Principal Medical Science Liaison

This is where your work makes a difference.

At Baxter, we believe every person—regardless of who they are or where they are from—deserves a chance to live a healthy life. It was our founding belief in 1931 and continues to be our guiding principle. We are redefining healthcare delivery to make a greater impact today, tomorrow, and beyond.

Our Baxter colleagues are united by our Mission to Save and Sustain Lives. Together, our community is driven by a culture of courage, trust, and collaboration. Every individual is empowered to take ownership and make a meaningful impact. We strive for efficient and effective operations, and we hold each other accountable for delivering exceptional results.

Here, you will find more than just a job—you will find purpose and pride. 

Your Role at Baxter

The Principal Medical Science Liaison (MSL) is a senior, field-based Medical Affairs leader within Baxter’s Advanced Surgery organization. This role serves as the primary scientific and clinical expert across the Central U.S. region and plays a critical role in shaping regional medical strategy, evidence generation, and surgeon engagement.

As a Principal MSL, you will lead high-level scientific exchange with surgeon Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), support clinical research initiatives, and provide strategic medical insights that inform product development, lifecycle management, and market strategy. This role partners closely with Medical Affairs leadership, Clinical Development, Market Access, and Commercial teams while maintaining strict independence and compliance.

What you'll be doing:

Scientific & Clinical Leadership

• Serve as the senior medical expert for Advanced Surgery technologies, including hemostats, sealants, tissue repair, and emerging surgical innovations.

• Lead peer-to-peer scientific exchange with surgeons and interdisciplinary healthcare professionals in Cardiac, Spine, Gynecologic, and General Surgery.

• Translate complex clinical, surgical, and health economic data into actionable medical insights to optimize patient outcomes.

KOL & External Engagement

• Develop and sustain trusted relationships with national, regional, and emerging Surgeon KOLs.

• Identify, cultivate, and support investigators for Investigator-Initiated Research (IIR) and Baxter-sponsored studies.

• Capture and communicate voice-of-customer insights to influence clinical evidence strategy and innovation pipelines.

Evidence Generation & Medical Strategy

• Contribute to and help execute regional Medical Affairs strategies, including real-world evidence (RWE) generation and publication planning.

• Support advisory boards, investigator meetings, and scientific panels.

• Partner with global and regional teams to support clinical trial feasibility, site identification, and execution.

Education & Training

• Design and deliver high-impact medical education, including: Medical congress presentations Company-sponsored symposia, Surgical training labs, and mobile lab programs Resident, fellow, and nurse education initiatives

• Serve as a medical resource for internal teams, including training and onboarding of newer MSLs as appropriate.

Compliance & Governance

• Review promotional and non-promotional materials to ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and scientific standards.

• Respond to medical information requests in accordance with Medical Affairs policies.

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Collaborate with Market Access, Commercial, and HEOR teams to support reimbursement, coverage discussions, and clinical value messaging (non-promotional).

• Provide medical expertise to support upcoming product launches and indication expansions.

What you'll be bring:

• Education: Physician Associate (PA) or Physician (MD/DO) required with a minimum of 3 years of surgical experience in an operating room environment

• Travel: Ability to travel 70% within the Central U.S.

Preferred Qualifications

• MD/DO with board certification in Cardiac, Spine, Gynecologic, or General Surgery

• 5+ years of experience in Medical Affairs, medical device, or pharmaceutical industry

• Prior experience operating at a principal MSL level, including regional strategy influence

Key Competencies & Skills

• Demonstrated ability to build credibility rapidly with surgeons and OR teams

• Deep understanding of Medical Affairs Code of Practice and industry compliance standards

• Working knowledge of regulatory and clinical research requirements, including IIR processes

• Exceptional communication and presentation skills

• High ethical standards, professionalism, and scientific rigor

• Strong organizational, analytical, and project management capabilities

• Collaborative mindset with the confidence to provide independent medical judgment

Location: Remote (Field-Based) – Must reside within the Central United States (e.g., Chicago, IL; St Louis, MO; Minneapolis, MN, Cleveland, OH, Ann Arbor, MI, Louisville, KY, Indianapolis, Indiana )

We understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career. At Baxter, we are committed to equitable pay for all employees, and we strive to be more transparent with our pay practices. The estimated base salary for this position is $128,000.00 to $176,000.00 annually. The estimated range is meant to reflect an anticipated salary range for the position. We may pay more or less than of the anticipated range based upon market data and other factors, all of which are subject to change. Individual pay is based on upon location.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

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US Benefits at Baxter (except for Puerto Rico)

This is where your well-being matters. Baxter offers comprehensive compensation and benefits packages for eligible roles. Our health and well-being benefits include medical and dental coverage that start on day one, as well as insurance coverage for basic life, accident, short-term and long-term disability, and business travel accident insurance. Financial and retirement benefits include the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), with the ability to purchase company stock at a discount, and the 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan (RSP), with options for employee contributions and company matching. We also offer Flexible Spending Accounts, educational assistance programs, and time-off benefits such as paid holidays, paid time off ranging from 20 to 35 days based on length of service, family and medical leaves of absence, and paid parental leave. Additional benefits include commuting benefits, the Employee Discount Program, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and childcare benefits. Join us and enjoy the competitive compensation and benefits we offer to our employees. For additional information regarding Baxter US Benefits, please speak with your recruiter or visit our Benefits site: Benefits | Baxter

Equal Employment Opportunity

Baxter is an equal opportunity employer. Baxter evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, disability/handicap status or any other legally protected characteristic.

Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal

Reasonable Accommodations

Baxter is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities globally. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or interview process, please click on the link here and let us know the nature of your request along with your contact information.

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