Medical Science Liaison Jobs in California
Medical Science Liaison jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in oncology, immunology, and rare disease across the biotech-dense corridors of San Francisco Bay Area, San Diego, and Los Angeles. California's depth of pharmaceutical headquarters, academic medical centers, and biotechnology companies sustains demand at every level from entry-level associate MSL through senior and regional director positions. Major employers with a lasting California presence include Genentech, Gilead Sciences, and Johnson & Johnson. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Medical Science Liaison JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 53+ Medical Science Liaison jobs
About this role
The Medical Science Liaison / Senior Medical Science Liaison role is a part of US Medical Affairs, a strategic partner within Biogen, that helps inform medical practice across our therapeutic areas and pipeline to improve meaningful patient outcomes. The (Senior) MSL enables critical stakeholder engagement with Key Medical Experts (KMEs) and other healthcare professionals (HCPs) so they understand the clinical and scientific narrative for Biogen’s therapies. Biogen’s priority is to continue to foster and enable a diverse and inclusive workforce – representing age, gender, sexual identity, race, ethnicity, Veterans, and people with disabilities – that reflects the communities where we operate and the patients who we serve.
This territory will cover Southern California, Arizona, and New Mexico. The successful candidate must reside within the boundaries of the territory.
What You Will Do
- Be a credible medical/ scientific expert who engages with KME and HCP to increase confidence in making the best clinical decisions pertaining to disease state and Biogen’s products in the near and long term for the benefit of patient care.
- Focus on building deep, strategic, long-term relationships with internal & external stakeholders to be viewed as a partner rather than transactional.
- Be a “partner in the trenches”—be responsive, engage often and be a solutions-driven conduit to leaders in the medical community.
- Engage in projects and/or initiatives aligned to US Medical strategy, objectives and tactics.
- Be highly accountable to qualitative and quantitative medical excellence performance goals, standards, and measurements. Deliver against KME engagement plans that add high value by navigating resources at the office in collaboration with field and non-field colleagues. Capture and report KME/HCP medical insights using Veeva with the highest level of consistency and accuracy to help inform the medical and clinical strategies.
Who You Are
You are a scientific or clinical professional with a passion for science and deep scientific knowledge. You have a marked curiosity about healthcare and business opportunities. You keep patients, payers and physicians top of mind in your daily work and collaborate to solve critical scientific and business challenges.
Required skills
- Advanced Scientific or Clinical degree required; Doctoral level (OD, MD, PhD, PharmD, DNP) is preferred.
- Clinical experience and subject matter expertise in Optometry or Ophthalmology is strongly preferred.
- Must live within the territory, which covers Southern California, Arizona, and New Mexico.
- Effective communication: Communicates concisely, confidently, and credibly; Easily understands other points of views and responds appropriately; Listens with empathy to respond to current and future needs and adjust the communication according to the audience.
- Digital potential: Comfortable using and experimenting with technology; Embraces and optimally utilizes new tools and systems; Demonstrates a willingness and aptitude to learn if not yet well versed.
- Accountability: Delivers reliably against goals; Motivated to perform to meet and even exceed metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Views metrics and KPIs as a positive opportunity to communicate value to internal stakeholders.
- Ethical: Understands rules for industry and is committed to following them for the benefit of patients.
- Able to travel at least 60% of the time, including ability to travel overnight and occasionally on weekends.
- Must be 18 years of age or older with valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record. Must have authorization and ability to drive a company leased vehicle or rental.
Why Biogen?
Our Company mission to find therapies for neurological and rare diseases is a unique focus within our industry and this shared purpose is what connects us as a team. We work together to overcome obstacles and to follow the science. We are resilient as we strive to make an impact on our patients’ lives and on changing the course of medicine. Together, we pioneer. Together, we thrive.
Job Level: Management
Additional Information
The base compensation range for this role is: $165,000.00-$220,500.00
Base salary offered is determined through an analytical approach utilizing a combination of factors including, but not limited to, relevant skills & experience, job location, and internal equity.
Regular employees are eligible to receive both short term and long-term incentives, including cash bonus and equity incentive opportunities, designed to reward recent achievements and recognize your future potential based on individual, business unit and company performance.
In addition to compensation, Biogen offers a full and highly competitive range of benefits designed to support our employees’ and their families physical, financial, emotional, and social well-being; including, but not limited to:
- Medical, Dental, Vision, & Life insurances
- Fitness & Wellness programs including a fitness reimbursement
- Short- and Long-Term Disability insurance
- A minimum of 15 days of paid vacation and an additional end-of-year shutdown time off (Dec 26-Dec 31)
- Up to 12 company paid holidays + 3 paid days off for Personal Significance
- 80 hours of sick time per calendar year
- Paid Maternity and Parental Leave benefit
- 401(k) program participation with company matched contributions
- Employee stock purchase plan
- Tuition reimbursement of up to $10,000 per calendar year
- Employee Resource Groups participation
Why Biogen?
