Director, Medical Science Liaison

Job overview

The Director of Medical Science Liaison (Western US) at Compass Pathways will lead and develop a high-performing field medical team focused on impactful scientific engagement within the neuroscience and mental health community. This role is responsible for translating Compass’s medical strategy into effective field activities, overseeing MSL operations across a defined region, and ensuring consistent, high-quality scientific exchange with external stakeholders.

The Director will drive execution of the national medical affairs plan, coach and mentor MSLs to enhance scientific credibility and performance, and partner closely with cross-functional teams to ensure that field insights help inform medical strategy, clinical development, and educational initiatives. At this level, the role also supports the growth of Compass’s treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) franchises by reinforcing scientific leadership, shaping medical engagement plans, and advancing relationships with key external experts and thought leaders.

Location: Remote on the West Coast, USA.

Reports to: Senior Director, Medical Science Liaison.

Roles and responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing MSL team within a region, setting clear expectations for scientific excellence, compliance, and professional growth
• Foster a culture of scientific rigor, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement within Field Medical
• Translate medical strategy into effective field execution, ensuring consistent, high-quality scientific engagement across territories
• Oversee territory planning, stakeholder prioritization, and deployment of field medical resources
• Ensure the timely collection, synthesis, and communication of actionable medical insights from the field to inform clinical development, medical strategy, and education planning
• Maintain awareness of emerging science, treatment landscape developments, and competitive activity relevant to TRD and PTSD
• Support medical education initiatives, advisory boards, and scientific congress engagement at the regional or national level
• Contribute to the evolution of Medical Affairs processes, training, tools, and metrics to support a growing field medical organization
• Liaise cross-functionally with Clinical Development, Market Access, Government Affairs, and other internal teams to align field medical activities with organizational priorities

Candidate Profile

• Advanced scientific training with associated credentials (e.g., PhD, PharmD, PMHNP, MD)
• At least 3 years of Medical Science Liaison experience
• Proven field medical leader with demonstrated ability to manage projects and cross-functional relationships
• Preference for candidates with background/experience in neuroscience, psychiatry or psychology
• Experience managing and supporting direct reports required
• Experience in pre-commercial or early-launch environments preferred
• Ability to travel up to 50-75%, including overnight stays and weekends, as needed
• A thoughtful leader
• Highly organized and accountable
• Excellent verbal and written communication, listening skills, and emotional intelligence
• Proven experience of self-motivation, accountability, integrity & teamwork
• Passion for improving and transforming mental health – full alignment with Compass values

Compensation Description (annually)

Our compensation package for permanent hires includes base salary, discretionary bonus, and equity, alongside our comprehensive benefits offering.

Please note that the base salary range is a guideline, and individual total compensation will vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, competencies, and work location.

Base salary per annum: $235,000 - $260,000 USD

Benefits

For an overview of our benefits package and compensation information, please visit "Joins us - Our Benefits". These include flexibility & generous time off, parental & reproductive support, health & medical, mental health & wellbeing and Financial health.

Equal opportunities

Reasonable accommodation We are committed to building a workplace where everyone’s wellbeing matters. If you need reasonable accommodation during the interview process to be at your best, please let our recruiting team know.

US applicants Compass Pathways is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, military service, genetic information, familial or marital status, or any other status, category, or characteristic protected by applicable law.

Sponsorship

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