Senior Medical Science Liaison/Medical Science Liaison – Chicago Region

Position Overview:

We are building a best‑in‑class Field Medical organization as a natural next step in the growth of our Medical Affairs organization at Beam therapeutics! This Director (or Associate Director) level MSL will own a defined US territory with primary responsibility in sickle cell disease (SCD) and shared accountability across the Beam pipeline, including Alpha‑1 antitrypsin deficiency (Alpha‑1) and glycogen storage disease 1a (GSD). You will architect territory strategy, onboard priority treatment centers, engage KOLs and HCPs, generate actionable insights, and drive pre‑commercial launch readiness in close collaboration with cross‑functional partners.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute territory strategy: map treatment centers, referral networks, transplant/infusion sites, cell-collection capabilities, payers, and advocacy groups; prioritize accounts and set measurable objectives.
• Support treatment center onboarding: coordinate scientific and operational readiness aligned with SOPs, compliance, and patient journey requirements; partner with internal teams for qualification and activation.
• Build trusted relationships with KOLs and HCPs: deliver fair-balanced, evidence-based education on rare diseases, cell and gene therapy science, and Beam’s platform; foster advocacy and awareness.
• Educate stakeholders on disease state, therapeutic landscape, and company platform to drive awareness and credibility in the rare disease and CGT space.
• Generate high-quality insights from field interactions: synthesize trends and communicate actionable recommendations to Medical Affairs leadership and cross-functional partners.
• Collaborate on pre-launch planning: align with Medical Strategy, Publications, Medical Information, Value & Evidence, and Medical Operations to ensure scientific messaging, data dissemination, and field tools are ready for first commercial launch.
• Support clinical research activities: identify potential sites, assist with feasibility assessments, and promote best practices for enrollment and retention while maintaining medical/scientific independence.
• Partner cross-functionally with Commercial, Market Access, and Clinical teams while preserving medical independence; coordinate account plans to ensure seamless patient access and avoid duplication.
• Represent the company at congresses and external scientific meetings: plan and execute presence, engage in meaningful scientific exchanges, and follow up to strengthen visibility and credibility.
• Provide education and resources to treatment centers on operational readiness for advanced therapies, including apheresis and cell-handling processes.
• Serve as a trusted resource for compliance and ethical standards: ensure all interactions and materials meet company policies, regulatory requirements, and industry codes.
• Maintain operational excellence: document activities and insights in CRM, monitor KPIs, and continuously improve processes, content, and tools.
• Prepare and deliver training for internal teams and external stakeholders on rare disease management and CGT fundamentals to support launch readiness.
• Act as a scientific ambassador for the company: articulate the value of the platform and pipeline to diverse audiences including clinicians, researchers, and advocacy groups.
• Monitor evolving evidence and competitive landscape in rare disease and CGT; share updates internally to inform strategy and decision-making.

Qualifications:

• Advanced scientific degree (PharmD, PhD, MD, or equivalent).
• ~10+ years industry experience in Medical Affairs with significant Field Medical tenure.
• Rare disease expertise required; hematology strongly preferred with emphasis on SCD.
• Small biotech experience preferred; demonstrated impact in resource‑constrained settings.
• Launch experience (pre‑approval to post‑launch), ideally in CGT or complex specialty (buy‑and‑bill) environments.
• Proven territory management and account planning capability across complex ecosystems (academic centers, community networks, payers, advocacy).
• Independent, proactive operator with strong ownership;
• Cross‑functional collaboration with Clinical, Regulatory, Commercial, Medical Operations, and Publications while maintaining medical/scientific integrity.
• Outstanding communication skills; ability to translate complex science into clear, credible narratives.
• Analytical strength for insight collection, synthesis, and actionable recommendations.
• Travel up to ~60% across assigned territory.
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