Medical Science Liaison – Oncology

Summary

Join Personalis, a leader in personalized cancer testing, as a Medical Science Liaison (MSL) – Oncology. Based remotely, you will serve as a scientific expert, engaging clinicians and researchers to promote Personalis’ oncology genomics portfolio, particularly the NeXT Personal® ctDNA assay for minimal residual disease (MRD) detection. You will build relationships with key opinion leaders (KOLs), represent Personalis at conferences, and provide clinical education and training. Responsibilities include delivering scientific presentations, supporting clinical research, and contributing to medical content development. The role requires frequent travel and strong communication and interpersonal skills. Personalis offers a competitive compensation package and benefits.

Requirements

• Advanced degree in a relevant scientific or clinical discipline (PhD, PharmD, MD or equivalent) strongly preferred ; at minimum, a Master’s degree in life sciences, genetics, molecular biology or related field is required
• Candidates with a Genetic Counseling certification (CGC/MS) or other advanced clinical training and significant oncology genomics experience will also be considered
• In-depth knowledge of oncology and molecular biology is essential, including familiarity with cancer genomics, biomarkers, and the principles of liquid biopsy testing
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to interpret and present complex scientific data in a clear, concise manner
• Effective at delivering presentations and educating both small and large audiences, ranging from community clinicians to academic KOLs
• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain professional relationships with healthcare providers, researchers, and cross-functional team members
• Strong interpersonal skills are required – including active listening, adaptability, and a collaborative approach – as this role involves extensive interaction and networking within the oncology community and internal teams
• Self-motivated and able to work effectively in an independent, remote field-based setting , while maintaining close collaboration with a broader team
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills to manage a territory or set of accounts, plan travel, and handle multiple projects simultaneously
• A proactive approach to achieving goals and the flexibility to adjust to evolving priorities are important for success in this dynamic environment
• Willingness and ability to travel up to ~50%, including overnight trips, by car and air, as needed for territory coverage and meetings
• Must be able to manage the demands of frequent travel and maintain productivity while on the road

Responsibilities

• Deliver clinical and scientific presentations on data supporting Personalis’ oncology products – with special emphasis on the NeXT Personal MRD assay – to healthcare providers, academic groups, and other stakeholders
• Tailor complex genomic and clinical information to suit diverse audiences, ensuring clear understanding of our test’s utility
• Establish and maintain strong collaborative relationships with key opinion leaders (KOLs) and leading physicians in the oncology community
• Engage academic and community KOLs through regular scientific exchange to promote understanding and adoption of our novel ctDNA and genomic technologies
• Identify opportunities to involve KOLs in advisory boards, speaker programs, or research collaborations that enhance the visibility of Personalis’ assays
• Represent Personalis at scientific and clinical conferences, symposia, and other educational events
• This includes supporting PIs with clinical study data or posters, participating in panel discussions, and hosting educational workshops or grand rounds to highlight the clinical evidence and best practices for using our ctDNA assay and broader test portfolio
• Ensure consistent and medically accurate messaging in all external engagements
• Travel frequently (approximately 50% of the time) to execute the above field responsibilities
• This includes local and overnight travel for HCP meetings, conference attendance, internal training sessions, and other field engagements
• Flexibility to occasionally travel on short notice or attend weekend events is expected as part of this field-based role
• Support and coordinate clinical research and evidence-generation initiatives involving Personalis’ tests
• Identify and liaise with potential clinical trial sites and investigators for company-sponsored studies or investigator-initiated trials , particularly those evaluating MRD with NeXT Personal
• Facilitate collaboration with researchers by providing scientific expertise, assisting in study site onboarding, and monitoring study progress in accordance with appropriate guidelines
• Contribute medical and scientific expertise to the development and review of content such as slide decks, white papers, training modules, and publications to ensure accuracy and alignment with current data
• Critically appraise new research findings and incorporate them into educational materials and talking points, working closely with Marketing and Medical Affairs on messaging that meets both scientific and compliance standards
• Continuously gather insights from the field and stay abreast of emerging research in oncology and molecular diagnostics
• Monitor new studies, competitive developments, and clinical guidelines related to MRD, ctDNA, and precision oncology
• Share relevant scientific updates and field feedback with internal teams (Medical Affairs, R&D, Marketing) to inform strategy, product development, and data needs

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience or training in ctDNA assays, next-generation sequencing, or minimal residual disease monitoring is highly desirable
• 1+ years of experience in oncology or precision medicine, whether in clinical practice, research, or industry, is preferred
• Prior experience in a field medical affairs role ( MSL or similar) is a plus but not strictly required
• Exceptional candidates with strong oncology expertise and communication skills may qualify without direct MSL experience, especially if they have worked on clinical studies or educational programs in relevant areas
• Strong technical writing skills are beneficial for contributing to scientific materials

Benefits

• Annual performance-based bonus (or a sales incentive plan)
• Long-term incentive units (equity)
• Full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits
• Medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match, ESPP, tuition reimbursement, sick/vacation time, commuter benefits/ EV charging stations, onsite gym, and wellness benefits