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Entry Level Medical Science Liaison Jobs in Virginia

The Senior Medical Science Liaison I is the primary communicator of Abbvie science within a specific geography with healthcare professionals. The Senior Medical Science Liaison I develops and ...

The Senior Medical Science Liaison I is the primary communicator of AbbVie science within a specific geography with healthcare professionals. The Senior Medical Science Liaison I develops and ...

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Entry Level Medical Science Liaison information

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$73

$114

How much do entry level medical science liaison jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level medical science liaison in Virginia is $73.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.57 and $101.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level medical science liaison?

Entry Level Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs) are professionals, often with scientific or clinical backgrounds, who serve as a bridge between pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies and the medical community. Their main role is to communicate complex medical information about products, research, and clinical data to healthcare professionals and key opinion leaders. Entry level MSLs typically focus on building relationships, answering scientific questions, and staying updated on the latest medical developments. They often work in the field, attending conferences, and providing educational support to clinicians. This position is a starting point for a career in medical affairs, offering opportunities to advance as experience grows.

What does an entry level medical science liaison do?

An entry-level medical science liaison (MSL) works for a medical device, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or other healthcare company. They advise and educate the company about new scientific advances in their industry. Your duties as an MSL include making connections with researchers and research organizations, physicians, and scientists. You learn about clinical trials, new therapy techniques, and other advances. You may also ensure that medical providers use new products correctly and effectively. The responsibilities of an entry-level medical science liaison usually focus on a specific area, such as one disease or one medical specialty.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level medical science liaison?

To thrive as an Entry Level Medical Science Liaison, you typically need a strong background in life sciences (often a PharmD, PhD, or MD), excellent scientific knowledge, and the ability to interpret clinical data. Familiarity with CRM software, clinical trial databases, and medical literature search tools is important, and some roles may require certifications such as the MSL Society's Medical Science Liaison-Board Certification (MSL-BC). Outstanding communication, relationship-building, and presentation skills set candidates apart in this role. These competencies are crucial for effectively conveying complex scientific information, building trust with healthcare professionals, and supporting a company's medical objectives.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level medical science liaisons, and how can they be overcome?

Entry level Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs) often face challenges such as building credibility with experienced healthcare professionals and managing a steep learning curve regarding complex scientific data and therapeutic areas. To overcome these hurdles, new MSLs benefit from thorough preparation, active listening, and continuous learning. Developing strong communication skills and seeking mentorship from experienced colleagues can also help establish trust and facilitate smoother interactions with key opinion leaders. Proactively engaging in regular training and staying updated on the latest research will further support success in this role.

What is the difference between Entry Level Medical Science Liaison vs Medical Science Liaison?

AspectEntry Level Medical Science LiaisonMedical Science Liaison
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, life sciences backgroundAdvanced degree often preferred, such as PhD or PharmD
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, training-focused, collaborative with sales and medical teamsMore autonomous, strategic, and client-facing
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, healthcare organizationsPharmaceutical and biotech companies, research institutions

The main difference is that Entry Level Medical Science Liaisons are typically recent graduates or those with limited experience, focusing on training and learning. Medical Science Liaisons usually have more experience, advanced degrees, and handle more strategic, independent roles in engaging healthcare professionals and supporting product development.

How to get started as an entry level medical science liaison?

To start as an entry-level medical science liaison (MSL), candidates typically need a graduate degree in a health-related field such as pharmacy, medicine, or life sciences. Gaining experience in clinical research, pharmacology, or medical communications, along with strong communication and scientific knowledge, is essential. Networking with industry professionals and obtaining relevant certifications can also improve job prospects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Medical Science Liaison jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Medical Science Liaison jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Entry Level Medical Science Liaison jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Entry Level Medical Science Liaison job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Medical Science Liaison job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $153,308 per year, or $73.7 per hour.

Medical Science Liaison - Immunology - Virginias/Kentucky/Washington DC

AstraZeneca

Richmond, VA • On-site

$160K - $240K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


AstraZeneca rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

23rd of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world's most serious disease. But we're more than one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies. As an Immunology Medical Science Liaison, you will play a pivotal role in channeling our scientific capabilities to make a positive impact on changing patients' lives!
AstraZeneca has a broad pipeline of next-generation medicines in Respiratory & Immunology; the pipeline includes promising assets being evaluated in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases such systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), lupus nephritis, systemic sclerosis, and additional eosinophilic inflammatory disease (EID).
The Immunology Medical Science Liaison is a field-based professional with scientific, clinical, and therapeutic area expertise responsible for providing medical and scientific support for AstraZeneca's lupus program and other immunology compounds in development.
What You'll Do
  • Engage in scientific exchange with medical and scientific experts, including healthcare professionals and researchers.

  • Identify pre-clinical, clinical, and post-marketing study investigators.

  • Provide actionable information that improves the value and appropriate use of AZ products to internal collaborators.

  • Respond to customer inquiries to ensure focused and balanced clinical and scientific information that supports the appropriate use of AstraZeneca's products and services; deliver appropriate clinical and scientific information that clinically differentiates AstraZeneca products; and provide clinical support and deliver data presentations regionally and nationally.

Essential for the Role
  • Advanced Clinical/Science Degree required (e.g., MD, DO, PharmD, PhD, NP, PA)

  • At least 2 years of experience in a Medical Science Liaison role

  • Knowledge of customer segments and market dynamics

  • Demonstrated expertise in discussing scientific content with varying audiences

  • Excellent time management and organizational skills

  • Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills

  • Self-motivated, with ability to work both independently and as a team

  • Ability to travel (50-70%)

  • Must reside in territory

Desirable for the role
  • Doctoral level degree in a scientific or medical discipline (e.g., MD, PharmD, DO, PhD)

  • Extensive Medical Science Liaison experience is highly desirable in candidates without a doctorate level degree

  • Immunology, rheumatology, or biologic experience

  • This position may be filled at the Medical Science Liaison level or Senior Medical Science Liaison level, depending on candidate experience

This territory includes the Virginias, Kentucky and Washington DC.
At AstraZeneca when we see an opportunity for change, we seize it and make it happen, because any opportunity no matter how small, can be the start of something big. Delivering life-changing medicines is about being entrepreneurial - finding those moments and recognizing their potential. Join us on our journey of building a new kind of organization to reset expectations of what a bio-pharmaceutical company can be. This means we're opening new ways to work, pioneering groundbreaking methods, and bringing unexpected teams together. Interested? Come and join our journey.
Are you ready to bring new insights and fresh thinking to the table?
Brilliant! We have one seat available, and we hope it's yours. Apply today.
AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We follow all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.
The annual base salary for this position ranges from $160,396- $240,594. However, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles) or to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles). Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an "at-will position" and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.
Date Posted
31-Aug-2026
Closing Date
13-Sep-2026
Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.

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About AstraZeneca

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world's most serious diseases. But we're more than one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies. A place built on courage, curiosity and collaboration - we make bold decisions driven by patient outcomes. Empowered to lead at every level, free to ask questions and take smart risks that write the next chapter for our pipeline and Oncology team. Make a meaningful impact that brings real benefits to society. By applying your knowledge of data, you will help to redefine our industry and ultimately save lives. Work with experts who share a common goal: to accelerate the potential of medicines and the science of tomorrow.

Industry

Pharmaceutical product wholesalers and pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, GB