Medical Science Liaison

Onward Medical seeks a Senior Medical Science Liaison in Lausanne to manage early clinical research, engage KOLs, and translate scientific evidence into regulatory and product strategies.

This position acts as the central scientific bridge between the company and external clinical partners, including key opinion leaders and investigators across the U.S., Europe, and Asia. The professional is responsible for ensuring that clinical data is effectively captured and converted into strategic insights that guide protocol design, regulatory submissions, and product enhancements. Success relies on maintaining scientific authority, managing cross-cultural relationships, and executing operational tasks with precision.

Responsibilities

• Act as the main scientific contact for clinical investigators and institutional partners globally.
• Cultivate and maintain long-term scientific alliances with key opinion leaders to support study design, interpretation, and dissemination.
• Represent the organization as a trusted scientific partner to enhance presence in the spinal stimulation field.
• Evaluate clinical study proposals for scientific value and alignment with regulatory and commercial objectives.
• Lead the assessment and prioritization of Independent Investigator Studies (IIS), Grant-Funded Studies (GFS), and Employer-Funded Studies (EFS).
• Monitor study progress and advise on continuing, halting, or redirecting research efforts.
• Pinpoint and help fill evidence gaps necessary for regulatory approval of high-priority indications.
• Ensure consistent collection of clinical evidence generated throughout the research portfolio.
• Convert emerging scientific insights into actionable inputs for regulatory filings, product development, and competitive analysis.
• Report safety or performance feedback in accordance with internal protocols.
• Create and manage a strategy for portfolio-wide publications and conference presentations.
• Protect scientific integrity and ensure alignment with the company’s clinical narrative.
• Share clinical insights with cross-functional teams and collaborate on early research priorities.
• Track study milestones, timelines, and grant-funding dependencies.
• Work with Quality and Operations teams to handle device ordering, shipment tracking, and related logistical activities.

Requirements

• Advanced degree in neuroscience or a related clinical field (PhD, MD, or equivalent), or a master’s degree with substantial relevant experience.
• Extensive background in clinical research within medical devices, neurostimulation, or similar sectors, including hands-on work with early-phase studies.
• Ability to develop a deep, credible understanding of product platforms such as ARC-EX, ARC-IM, and ARC-BCI and their mechanisms of action.
• Working knowledge of therapeutic areas like spinal cord injury, Parkinson's disease, stroke, and pediatric populations, enabling peer-level engagement with clinicians.
• Demonstrated success in building and sustaining relationships with investigators and key opinion leaders.
• Proven ability to work effectively across cultures and geographies with external partners and internal teams.
• Familiarity with the regulatory and quality environment for clinical evidence generation, including EU MDR, GCP, and data protection requirements.
• Track record of scientific publication and conference presentation in a relevant field.
• Requires periodic international travel (approximately up to 30%) and flexibility to collaborate across time zones.

Nice to have

• Experience in neuromodulation, functional electrical stimulation, or neurorehabilitation is preferred.

About the company

Onward Medical prioritizes scientific credibility and operational execution alongside cross-cultural relationship management. The company fosters an environment where scientific integrity is paramount, and professionals are expected to collaborate effectively across global teams to advance clinical research goals.

• Values scientific credibility as a core principle.
• Emphasizes cross-cultural relationship management.
• Focuses on operational execution alongside scientific rigor.