OPT Medical Science Liaison Jobs
Medical Science Liaison jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with advanced degrees in life sciences, pharmacy, or medicine. Most roles require a PharmD, MD, or PhD, which aligns well with STEM OPT extension eligibility and gives you up to three years of authorized work experience to build toward H-1B visa sponsorship.
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INTRODUCTION
Fort Worth, United States of America | Full time | Field-based | R1541304
Medical Science Liaison – Oncology (Community-Based)
IQVIA in partnership with our client, Exelixis, are excited to announce that we are looking for Medical Science Liaisons to initiate scientific dialogue within the therapeutic area of oncology through scientific discussions with clinical physicians, staff and other stakeholders, on behalf of our client. The Oncology Medical Science Liaison (MSL) is a field-based scientific professional responsible for engaging healthcare professionals (HCPs) and advanced practice providers (APPs) in compliant, non-promotional scientific exchange. This role is community-focused and supports pre-launch and early launch medical activities through disease-state education, insight generation, and scientific engagement within community oncology settings.
Responsibilities
Essential Functions:
- Act as a scientific point of contact in the field for Exelixis Medical Affairs
- Appropriately engage oncology HCPs and APPs in compliant, fair-balanced scientific exchange
- Deliver scientific education and disease-state discussions using approved materials
- Develop and maintain scientific relationships within assigned geographic territory
- Report field intelligence, including insights on treatment landscape, scientific trends, and competitor activity
- Provide support to clinical development and operations activities, including site recommendations, initiation visits, and facilitation of scientific communication
- Participate in or support advisory boards in accordance with applicable guidelines and compliance standards
- Represent Exelixis at medical congresses and scientific meetings; provide timely session summaries
- Serve as a scientific resource for cross-functional partners within defined and approved boundaries
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant studies, compounds, disease states, and treatment pathways
- Demonstrate consistent execution excellence within assigned territory while supporting team objectives
- Contribute to business needs beyond assigned geography as required
- Ensure timely reporting of adverse events and product complaints in line with company and regulatory processes
- Project a professional image of the Company and act in accordance with applicable industry codes of conduct
- Perform other duties as assigned
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to engage healthcare professionals in credible and compliant scientific discussions
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a matrix team
- Strong organisational and time-management skills
- Ability to manage travel demands and territory priorities
- Demonstrated integrity and commitment to ethical and compliant conduct
- Proficiency in standard office software and customer relationship management systems
MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (Life Sciences, BSN)
- 2 years of relevant clinical, scientific, or healthcare-facing experience in oncology.
- Relevant experience may include roles such as clinical practitioner, oncology nurse, clinical educator, clinical research, or other HCP-facing scientific roles.
- Understanding of compliant, non-promotional scientific exchange or experience working within regulated healthcare environments.
- Experience working within regulated, compliance-driven healthcare or life sciences environments
- Demonstrated ability to manage territory activity, prioritise workload, and operate effectively in a fast-paced, matrix environment
- Ability to work independently in a field-based, matrix organization.
- Understanding of the non-promotional Medical Science Liaison role is required
- Valid driver’s license
- Frequent domestic travel, up to 70%, including occasional evenings and weekends
Preferred qualifications and experience:
- Advanced scientific or clinical degree (e.g., PharmD, PhD, MD).
- Oncology-specific certification (e.g., OCN®).
- Prior experience as a Medical Science Liaison or in a Medical Affairs role.
- Experience supporting oncology practices, particularly in community settings.
- Experience participating in scientific meetings, advisory boards, or investigator engagement.
- Knowledge of healthcare systems, particularly community oncology settings.
- Familiarity with applicable medical, legal, and regulatory requirements governing scientific exchange.
IQVIA is a leading global provider of clinical research services, commercial insights and healthcare intelligence to the life sciences and healthcare industries. We create intelligent connections to accelerate the development and commercialization of innovative medical treatments to help improve patient outcomes and population health worldwide.
IQVIA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable law.
