At Novartis, we are reimagining medicine to improve and extend people’s lives. We are looking for a Medical Science Liaison (MSL) in Rheumatology to join our team. This is a field-based, customer-facing, non-promotional medical and scientific position covering Virginia and Tennessee. Your key objective is to create impact through advancing clinical practice within your assigned territory, leading to improved patient outcomes.
What You'll Do
- Leverage scientific expertise and market knowledge to establish and build professional relationships with HCPs and thought leaders in your geographical area.
- Engage with customers on topics including emerging data, clinical trial activities, patient journey barriers, market dynamics, unmet medical needs, pipeline discussions, disease state education, and medical insights.
- Demonstrate strategic territory vision through identification, mapping, and planning of Medical Engagements and Key Accounts.
- Provide clinical trial support for company-sponsored trials and collaborate cross-functionally with Medical Affairs and Clinical Operations.
- Collaborate regularly with internal colleagues (e.g., HEOR, access, marketing) within your assigned therapeutic area to advance clinical practice.
- Maintain in-depth knowledge of the rheumatology therapeutic area and Novartis compounds to serve as a medical resource.
- Maintain in-depth knowledge of internal policies and external regulations affecting your responsibilities.
- Execute all administrative responsibilities and training in a timely manner.
- Champion emerging responsibilities as strategic priorities and territory needs evolve.
- Proactively drive your personal and professional development.
What We're Looking For
- Graduate degree in science or healthcare is required.
- For Manager Level: 0-3 years of experience in a Field Medical position within pharma or as an MSL is required. Alternatively, 3-5 years of relevant medical affairs, clinical research, or related scientific/clinical experience is preferred.
- For Associate Director Level: A minimum of 3 years in a Field Medical-based position within pharma or as an MSL is preferred. Alternatively, 5-7 years of relevant medical affairs, clinical research, or related scientific/clinical experience is required.
- Strong clinical knowledge including pharmacotherapy, treatment guidelines, clinical research processes, medical expert engagement strategies, and FDA promotional guidelines and regulations.
- You must work within Ethics, Compliance, and Promotional policies (Novartis & Federal) and ensure adherence to Company policies, state, and federal laws.
- This is a field-based role covering VA/TN. You must reside within the territory or within 50 miles of its border.
- You must have a fully valid and unrestricted driver’s license.
Nice to Have
- A Doctoral degree (MD, PhD, DNP, PharmD, etc.) is preferred.
- Previous experience in rheumatology or a related therapeutic area is preferred.
Technical Stack
- Veeva CRM
- Microsoft Word
Benefits & Compensation
- Compensation range: $160,300.00 - $297,700.00
- 401(k) eligibility
- Paid time off (vacation, sick time, parental leave)
- Medical, financial, and/or other benefits
- Sign-on bonus, restricted stock units, and discretionary awards are possible
Work Mode
This is a remote position, but you must be field-based within the assigned region covering Virginia and Tennessee.
The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.


