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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The Opportunity
The Therapeutic Area Medical Science Liaison (TA MSL) is a credible scientific partner responsible for providing clinical and health economic information related to disease states and the appropriate utilization of Genentech medicines (approved and pipeline). This field-based position will engage with healthcare providers, population health decision makers, and patients within their region(s), to further patient outcomes aligned with the overarching objectives of Genentech. In collaboration with their regional partners, TA MSLs are accountable for co-creating the local medical strategy and delivering for their customers. In addition, TA MSLs may be responsible for covering multiple medicines, as well as engaging in broad scientific discussions about patient outcomes and total cost of care, resulting in rich customer insights shared with key stakeholders across the organization.
Preferred States of Residence
Nevada, Utah, Colorado
Key Responsibilities
- Ensure end-to-end customer experience for TA specific customers in the region
- Demonstrate deep scientific expertise in assigned molecules/products and therapeutic areas to exchange relevant information with thought leaders and healthcare decision makers
- Build and leverage relationships with key external scientific and medical customers to understand evolving healthcare trends
- Having proficiency in topics beyond scientific exchange, such as value/cost of care discussions and AE management
- Continuous learning within the therapeutic area, active participation in upskilling programs, and adherence to guidelines and procedures.
Who you are
Required Qualifications & Experience
- Advanced Clinical/Science Degree (e.g., MD, PharmD, PhD, MSN, NP, PA etc.). BSN with extensive field medical experience with a pharmaceutical company
- Minimum of 3 years related work experience (clinical, managed care, or industry experience)
- Proficiency in GCP (Good Clinical Practice) and ICH (International Conference on Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use)
- Relevant therapeutic area knowledge, comprehensive understanding of product and safety profiles, and familiarity with managed care, health economics, reimbursement, and legal and regulatory landscape in the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry.
Preferred Experience
- Prior experience as a field medical science liaison
- 1 or more years’ clinical or health economic research experience (either in industry or in another, related setting)
- 1 years' experience in therapy area
- In-depth knowledge of Phase IV/post-marketing drug development
Travel Requirements
- Business travel, by air or car, is required for regular external business meetings with customers and intermittent internal company meetings (up to 70% of time)
- This position requires significant use of a company-provided car to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the role. As a result, Genentech, Inc. (Company) from time to time will check your motor vehicle record for purposes of determining your eligibility for driving a Company vehicle or driving any vehicle on Company business.
The expected salary range for this position is $161,300-$299,500. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and Company performance. This position also qualifies for the benefits detailed at the link provided below.
This is a field based role.
Benefits
Relocation benefits are not available for this job posting.
Genentech is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy and practice to employ, promote, and otherwise treat any and all employees and applicants on the basis of merit, qualifications, and competence. The company's policy prohibits unlawful discrimination, including but not limited to, discrimination on the basis of Protected Veteran status, individuals with disabilities status, and consistent with all federal, state, or local laws.
If you have a disability and need an accommodation in relation to the online application process, please contact us by completing this form Accommodations for Applicants.
The Position
The Opportunity
The Therapeutic Area Medical Science Liaison (TA MSL) is a credible scientific partner responsible for providing clinical and health economic information related to disease states and the appropriate utilization of Genentech medicines (approved and pipeline). This field-based position will engage with healthcare providers, population health decision makers, and patients within their region(s), to further patient outcomes aligned with the overarching objectives of Genentech. In collaboration with their regional partners, TA MSLs are accountable for co-creating the local medical strategy and delivering for their customers. In addition, TA MSLs may be responsible for covering multiple medicines, as well as engaging in broad scientific discussions about patient outcomes and total cost of care, resulting in rich customer insights shared with key stakeholders across the organization.
Preferred States of Residence
Nevada, Utah, Colorado
Key Responsibilities
- Ensure end-to-end customer experience for TA specific customers in the region
- Demonstrate deep scientific expertise in assigned molecules/products and therapeutic areas to exchange relevant information with thought leaders and healthcare decision makers
- Build and leverage relationships with key external scientific and medical customers to understand evolving healthcare trends
- Having proficiency in topics beyond scientific exchange, such as value/cost of care discussions and AE management
- Continuous learning within the therapeutic area, active participation in upskilling programs, and adherence to guidelines and procedures.
Who you are
Required Qualifications & Experience
- Advanced Clinical/Science Degree (e.g., MD, PharmD, PhD, MSN, NP, PA etc.). BSN with extensive field medical experience with a pharmaceutical company
- Minimum of 3 years related work experience (clinical, managed care, or industry experience)
- Proficiency in GCP (Good Clinical Practice) and ICH (International Conference on Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use)
- Relevant therapeutic area knowledge, comprehensive understanding of product and safety profiles, and familiarity with managed care, health economics, reimbursement, and legal and regulatory landscape in the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry.
Preferred Experience
- Prior experience as a field medical science liaison
- 1 or more years’ clinical or health economic research experience (either in industry or in another, related setting)
- 1 years' experience in therapy area
- In-depth knowledge of Phase IV/post-marketing drug development
Travel Requirements
- Business travel, by air or car, is required for regular external business meetings with customers and intermittent internal company meetings (up to 70% of time)
- This position requires significant use of a company-provided car to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the role. As a result, Genentech, Inc. (Company) from time to time will check your motor vehicle record for purposes of determining your eligibility for driving a Company vehicle or driving any vehicle on Company business.
The expected salary range for this position is $161,300-$299,500. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and Company performance. This position also qualifies for the benefits detailed at the link provided below.
This is a field based role.
Benefits
Relocation benefits are not available for this job posting.
Genentech is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy and practice to employ, promote, and otherwise treat any and all employees and applicants on the basis of merit, qualifications, and competence. The company's policy prohibits unlawful discrimination, including but not limited to, discrimination on the basis of Protected Veteran status, individuals with disabilities status, and consistent with all federal, state, or local laws.
If you have a disability and need an accommodation in relation to the online application process, please contact us by completing this form Accommodations for Applicants.
See all 117+ OPT Medical Science Liaison Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Medical Science Liaison Jobs.
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.