Medical Science Liaison

Phathom Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of novel treatments for gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. We have licensed the exclusive rights in the United States, Europe, and Canada to vonoprazan, a first-in-class potassium-competitive acid blocker (PCAB). Phathom currently markets VOQUEZNA® (vonoprazan) tablets for the treatment of Erosive GERD and associated heartburn in adults, as well as VOQUEZNA® TRIPLE PAK® (vonoprazan tablets, amoxicillin capsules, clarithromycin tablets) and VOQUEZNA® DUAL PAK® (vonoprazan tablets, amoxicillin capsules) for the treatment of H. pylori infection in adults. In addition, the company is actively investigating the use of vonoprazan as a treatment for Non-Erosive GERD, with a New Drug Application currently under review by the FDA and a separate Phase 3 trial planned to initiate in 2024.

We believe we can change the status quo of treatment for acid-related disorders and have assembled a team of seasoned GI and pharmaceutical industry experts with deep expertise in developing blockbuster therapeutics, including anti-secretory agents. Our team of highly driven professionals are passionate in our mission to address unmet needs for patients and improve their quality of life. Phathom is looking for self-motivated, creative problem solvers who are excited by the idea of working in a fast-paced environment and contributing to our growth.

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.
  
  

Education & Experience

• Advanced degree in life sciences (MD, PharmD or PhD) required.
• Prior or current participation in a Medical Affairs Fellowship or Internship preferred. MSL experience is preferred, but not required.
• Product launch experience 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.
  
  

The geography covered by this position will be Florida.

Job level will be commensurate with experience as a prior MSL.

Salary range: $175,000 - $220,000 annual