Medical Science Liaison Director/Lead

The Medical Science Liaison (MSL) Director/Lead will be key a key leader within the Medical Affairs organization, responsible for building and leading a high-performing MSL team, establishing strategic objectives and performance metrics, and serving as a trusted scientific and strategic partner to clinical opinion leaders, healthcare providers, and healthcare decision makers. In this role at Viking, the MSL Director/Lead will develop and execute a field medical strategy that fosters strong, credible relationships with external experts, supports clinical trial execution, generates actionable field insights, and informs the company’s evidence generation strategy. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in obesity and cardiometabolic disease, demonstrated leadership in filed medical affairs, and a passion for improving patient outcomes. This is a unique opportunity to build an MSL organization from the ground up and make a meaningful, lasting impact on the lives of people living with obesity.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

The main responsibilities of this role include:

• Build, lead, and scale a high-performing Medical Science Liaison (MSL) team, including defining business objectives, performance metrics, and overseeing comprehensive training and certification programs 
• Lead and support congress activities as aligned with Viking company strategy
• Serve as the primary scientific and clinical expert for Opinion Leaders (OLs), Healthcare Decision Makers (HCDMs), and other healthcare providers across obesity and related therapeutic areas
• Deliver high-quality, evidence-based scientific exchange with OLs, community healthcare providers, and HCDMs, ensuring balanced and compliant communication of clinical data
• Engage with clinical investigators and trial sites to support execution and advancement of Viking’s obesity pipeline
• Foster strong collaboration between external experts and internal cross-functional partners to expand scientific engagement, access, and patient impact
• Conduct in-depth scientific exchange to provide focused and balanced clinical and scientific information
• Provide and/or present field observations and insights to internal stakeholders
• Support speaker training and ensure the speakers are updated on new data
• Lead and/or contribute to cross-functional project teams supporting MSL strategy, initiatives, and tactical execution
• Complete all required administrative duties, training, and compliance-related activities in a timely manner
• Maintain and continuously enhance clinical and scientific expertise through ongoing review of data, literature, and healthcare and industry trends
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Pharm.D., Ph.D., M.D. or D.O. (other doctoral degrees considered)
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience as a Medical Science Liaison within a biotech or pharmaceutical organization, including demonstrated leadership or senior-level responsibilities
• Current experience in Scientific Affairs or Medical Affairs at a biotech or pharmaceutical company
• Proven scientific and clinal expertise in cardiometabolic and/or obesity-related therapeutic areas, with a strong understanding of evolving clinical data and treatment area(s)

Knowledge and Skills 

• High degree of proficiency Microsoft Office Suite (i.e., Word, PowerPoint, etc.), Outlook Internet applications, WebEx, Zoom
• Ability to synthesize and communicate actionable field medical insights to inform internal strategy, evidence generation, and cross-functional decision-making 
• A strong teammate with initiative who collaborates well with internal/external partners
• Strong analytical, interpersonal, and well-developed problem-solving skills with the ability to work in a positive and collaborative fashion
• Ability to multi-task, professional demeanor, strong attention to detail
• Self-motivated individual with a highly entrepreneurial style coupled with self-confidence and a positive attitude
• Must be dependable; someone willing to go the extra-mile to get things done 
• Team player with excellent verbal and written communication skills.

VIKING THERAPEUTICS

Viking Therapeutics, Inc., is committed to equal opportunity in the terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability or veteran status. Viking Therapeutics also complies with all applicable national, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act and IRCA.

Notice to Agency and Search Firm Representatives

Viking Therapeutics, Inc. is not accepting unsolicited resumes from agencies and/or search firms for this job posting. Resumes submitted to any Viking employee by a third-party agency and/or search firm without a valid written & signed search agreement, and assignment of specific position, will become the sole property of Viking Therapeutics, Inc. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired for this position as a result of an unsolicited agency or search firm referral.

Salary Description

$195,000.00 - $240,000.00 annual salary