Job Description

Do you have expertise in, and passion for science working as a Medical Science Liaison? If so, AstraZeneca might be the one for you!ABOUT ASTRAZENECAAstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven Biopharmaceutical business that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the worlds most serious disease. But were more than one of the worlds leading pharmaceutical companies.At AstraZeneca were dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. Theres no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration. Always committed to lifelong learning, growth and development.ABOUT OUR MEDICAL AFFAIRS TEAMYou will join a high-performing medical team who combine medical expertise with commercial acumen. Problem-solving is second nature and the team proactively takes accountability and moves out of comfort zones to achieve the best results.What Youll Do?You will provide medical expertise and execution of the medical plan across the AstraZeneca Therapeutic Areas. This is a field-based role that provides medical and clinical expertise and builds AZ scientific leadership. The role focuses on the development of professional relationships with Key External Experts (KEEs) and other stakeholders critical in the public sector, building deep scientific understanding of AZ compounds by engaging KEEs in research, medical leadership on faculty and content development for medical programmes, externally sponsored research (ESRs), scientific exchange meetings and advisory board meetings. In addition, you will provide input into Brand Strategy and Life Cycle Management (LCM), as well as implementation of medical activities aligned with brand strategy.Typical Accountabilities will include:Medical and Scientific support for External Stakeholders:Scientific Exchange: Support medical/scientific knowledge, education and comprehension of all relevant clinical data.Engage Key External Experts (KEEs), Health Care Practitioners (HCPs) and other external stakeholders by proactively providing on-label scientific updates and information on AZ disease areas and marketed products as part of non-promotional scientific exchangeRespond to unsolicited requests for information about unapproved AZ products or unapproved uses of approved products. Present such information in an objective, scientifically balanced and substantiated mannerProvide scientific support in educational events and through appropriate medical sponsorshipsDevelop and implement a KEE engagement plan in collaboration with Medical Manager (MM). Include in the plan details around contact with KEE including the pre call plan with clear objectives for the interaction, key points for discussion, and details on the medical or scientific data to be shared and discussedOrganizing and leading scientific exchange meetings or regional advisory boardsParticipating as scientific speakers at medical meetings consistent with the Global MSL Standard.Stakeholder Engagement: Develop, enhance and maintain external stakeholder engagementProactively identify KEEs with high levels of scientific expertise in local treatment practice to collaborate on activities consistent with the local Field Medical Strategic PlanBuild AZ relationship with key external stakeholders (e.g. patient advocacy groups, key medical organizations, hospital pharmacy) consistent with Medical Affairs objectives. Find opportunities to collaborate with such external stakeholders.Monitor database (Veeva) of KEEs and provide recommendations for advisory board membersClinical Development: Support the scientific programs that explore unmet medical needs in priority disease areas.Identify pre-clinical, clinical and post-marketing study investigators in alignment with Medical Affairs objectives.Engage in discussion with potential and existing external investigators about Company Externally Sponsored Research (ESR) strategies and setting expectations around the process of submission and review of ESR;Work with KEEs, HCPs in scientific and clinical trial activities that help support study recruitment, development and understanding of all studies including ESRs, RWE and company-sponsored studies.Medical and Scientific support for Internal Stakeholders:Scientific/Subject Matter Expertise: Act as scientific expert in priority disease area(s) for internal stakeholders.Provide internal stakeholders with an understanding of clinical practice trends and actionable (strategic) information or insight that supports the value and appropriate use of AZ productsSupport appropriate AZ staff training on clinical data, trends in clinical practice within TAProvide relevant and timely feedback on KEE/HCP interactions using available resources (Veeva Medical CRM tool, Email, Chatter as appropriate)Personal Development: Continually demonstrate development of Scientific expertise in disease area(s) of company focus, Business acumen and strategic thinking.Maintain medical/scientific expertise in disease state management, AZ products, emerging therapies, and the competitive landscapeDemonstrate collaborative leadership and management along with advanced strategic thinking within and across field team and TAContinually develop ability to communicate in a variety of situations with various stakeholdersIf this sounds appealing, please read on to understand the experience and skills were looking forEducation, qualifications and experience required:Must have a completed Bachelors degree in Medicine or Science equivalent qualification (Masters/PHD).Minimum of 1-2 years MSL experience in the pharmaceutical industry would be advantageous.Current familiarity with healthcare environment including opinion leaders, academia, the medical community, patient needs and related dynamics.Demonstrated expertise in synthesizing scientific information and communicating it effectively at peer level with HCPs.Effective and demonstrated communication skills (both oral and written).Excellent interpersonal, project management, leadership and teamwork skills.Must be able and willing to travel: 60% In-field and 40% office. The territory would be for targeted institutions across SA.The successful applicant should demonstrate the following areas of competencyManagement of cross functionality across the organization.Maintain administrative systems.Personal effectiveness.Alignment of personal and company values.Excellent Interpersonal and persuasive skills.Strong presentation skills.Ability to analyze data to formulate business plans.Strong organizational skills with a quality focus on;AnalysisPlanningTime managementImplementationMonitoringCo-ordination of ActivitiesLeadership AbilitiesTeam effectiveness.Sound Business knowledge of Pharmaceutical industry.Proven competency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint and Electronic Media.Why AstraZeneca?We are proud to have achieved Top Employer certification in South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria, as well as our Best Place To Work certification in Cote d'Ivoire, Cameroon, and Senegal. It is the fourth year South Africa and Kenya have been awarded the Top Employer certification. Amongst the world's top 30 workplaces in 2023 This distinction is a confirmation of our commitment and ability to sustain people, partnerships, and employee engagement and foster an innovative workplace environment.At AstraZeneca, were dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. Theres no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration, and always committed to lifelong learning, growth and development. Were on an exciting journey to pioneer the future of healthcare. Join the fastest-growing pharmaceutical in our markets, set up to fuel further growth. Be part of our shared ambition and pride: our strong heritage, our turnaround story, and early investment and commitment in International markets. Theres no better place to feel inspired and energized.SO, WHATS NEXT?Are you already imagining yourself joining our team? Good, because we cant wait to hear from you!Click the link to apply no later than 02 May 2024 and well be in touch as soon as we can.WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE?Our Social Media, Follow AstraZeneca on LinkedInFollow AstraZeneca on FacebookClose Date: 02/05/2024Date Posted 26-Apr-2024Closing Date 02-May-2024AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.

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