Takeda

Takeda

Posted via Workday

Medical Science Liaison (12-Month Fixed-Term Contract)

Apply by Nov 13, 2026

Posted Oct 17, 2026

Role at a glance

Job function
Healthcare Other
Salary
Checking details Salary details are being checked. See the description for the employer's terms.
Location
Johannesburg, South Africa
Employment
Full-time
Experience
Checking details Experience requirements are being checked. See the qualifications below.
Education
Master's, PhD

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About the role

Original posting provided by Takeda

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By clicking the “Apply” button, I understand that my employment application process with Takeda will commence and that the information I provide in my application will be processed in line with Takeda’s Privacy Notice and Terms of Use.  I further attest that all information I submit in my employment application is true to the best of my knowledge.

Job Description

OBJECTIVES/PURPOSE:

 Responsible for the execution of the Therapeutic Area (TA) specific medical plans in the field, predominantly by establishing, developing, and fostering relationships with key external stakeholders through scientific exchange and research support, always keeping the patient’s

needs and safety into focus.

 To communicate fair-balanced therapeutic area related/ product-related scientific and clinical information to external stakeholders (e.g. key opinion leaders (KOLs), physicians, academic institutions, hospital formulary committees, funder organisations), to respond to unsolicited requests for medical information, manage unsolicited requests for access to unregistered medication.

 Bring key insights from the medical and scientific community to internal stakeholders to guide the medical and brand plans to enable access, build capabilities and strengthen the healthcare system


ACCOUNTABILITIES:

- Managing and Engaging External Stakeholders: -

Creates and updates periodically the TA KOL lists; by utilizing objective, pre-approved scientific criteria to profile KOL

- Develop and execute a TA specific MSL scientific engagement plan aligned with the TA Medical Plans to guide field work

- Establish Takeda’s presence with KOLs and academic institutions in defined geographies for therapeutic areas of strategic interest to the company

- Lead the in-field execution of the Therapeutic Area (TA) Medical Plans; meet regularly with identified KOLs to provide ongoing, balanced scientific exchange related to on-label indications and disease state(s)

- Proactively identify and develop long term peer-to-peer relationships with opinion leaders and other relevant stakeholders

- Respond to unsolicited requests from HCPs for medical information (including off-label information) related to marketed Takeda products and Takeda pipeline products

- Support scientific training of Takeda-contracted speakers by providing ongoing support and education as needed

- Provide clinical and medical presentations on disease state and on label indications to external stakeholders, including funders upon request and as appropriate

- Provide medical booth and session coverage at scientific meetings and report information of strategic interest to cross-functional internal stakeholders

 Supporting Clinical Research: -

- Liaise with Clinical Research Organisations (CROs) and other vendors for Takeda sponsored global studies as appropriate

 Contributing to the organization through medical expertise: -

- Participate in the development of key medical activities (e.g. Advisory Boards, Focus Group

- Meetings, medical education and peer-to-peer training activities) as required

- Maintain a very high level of knowledge and understanding of the latest scientific/medical knowledge in the relevant therapeutic area by conducting literature searches, reading clinical papers, attending conferences, courses and other relevant events

- Capture and share in-field insights with a strong focus on identifying unmet needs in relevant therapeutic areas to inform, medical and scientific strategy to build capabilities within the healthcare system

- Participate as a member of the Brand Team for the assigned TA

- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Medical Affairs, Commercial, and Market Access to support strategic initiatives and ensure alignment of scientific messaging.

- Provide medical and scientific expertise to commercial partners as needed and within regulatory guidelines

- Act as field-based reference point of scientific and clinical expertise for field force and other internal stakeholders (e.g. Market access) through training and ad-hoc support

- Participate in the review and approval of materials developed by the marketing group.

- Create or support the development of medical/scientific materials and slide decks as needed (e.g. MSL slide decks and advisory board slides) and ensure the content is appropriately reviewed and approved as per Takeda policies

- Identify educational opportunities that are aligned with Takeda’s medical education strategies with a strong focus on meeting unmet needs in relevant disease areas

- Understand the patient journey

- Provide support and/or leadership in planning and implementation of patient access programs as needed and as per local regulatory requirements

- Support reporting of product-related medical safety issues by providing input on product related quality issues and incidents to the local PV-team

 Complying with external regulations and company policies-rules for a best-in class medical contribution for the patients and TA.

- Ensure that all field scientific-medical communications are fair-balanced, based on appropriate scientific evidence, and compliant with local regulatory norms and internal compliance rules

- Prioritize patient safety by following all PV-related processes

- Ensure compliance of all responsible activities to relevant laws and regulations as well as internal standards and SOPs

- Support the company reputation and profile in the field

 Support the medical function with review of promo materials and creation of non-promotional materials/ programs to ensure they are on strategy, meet regulatory and internal SOP requirements

 Assist and support the medical team with required administrative tasks

 Support with logistics and execution of medical events and meetings as required

 Manage unsolicited requests for unregistered medicine as per SOP


EDUCATION, BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS:

Education & Experience

 Advanced scientific or clinical degree for example: Master’s Degree in Life Sciences, PharmD, or Ph.D

 Preferably 2 year working experience in medical affairs in pharmaceuticals, healthcare industry, or academia

 Preferably, experienced in relevant Therapeutic Area: Oncology, Haematology Core competencies

 In-depth knowledge of therapeutic areas relevant to Takeda's portfolio ad the ability to interpret complex clinical trial data and scientific literature

 Excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to communicate complex scientific in formation to diverse audiences including healthcare professionals and internal stakeholders.

 Understanding of regulatory and compliance requirements in the pharmaceutical industry.

 Strong ability to build and maintain relationships with KOLs and other stakeholders in the medical community through engaging in scientific discussions and providing insights to support stake holder’s needs

 Strong analytical skills to interpret scientific data and market trend, provide strategic insights and recommendations based on data analysis. Business skills and knowledge

 Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines, skilled in planning, organizing, and executing projects effectively.

- Understanding of business strategies and the ability to align medical activities with the commercial goals of the organization.

 Team-oriented mindset with the ability to work collaboratively across different functions such as commercial, regulatory, and clinical departments. Promoting a collaborative environment to achieve common goals.

 Ability to adapt to changing environments and work effectively under pressure. Flexibility in man aging unexpected challenges and dynamic industry landscapes.

 Identifying, analyzing, and solving problems in a timely and effective manner.

 Proactive approach to identifying opportunities and addressing potential issues before they escalate


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

 Valid South African Driver’s license for motor vehicle and own vehicle to use for business as needed.

 Ability to work in office and in field.

 Local travel to ensure execution excellence optimizing stakeholder engagement with some international travel.





Locations

Johannesburg, South Africa

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type

Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

Time Type

Full time
Takeda

About the company

Takeda

Large Enterprise

Takeda is a global biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, with a rich history spanning over 240 years. Specializing in the research, development, and commercialization of innovative medicines, Takeda focuses on therapeutic areas such as oncology, gastroenterology, neuroscience, and rare diseases. Committed to improving patient outcomes, the company harnesses advanced technologies and scientific expertise to deliver breakthrough therapies and enhance healthcare worldwide. Takeda's dedication to sustainability and social responsibility underscores its mission to strive towards better health for people and communities across the globe.