IQVIA is committed to integrity in our hiring process and maintains a zero tolerance policy for candidate fraud. All information and credentials submitted in your application must be truthful and complete. Any false statements, misrepresentations, or material omissions during the recruitment process will result in immediate disqualification of your application, or termination of employment if discovered later, in accordance with applicable law. We appreciate your honesty and professionalism.
The potential base pay range for this role is 130,000-210,000 annually. The actual base pay offered may vary based on a number of factors including job-related qualifications such as knowledge, skills, education, and experience; location; and/or schedule (full or part-time). Dependent on the position offered, incentive plans, bonuses, and/or other forms of compensation may be offered, in addition to a range of health and welfare and/or other benefits.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Medical Science Liaison
Target employers with established OPT sponsorship records
Large pharmaceutical and biotech companies like Pfizer, Genentech, and AstraZeneca have dedicated immigration teams and sponsor MSLs regularly. Smaller CROs and specialty pharma firms may lack the infrastructure to process OPT or H-1B visa paperwork efficiently.
Lead with your therapeutic area expertise
MSL hiring managers prioritize deep scientific knowledge over immigration status. Framing your PhD research or clinical rotations around a specific therapeutic area, such as oncology or neurology, makes you a scientific asset first and an OPT candidate second.
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT extension
Life sciences, pharmacology, and biomedical engineering degrees typically appear on the STEM Designated Degree Program list. Confirm your specific CIP code with your DSO early, since STEM OPT gives you 24 additional months beyond your initial 12-month authorization.
Address the travel requirement proactively
MSL roles often require 50 to 70 percent travel within a territory. On OPT, international travel requires a valid visa stamp to re-enter the U.S. Clarify your travel availability honestly, and plan visa renewals around expected conference and territory schedules.
Network at medical and scientific conferences
MSL managers attend disease-state symposia and medical society meetings to scout candidates with field-relevant expertise. Presenting a poster, attending a satellite session, or joining an MSL-focused professional association builds visibility with hiring teams outside formal job applications.
Apply early relative to your OPT start date
MSL interview cycles typically run eight to twelve weeks, including multiple rounds and a scientific presentation. Starting your search three to four months before your OPT begins ensures you have an offer and start date aligned with your authorized employment window.
Medical Science Liaison OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Medical Science Liaison on F-1 OPT?
Yes. MSL roles qualify for F-1 OPT because they are directly related to life sciences, pharmacology, or clinical medicine degree programs. Your employment must fall within your field of study, so a PharmD or PhD in a relevant discipline supports authorization. If your degree is STEM-designated, you may also qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension after your initial 12 months.
Do MSL roles typically lead to H-1B visa sponsorship?
Many large pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device companies sponsor H-1B visas for MSLs because the role requires a highly specialized scientific degree and qualifies as a specialty occupation. Smaller regional employers are less consistent about sponsoring. When browsing MSL openings on Migrate Mate, you can filter specifically for employers who sponsor OPT and H-1B candidates, which removes the guesswork from your search.
Does an MSL role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not your job title. If you hold a degree in a STEM-designated field such as pharmaceutical sciences, biomedical engineering, or biochemistry, and your MSL role falls within that field, you likely qualify. Verify your program's CIP code on the official STEM Designated Degree Program List with your DSO before applying for the extension through your school.
What documentation does an employer need to hire me as an MSL on OPT?
Your employer will need your EAD card showing work authorization dates, your I-20 with the OPT authorization page, and your passport. For STEM OPT, they must also enroll in E-Verify and sign a formal training plan. MSL employers at established pharma companies are generally familiar with this process, but it's worth confirming their E-Verify enrollment before accepting an offer.
How much territory travel affects my OPT status?
Domestic travel within your MSL territory has no impact on your OPT status. International travel requires a valid F-1 visa stamp and a signed I-20 from your DSO to re-enter the United States. If your visa stamp expires while you are on OPT, you must renew it at a U.S. consulate abroad before returning, which can affect territory coverage and conference schedules.