Medical Science Liaison/Senior Medical Science Liaison (MSL) - PA & Upstate NY
Phathom Pharmaceuticals · Remote · $170,000–$220,000 (stated in the posting)
Phathom Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to transforming the treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. With exclusive rights in the United States, Europe, and Canada to vonoprazan—a first-in-class potassium-competitive acid blocker (PCAB)—Phathom is working to transform the treatment of acid-related disorders.
Our current portfolio includes:
- VOQUEZNA® (vonoprazan) tablets, approved for the treatment of heartburn associated with Non-Erosive GERD, as well as the healing and maintenance of healing of Erosive GERD
- VOQUEZNA® TRIPLE PAK® (vonoprazan tablets, amoxicillin capsules, clarithromycin tablets) and VOQUEZNA® DUAL PAK® (vonoprazan tablets, amoxicillin capsules), approved for the treatment of H. pylori infection in adults
Beyond our commercialized products, we are advancing a pipeline focused on innovative treatments for other acid-related GI disorders, including Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE).
At Phathom, we are fueled by innovation, driven by purpose, and united by a shared commitment to improving patient outcomes. Our team comprises seasoned GI and industry experts with proven track records of delivering groundbreaking therapies, including anti-secretory agents. Together, we are tackling unmet medical needs and working hard to enhance the lives of patients.
We seek motivated, innovative problem-solvers who excel in fast-paced, collaborative environments and are eager to make an impact. At Phathom, you’ll find more than a career – you’ll join our “Phamily,” where employees feel empowered, valued, and inspired to do their best work.
In August 2025, we proudly earned the distinction of being Great Place to Work® certified, with 91% of surveyed employees affirming that Phathom is an exceptional workplace.
Ready to help change the landscape in GI? Join us and be part of something extraordinary.
The Medical Science Liaison (MSL) is a member of a field-based team of scientists who function as an extension of the Medical Affairs organization. MSLs are responsible for developing and enhancing professional relationships with medical thought leaders involved in various phases of product development. MSLs provide medical information through scientific exchange in a fair-balanced manner and provide clinical/scientific support for Phathom and the Medical Affairs department at the direction of Medical Affairs management.
This is a field-based position and requires professionals with established credibility to interact with thought leaders, clinical trial sites, and centers of excellence. The position involves travel of 30-50%.
- Identify, develop and maintain collaborative relationships with current and future Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) and healthcare stakeholders in disease states of strategic importance to Phathom.
- Provide clinical presentations and information in response to unsolicited questions (as appropriate) in academic, community and healthcare provider settings in both group and one-on-one settings.
- Collaborate with the Clinical organization to enhance patient enrollment in Phathom-sponsored clinical trials by identifying appropriate trial sites and interacting with investigators in ongoing studies.
- Act as a primary liaison to investigators interested in developing and performing investigator-initiated research.
- Develop and execute territory plans in alignment with strategic regional and national plans of action.
- Assist in the reconnaissance of market landscape determination and competitive intelligence including therapeutic trends and unmet needs within the appropriate disease states and marketplace. Provide timely feedback/information on emerging clinical/scientific information and opportunities to internal stakeholders.
- Routinely gather insights from KOLs, healthcare providers (HCPs), and clinical trial investigators and share the feedback with cross-functional stakeholders.
- Provide scientific support at medical congresses.
- Ability to travel over a broad geography may be required.
- This position requires the ability to drive within an assigned territory by automobile (and in some territories to travel by airplane).
Organizational Impact
- The MSL will be expected to develop an understanding of KOL needs & demonstrate the ability to network in a pharma/biopharma organization & among peers within territory.
- Works on problems of diverse scope where analysis of data requires evaluation of identifiable factors. Demonstrates good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions. Networks with senior internal and external personnel in own area of expertise.
- Institutions: Demonstrates institutional management – identifies opportunities and liaisons appropriately for KOL interest.
- Cross function: Develop to establish internal working relationships.
- Strategy: align with MSL Team strategy by examining current initiatives and processes given the evolving industry and competitive landscape.
- Research: proactively identifies research opportunities which specifically address unmet needs and troubleshoots administrative or recruitment barriers.
