• MSL positions typically require an advanced degree such as a PhD, PharmD, MD, in a health, biomedical, or scientific discipline.  
• Advanced scientific or medical knowledge in a relevant therapeutic area 
• Experience critically evaluating and interpreting scientific literature 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills 
• Experience presenting scientific information to diverse audiences 
• Demonstrated ability to build professional relationships and collaborate effectively with stakeholders 

• Scientific expertise – Deep understanding of scientific and clinical evidence and the ability to discuss complex topics accurately and credibly
• Scientific communication – Ability to explain technical information clearly to audiences with different levels of scientific knowledge
• Relationship building – Capacity to develop and maintain professional relationships with healthcare professionals, researchers, and other stakeholders
• Knowledge translation – Skill in translating research findings into practical insights that support understanding and decision-making
• Presentation skills – Ability to deliver engaging and informative scientific presentations in various settings
• Active listening – Capacity to understand stakeholder perspectives, identify emerging needs, and gather meaningful insights from discussions
• Collaboration – Experience working effectively across multidisciplinary teams to support shared objectives
• Critical thinking – Ability to evaluate evidence, assess scientific questions, and communicate balanced interpretations of data
• Stakeholder engagement – Skill in interacting professionally with external experts and representing an organization in scientific discussions
• Adaptability – Ability to stay current with evolving scientific evidence, therapeutic advancements, and healthcare trends

• Clinical Scientist positions often require a PhD, PharmD, MD, or other advanced degree in a health, biomedical, scientific, or related field. 
• Experience designing, conducting, or supporting clinical or health-related research 
• Strong understanding of scientific and clinical research methods 
• Experience analyzing and interpreting complex data 
• Demonstrated ability to communicate scientific findings to diverse audiences 
• Familiarity with clinical research, healthcare, or regulated environments is often considered an asset 

• Clinical research knowledge – Understanding of study design, research methodologies, and evidence-generation approaches used in healthcare and clinical settings
• Data analysis – Ability to interpret complex datasets, evaluate findings, and draw evidence-based conclusions
• Critical thinking – Capacity to assess scientific evidence, identify limitations, and evaluate the implications of research findings
• Scientific communication – Ability to communicate complex clinical and scientific information clearly through reports, presentations, and publications
• Attention to detail – Ability to ensure accuracy, consistency, and quality in research activities and scientific documentation
• Collaboration – Experience working effectively with multidisciplinary teams across scientific, clinical, regulatory, and operational functions
• Project management – Skills in coordinating activities, managing timelines, and contributing to the achievement of project goals
• Problem-solving – Ability to address research challenges, evaluate options, and develop practical solutions
• Stakeholder engagement – Ability to work with internal and external partners, including researchers, healthcare professionals, and industry colleagues
• Adaptability – Capacity to navigate evolving scientific evidence, changing priorities, and dynamic healthcare environments

Agilis Health’s MSL Accelerator Academy is a two-day training, designed for aspiring and current Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs) looking to sharpen their expertise, enhance their strategic thinking, and elevate their ability to generate impactful medical insights.

A University of Toronto student initiative created to bridge the gap between academia and industry. LSCDS hosts networking events, mentorship programs, industry team case studies, career seminar series, and more.

BioTalent Canada provides technical skills training designed for the Canadian bio-economy, including programs on the fundamentals of scientific report writing, good laboratory practice (GLP), good manufacturing practice (GMP), quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC), and good clinical practice (GCP).

An immersive talent development program aimed at producing industry-ready, highly qualified personnel through comprehensive training initiatives with deep industry engagement.

A series of videos covering career development topics, including how to convert your CV to a resume, questions to ask when networking, job searching tips, how to use LinkedIn, networking tips for introverts, how to prepare for interviews, and more.

The Effective Mentorship Training Program is an annual program offered by the UHN Office of Research Trainees for UHN graduate students and postdoctoral researchers who will be supervising summer students. The program covers topics such as effective communication, aligning expectations, assessing understanding, establishing inclusive practices, fostering independence, and promoting professional development.

Skillsoft Percipio Learning Platform is a free virtual learning platform for TeamUHN that offers self‑paced courses and live classes to help build skills in leadership, business, communication, and more. The platform also includes training and educational content that can be applied toward the Project Management Institute’s requirements for the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification!

Dr. Stephanie Tran is a Scientific Affairs Manager at Johnson & Johnson. Dr. Tran is also a former PhD student at the Krembil Research Institute, UHN.

Don’t limit yourself to exploring one job title or role. Talk to many people, network, and figure out what sparks your interest.

To lean more about Dr. Tran and her journey towards becoming a Scientific Affairs Manager, you can read our alumni spotlight, written by Crizza Ching, ORT Communications Assistant and Graduate Student.