Job description
At Personalis, we are transforming the active management of cancer through breakthrough personalized testing. We aim to drive a new paradigm for cancer management, guiding care from biopsy through the life of the patient. Our highly sensitive assays combine tumor-and-normal profiling with proprietary algorithms to deliver advanced insights even as cancer evolves over time. Our products are designed to detect minimal residual disease (MRD) and recurrence at the earliest timepoints, enable selection of targeted therapies based on ultra-comprehensive genomic profiling, and enhance biomarker strategy for drug development. Personalis is based in Fremont, California.
Summary:
As a member of the Medical Affairs team, the Medical Science Liaison (MSL) – Oncology serves as a field-based scientific expert who engages clinicians, researchers, and other healthcare professionals to support Personalis’ oncology genomics portfolio. This role has a primary focus on NeXT Personal®, an ultra-sensitive, tumor-informed circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) assay designed for minimal residual disease (MRD) detection, while also providing broader scientific support across our product line. The MSL acts as a bridge between Personalis and the healthcare community, facilitating the exchange of medical information, building key relationships with opinion leaders, and driving awareness of our cutting-edge assays. In addition, the MSL provides field-based commercial support to the clinical sales team through education and training initiatives, ensuring that both internal teams and external stakeholders are well-informed about the clinical value and appropriate use of our products.
Days onsite: Remote
Core Responsibilities:
Clinical and Scientific Communication: 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.
KOL Engagement: 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.
Clinical Advocacy & Education: 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.
Field Travel: 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. (A valid driver’s license and the ability to travel by air are required.) Flexibility to occasionally travel on short notice or attend weekend events is expected as part of this field-based role.
Additional Responsibilities:
Research Support: 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.
Medical Content Development: 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.
Insight Generation: 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.
Qualifications and Experience:
Education: 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.
Scientific Background: In-depth knowledge of oncology and molecular biology is essential, including familiarity with cancer genomics, biomarkers, and the principles of liquid biopsy testing. Experience or training in ctDNA assays, next-generation sequencing, or minimal residual disease monitoring is highly desirable.
Experience: 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.
Communication Skills: 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. Strong technical writing skills are beneficial for contributing to scientific materials.
Interpersonal Skills: 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.
Independence & Teamwork: 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.
Travel Ability: 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. (Geographic location is flexible, but proximity to a major airport is ideal to facilitate travel.)
The hiring range for this position will depend on geographic region. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. Our full-time regular positions also include an annual performance-based bonus (or a sales incentive plan) and long-term incentive units (equity) provided as part of our compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.
Personalis is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the full inclusion of all individuals. As part of this commitment, Personalis will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodations. If you need an accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please let your recruiter know, if/when they contact you.
Personalis is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabilities. Personalis offers a competitive compensation package and benefits including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match, ESPP, tuition reimbursement, sick/vacation time, commuter benefits/ EV charging stations, onsite gym, and wellness benefits. (For US only, benefits in other countries may vary.)
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