We are a global team with a commitment to excellence, and a pioneering spirit. As a mid-sized biotechnology company, we provide the stability and resources of a well-established business while fostering an environment where individual contributions make a significant impact. Our team encompasses some of the most talented and passionate achievers who have unparalleled opportunities for learning, growth, and expanding their skills. Above all, we work together to deliver life-changing medicines, with every role playing a vital part in our mission. Caring Deeply. Achieving Excellence. Changing Lives.
At Biogen, we are committed to building on our culture of inclusion and belonging that reflects the communities where we operate and the patients we serve. We know that diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives make us a stronger and more innovative company, and we are focused on building teams where every employee feels empowered and inspired.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, race, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, religion, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law. Biogen is an E-Verify Employer in the United States.
About this role
The Medical Science Liaison / Senior Medical Science Liaison role is a part of US Medical Affairs, a strategic partner within Biogen, that helps inform medical practice across our therapeutic areas and pipeline to improve meaningful patient outcomes. The (Senior) MSL enables critical stakeholder engagement with Key Medical Experts (KMEs) and other healthcare professionals (HCPs) so they understand the clinical and scientific narrative for Biogen’s therapies. Biogen’s priority is to continue to foster and enable a diverse and inclusive workforce – representing age, gender, sexual identity, race, ethnicity, Veterans, and people with disabilities – that reflects the communities where we operate and the patients who we serve.
This territory will cover Southern California, Arizona, and New Mexico. The successful candidate must reside within the boundaries of the territory.
What You Will Do
- Be a credible medical/ scientific expert who engages with KME and HCP to increase confidence in making the best clinical decisions pertaining to disease state and Biogen’s products in the near and long term for the benefit of patient care.
- Focus on building deep, strategic, long-term relationships with internal & external stakeholders to be viewed as a partner rather than transactional.
- Be a “partner in the trenches”—be responsive, engage often and be a solutions-driven conduit to leaders in the medical community.
- Engage in projects and/or initiatives aligned to US Medical strategy, objectives and tactics.
- Be highly accountable to qualitative and quantitative medical excellence performance goals, standards, and measurements. Deliver against KME engagement plans that add high value by navigating resources at the office in collaboration with field and non-field colleagues. Capture and report KME/HCP medical insights using Veeva with the highest level of consistency and accuracy to help inform the medical and clinical strategies.
Who You Are
You are a scientific or clinical professional with a passion for science and deep scientific knowledge. You have a marked curiosity about healthcare and business opportunities. You keep patients, payers and physicians top of mind in your daily work and collaborate to solve critical scientific and business challenges.
Required skills
- Advanced Scientific or Clinical degree required; Doctoral level (OD, MD, PhD, PharmD, DNP) is preferred.
- Clinical experience and subject matter expertise in Optometry or Ophthalmology is strongly preferred.
- Must live within the territory, which covers Southern California, Arizona, and New Mexico.
- Effective communication: Communicates concisely, confidently, and credibly; Easily understands other points of views and responds appropriately; Listens with empathy to respond to current and future needs and adjust the communication according to the audience.
- Digital potential: Comfortable using and experimenting with technology; Embraces and optimally utilizes new tools and systems; Demonstrates a willingness and aptitude to learn if not yet well versed.
- Accountability: Delivers reliably against goals; Motivated to perform to meet and even exceed metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Views metrics and KPIs as a positive opportunity to communicate value to internal stakeholders.
- Ethical: Understands rules for industry and is committed to following them for the benefit of patients.
- Able to travel at least 60% of the time, including ability to travel overnight and occasionally on weekends.
- Must be 18 years of age or older with valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record. Must have authorization and ability to drive a company leased vehicle or rental.
Why Biogen?
Our Company mission to find therapies for neurological and rare diseases is a unique focus within our industry and this shared purpose is what connects us as a team. We work together to overcome obstacles and to follow the science. We are resilient as we strive to make an impact on our patients’ lives and on changing the course of medicine. Together, we pioneer. Together, we thrive.
Job Level: Management
Additional Information
The base compensation range for this role is: $165,000.00-$220,500.00
Base salary offered is determined through an analytical approach utilizing a combination of factors including, but not limited to, relevant skills & experience, job location, and internal equity.