Scientific/Technical Expertise
- Expert in Phathom products within franchise portfolio and disease states.
- Knowledge of competitive products and how they fit into algorithms; with management and mentorship support, solidify an understanding of the GI therapeutic area.
- Ability to critically analyze proposed trial design and provide feedback.
- Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
- Flexibility in applying scientific knowledge toward secondary pipeline therapeutic areas.
Teamwork and Influence
- Encourages and/or leads an open exchange of information and viewpoints.
- Demonstrates flexibility and ability to deliver impactful presentations in the presence of challenging conditions.
- Proactively communicates issues and effectively negotiates with cross-functional teams to arrive at optimal solutions.
- Demonstrates emotional intelligence and adapts accordingly.
ACCOUNTABILITIES
- Provide high quality scientific information to healthcare professionals (HCPs).
- Respond to unsolicited medical information requests in the field.
- Initiate and maintain strong relationships with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs).
- Develop/maintain medical expertise and a strong understanding of clinical practice in acid related GI disorders. Assist with the gathering of field insights regarding product characteristics and therapeutic area development.
- Use national and regional medical plans to develop and align the tactical plan for own geography of responsibility.
- Support educational meetings focused on acid-related GI disorders. Interact with HCP speakers to provide briefings around compliance, product information, clinical and scientific data, and support development of presentations.
- Represent the assigned products and overall therapeutic areas to the highest ethical and professional standards and in accordance with the relevant guidelines.
States include: PA, Western NY, Northern WV, Northwest VA
Requirements
- Advanced degree in life sciences (eg, MD, PharmD, PhD, DNP, PA-C, MSN) required.
- Prior or current participation in a Medical Affairs Fellowship or Internship preferred. MSL experience is preferred.
- Prior work experience in pharmaceutical medical affairs or as a health care provider strongly preferred.
- Product launch experience preferred.
- Therapeutic area experience in GI is preferred.
- Knowledge of the PhRMA, AGA and other relevant guidelines.
- Good understanding of the clinical development process and the ICH-GCP guidelines.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain scientific credibility while being commercially supportive.
- Customer-centric ‘can-do’ attitude and goal focused. Ambitious, independent, analytical, collaborative, loyal, flexible, Ability to collaborate in a team environment and partner effectively across geographic areas and cross-functional groups.
- Must thrive in a fast-paced, innovative environment while remaining collaborative, flexible, proactive, resourceful and efficient.
- Excellent communicator; able to persuasively convey both ideas and data, verbally and in writing and presentations.
- Proven skills as an effective team player who can engender credibility and confidence within and outside the company—in the corporate as well as academic environment.
Phathom’s Core Values:
- Perseverance – With hard work and determination, together we overcome all obstacles
- Humble – We put others first, remain grounded and let our work speak for itself
- Accountable – We are reliable and take personal responsibility in all that we do. We take pride and ownership in our work every day
- Transparent – We say what we mean, debate openly and respectfully, and have no hidden agendas
- Entrepreneurial – We are nimble, agile and embrace innovation. We challenge the status quo, enjoy change and approach problems unconventionally
Benefits
At Phathom, we prioritize the total well-being of our “Phamily” members. Our commitment is reflected in a competitive employee benefits package designed to support employees and their families’ overall well-being, now and in the future, including:
- Highly competitive medical, dental and vision coverage options with low monthly premiums
- Roth & Traditional 401(k) savings plan with annual employer match
- Long-term incentive equity compensation program
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
- Comprehensive paid leave programs, including:
- 16 weeks of paid parental leave for all new parents
- 4-week part-time Bridge-Back-to-Work Program
- Hybrid and Flex Working Arrangements
- Unlimited Time Off
- 17 paid company holidays in addition to a year-end winter shutdown period
Other Benefits:
- Annual Fitness & Wellbeing Reimbursement
- Company-provided Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance
- Company-provided short and long-term disability benefits
- Company-funded HSA plan
- Accident and Hospital Indemnity insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Employee recognition program
The expected annual base salary range for this role is $170,000 - $220,000.
Phathom is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity and provides equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.
Applicants with a disability who require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application, interview or hiring process can contact us by sending an email to careers@phathompharma.com.