://www.linkedin.com/in/owen-clark-56a02aa8/

Jouliana Sadek, PhD

Medical Science Liaison

Fresenius Kabi

New York, USA

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jouliana-sadek/

CoraLynn Trewet, PharmD

Senior Medical Science Liaison Cardiology

Bristol Myers Squibb

Iowa, USA

https://www.linkedin.com/in/coralynn-trewet-4068215/

Ajoeb Baridi, PhD

Cluster Franchise Medical Director - Oncology & Haematology

Kyowa Kirin

London, UK

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajoebbaridi/

Michele Cioffi, PhD

Medical Science Liaison Oncology

MSD

Naples, Italy

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cioffimichele/

Helena Moguel, PhD

Medical Science Liaison

Aimmune Therapeutics

Paris, France

https://www.linkedin.com/in/moguelhelena/

HOSTS

Rebecca Caeser, PhD, and Vidushi Durani

INet NYC and Tri-I Biotech Club

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-caeser-phd-01134080/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/vidushi-durani-401847b5/

https://www.inetnyc.com/about--contact.html

https://www.linkedin.com/company/inet-nyc/

https://tribiotech.org/contact

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tri-i-biotech-club-440851170/

Thalyana Stathis, PhD

MSKCC Office of Career and Professional Development

https://www.linkedin.com/in/thalyanasmithvikos/

VIRTUAL PANEL AND NETWORKING FORMAT

12:00-1:00pm EDT: Moderated panel discussion.

1:00-1:30pm EDT: Networking using Zoom breakout rooms.

We will have a moderated panel discussion where speakers will share with the audience both their experiences in their current job and their career path.

The panel discussion will be followed by a networking session using Zoom breakout rooms so that students, postdocs, and panelists can meet in smaller groups and have discussions. We will set up each panelist in their own breakout room, and students/postdocs will freely move from room to room based on their interests.

Panel discussion: You will be muted, but we encourage you to keep your video turned on. You can type any questions in the Zoom Chat.

Networking: You can keep your audio and video turned on so that you can engage with the panelists. Or, you can type any questions in the Zoom Chat.