Regular employees are eligible to receive both short term and long-term incentives, including cash bonus and equity incentive opportunities, designed to reward recent achievements and recognize your future potential based on individual, business unit and company performance.
In addition to compensation, Biogen offers a full and highly competitive range of benefits designed to support our employees’ and their families physical, financial, emotional, and social well-being; including, but not limited to:
- Medical, Dental, Vision, & Life insurances
- Fitness & Wellness programs including a fitness reimbursement
- Short- and Long-Term Disability insurance
- A minimum of 15 days of paid vacation and an additional end-of-year shutdown time off (Dec 26-Dec 31)
- Up to 12 company paid holidays + 3 paid days off for Personal Significance
- 80 hours of sick time per calendar year
- Paid Maternity and Parental Leave benefit
- 401(k) program participation with company matched contributions
- Employee stock purchase plan
- Tuition reimbursement of up to $10,000 per calendar year
- Employee Resource Groups participation
Why Biogen?
We are a global team with a commitment to excellence, and a pioneering spirit. As a mid-sized biotechnology company, we provide the stability and resources of a well-established business while fostering an environment where individual contributions make a significant impact. Our team encompasses some of the most talented and passionate achievers who have unparalleled opportunities for learning, growth, and expanding their skills. Above all, we work together to deliver life-changing medicines, with every role playing a vital part in our mission. Caring Deeply. Achieving Excellence. Changing Lives.
At Biogen, we are committed to building on our culture of inclusion and belonging that reflects the communities where we operate and the patients we serve. We know that diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives make us a stronger and more innovative company, and we are focused on building teams where every employee feels empowered and inspired.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, race, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, religion, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law. Biogen is an E-Verify Employer in the United States.
See All 53 Medical Science Liaison Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Medical Science Liaison JobsMedical Science Liaison Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Medical Science Liaison Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
- Science & Research
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in medical science liaison jobs across California.
- Advanced degree required: PharmD, MD, PhD, or equivalent in a life sciences field
- Minimum two to five years of clinical, research, or pharmaceutical industry experience
- Deep scientific expertise in a therapeutic area such as oncology, immunology, or rare disease
- Proven ability to engage key opinion leaders and scientific stakeholders at a peer level
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for presenting complex clinical data
- Willingness to travel extensively within a defined California or regional territory
Medical Science Liaison Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a medical science liaison in California?
The most direct path is completing a doctoral-level degree in pharmacy, medicine, or a life science discipline, then gaining clinical or research experience in a relevant therapeutic area. California does not require a state-issued license specific to the medical science liaison role itself, though PharmDs who counsel patients must hold an active California Board of Pharmacy license. Most California employers prioritize therapeutic area expertise, so publishing research, presenting at scientific conferences, or completing a fellowship with a California biotech or pharma company builds the credentials that open doors.
How much do medical science liaisons make in California?
Medical science liaisons in California earn a median of about $137,650 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $105,810 for the lowest 10% to over $178,040 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire medical science liaisons in California?
Employers hiring medical science liaisons in California right now include Amgen, Syneos Health Commercial Solutions, and サイネオス・ヘルス, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. California's concentration of biotech headquarters and academic medical centers means hiring is particularly active in oncology and immunology across the Bay Area and San Diego.
Which California cities have the most medical science liaison jobs?
Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego have the most medical science liaison openings in California. The Bay Area leads because it is home to Genentech, Gilead Sciences, and dozens of mid-size biotechs, while San Diego's density of life sciences companies and research institutions drives demand there, and Los Angeles pulls volume through its large academic medical centers and regional pharmaceutical offices.
Are there remote medical science liaison jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Medical science liaison work is relationship-driven and requires regular in-person engagement with physicians, researchers, and key opinion leaders, which limits fully remote arrangements. About 73% of medical science liaison openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, and those roles tend to concentrate the remote flexibility on administrative duties like medical information requests and internal reporting rather than field engagement.
How can I get hired as a medical science liaison in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is completing a medical science liaison fellowship, several of which are offered by California-based companies including Genentech and Gilead Sciences and are designed for doctoral-level candidates without prior industry experience. Alternatively, moving laterally from a clinical pharmacist, postdoctoral researcher, or clinical research associate role into an associate MSL or medical affairs coordinator position is common at large California biotech and specialty pharma employers. Building a publication record or presenting at California academic medical conferences strengthens a candidacy considerably at this stage.
Where can I find and apply to medical science liaison jobs in California?
You can find and apply to medical science liaison jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings. Find the roles that fit your therapeutic area expertise and experience level and apply directly.
See All 53 Medical Science Liaison Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Medical Science Liaison Jobs