Opportunity awaits those up to the challenge of developing transformative therapies across a broad range of debilitating diseases.
Summary:
The Apellis Medical Science Liaison (MSL) is a field based, externally facing scientific role responsible for developing and maintaining peer to peer relationships with key medical experts across New South Wales and Queensland. This position supports our ophthalmology program and plays a critical role in advancing Apellis’ medical strategy through scientific exchange, insights generation, and cross functional collaboration.
The MSL will work closely with ophthalmologists, retinal specialists, and other eye care professionals to provide up to date medical information, facilitate scientific engagement, and support medical and clinical initiatives. This role is embedded within the Medical Affairs function and requires a high level of scientific expertise, strong communication skills, and the ability to work autonomously in a dynamic environment.
Roles and Responsibilities:
Scientific Engagement & External Collaboration
- Build and maintain peer‑to‑peer scientific relationships with key medical experts in the ophthalmology community.
- Serve as a scientific resource to external disease experts and internal cross‑functional stakeholders.
- Support dissemination of up‑to‑date, accurate medical and disease‑state information through compliant scientific exchange.
Medical Affairs Support
- Support scientific exchange activities, conference and congress engagement, and medical education initiatives.
- Contribute to publications, advisory boards, and training programs.
- Communicate clinical insights and field intelligence back to Apellis to inform medical strategy.
Clinical Development Support
- Support clinical development activities such as site identification, feasibility, and recruitment initiatives.
Strategic Planning & Regional Insights
- Develop a strong understanding of the regional healthcare landscape (NSW & QLD), including referral pathways and key treatment centres.
- Create needs‑based tactical regional plans aligned with the medical strategy and company goals.
- Use internal systems to map, profile, and prioritise thought leaders.
Internal Collaboration
- Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders (e.g., Commercial, Market Access, Medical) while ensuring strict Medical‑Commercial separation and compliance.
- Train internal teams on key scientific and medical topics relevant to the therapeutic area.
- Maintain high‑quality documentation and reporting of MSL activities.
Education, Registration & Certification
- Tertiary qualification in a relevant health or medical science field (e.g., MD, PhD, BPharm, BOptom, BOrth, BSc).
- Postgraduate degree highly desirable (Master’s or PhD).
Experience
- 1–3 years of experience in Medical Affairs or a Medical Science role, with strong scientific and business acumen.
- Strong understanding of the relevant disease area(s) and ability to stay current with emerging data.
- Ophthalmology experience strongly preferred, including established relationships with retinal specialists and an understanding of local market dynamics.
- Demonstrated understanding of compliance frameworks, including the Medicines Australia Code of Conduct, and experience working compliantly in a field‑based role.
Skills, Knowledge & Abilities
- Excellent oral and written communication skills; able to convey complex scientific information clearly.
- Strong initiative and ability to work independently.
- Effective time‑management and planning skills; comfortable managing travel and remote work.
- Proactive, adaptable, and comfortable working in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment.
- Strong cross‑functional collaboration skills.
- Ability to contribute beyond core responsibilities when opportunities arise.
Travel Requirements
- Regular travel within NSW and Queensland to engage with healthcare professionals and stakeholders.
- Occasional interstate or international travel for congresses, meetings, and training.
- Must hold a valid driver’s licence and have reliable transportation for regional travel.
SPECIAL NOTE ON BIOGEN ACQUISITION
Please note that as of May 14th, Biogen Inc. has acquired Apellis Pharmaceuticals. Click here to learn more about Benefits & Perks of working at Biogen: Benefits | Biogen
Work Arrangement:
Travel Requirements:
This role requires regular travel within NSW and Queensland to engage with healthcare professionals and key stakeholders
Education:
Benefits and Perks:
Apellis offers a comprehensive benefits package, inclusive flexible time off, summer and winter shutdowns, paid family leave and more!
Company Background:
Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a global biopharmaceutical company leading the way in complement science to develop life-changing therapies for some of the most challenging diseases patients face. We ushered in the first new class of complement medicine in 15 years and now have two C3-targeting medicines approved to treat four serious diseases. Breakthroughs for patients include the first-ever therapy for geographic atrophy, a leading cause of blindness, and the first treatment for patients 12 and older with C3G or primary IC-MPGN, two severe, rare kidney diseases. We believe we have only begun to unlock the potential of targeting C3 across many serious diseases.
For more information, please visit http://apellis.com or follow us on LinkedIn and X .
Other Duties:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
