USA to UK - industry jobs

[johnep]

Yes, the old idea of reps visiting GPs not so strong now. The branded generic cos started it all with concentration on showing PCTs how much money they could save by prescribing their brands. Believe advert this week for such roles in PJ this week from Chiesi.
Pfizer also advertising these jobs a few months back.
When I was a rep, I concentrated on consultants as one consultant could sway the prescribing in an area.
johnep

[alanwr]

Just out of curiosity, where are you doing your fellowship? Also, are you looking to go back to the UK only because of personal preference, or is the poor industry job market in the US also part of the reason? I'm a third year pharm student in a US school and I'm strongly considering doing a clinical research fellowship when I graduate in two years so I'm just curious.

The reason I want to go back to the UK is really just out of personal preference. My wife is form the UK too and she's itching to get back.

I'm in Atlanta. This fellowship isn't going to exist anymore though after this year, unfortunately (the company sponsoring the program just got gobbled up by a much larger outfit). There's quite a few fellowship programs out there though. Your best bet is to look in the ASHP or ACCP directories online. I know there is a couple in NC, plus I'm sure you're aware of the Rutgers program in NJ (although I've heard some negative feedback on some of those fellowships).

In response to the question about what medical science liaisons do, I've posted a job description below. I know a few of them here in US and its not really a sales type of job (as someone mentioned earlier).MSLs come under medical affairs, rather than sales and marketing, and work with "Key Opinion Leaders" (i.e. top docs) and researchers to foster relationships, help with research, and provide information.

If anyone out there knows if this type of position exists in the UK I'd be grateful if they could give me some info. about it. Here the job description........

*
Develop and execute plans and programs for field-based medical communication and education

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Provide clinical support and pharmaceoeconomic information for managed markets

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Share medical information and strengthen relationships with internal/external clients as well as designated Medical Thought Leaders and key institutions/centers of excellence.

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Facilitate medical education and programs for the medical community as well as our pharmaceutical clients commercial operations team

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Support research and development including study site and potential investigator recommendations, Instigator Initiated Trials (IITs) etc.


You will be provided with a competitive base salary, auto allowance and approved business expense reimbursement along with an attractive benefits package.


Education and Background Requirements:

*
Doctoral level degree in the sciences (MD, PhD or Pharm D)

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MBA is a plus

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Minimum of 2 years of clinical experience -MSL and Gastroenterology (GI) preferred

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Excellent communication skills with the ability to be flexible

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Strong presentation skills

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Demonstrated ability to successfully interact with medical professionals at all levels and work cross functionally. Ability to travel as needed *Positions are field based and work out of MSL’s home office. Travel will average approximately 40% and include some weekend travel

[johnep]

These are exactly the type of jobs being advertised in the UK. The company try to keep them as non sales, but, of course, they do expect the solution to any problem to be a company product.
johnep

[alanwr]

These are exactly the type of jobs being advertised in the UK. The company try to keep them as non sales, but, of course, they do expect the solution to any problem to be a company product.
johnep

True! I guess what I mean about the MSL role not being thought of as a traditional sales role is because they don't have to meet sales targets for example, and they don't really go so much for the "hard" sell - if that makes sense. I guess I've always thought of it as a PR building type of role. But yeah, you're right, the solution to the problem always lies with your specific product.

Interesting you mentioned you've seen these jobs advertised in the UK. I've been looking on the internet for about 5 months and think I've spotted a grand total of 2, or something like that. Are they called MSLs on your side the pond also, or do they have a different title?

[johnep]

Vary from company to company. Check jobs section of pjonline.
I will post when next see one advertised.
johnep

[alanwr]

Thanks man.

[vanquish s]

emed careers is a good website, trovit jobs. Search jobs under scientific advisor, regulatory affairs, clinical research, manufacture, quality assurance, medical information etc

[Sofia]

What about an 'speculative application' You know your skills and the job you could be doing. Do you know the people you would like to work for? Could you just simply offer them your skills? High profile adverts are not always advertised or they're advertised late.

[alanwr]

That's a great point, and its what I would be doing over here in the US. Unfortunately, I don't really have any contacts over in the UK. I've tried reaching out to recruiters but its proving difficult to get to the right people. I finally joined LinkedIn so I'll see if that bares any fruit. Thanks for the advice.

[p-rog]

The reason I want to go back to the UK is really just out of personal preference. My wife is form the UK too and she's itching to get back.

I'm in Atlanta. This fellowship isn't going to exist anymore though after this year, unfortunately (the company sponsoring the program just got gobbled up by a much larger outfit). There's quite a few fellowship programs out there though. Your best bet is to look in the ASHP or ACCP directories online. I know there is a couple in NC, plus I'm sure you're aware of the Rutgers program in NJ (although I've heard some negative feedback on some of those fellowships).

Solvay, eh? I'm actually a UGA student, so I was hoping to do a rotation with them next year until I heard they just got bought out. It's unfortunate timing for me I guess.