So how are those quiet but crucial medical science liaisons faring? You know, these are the folks who work for a drugmaker’s medical affairs department and are supposed to respond to docs with questions that a sales rep isn’t allowed to answer. Such as? Something about a rival drug for which no published head-to-head data is available, for instance.

Here are recent survey results that provide a little background on this behind-the-scenes job category:

38.8% of MSLs have less than 2 years of experience;
21.4% of MSLs are working in the CNS/Neuroscience area;
32.0% of MSLs hold PharmD degrees;
48.5% of MSLs work in big pharma;
51.5% of MSLs earn between $100,000 to $125,000.

Many MSLs and MSL Managers have less than two years’ tenure;
Most MSLs and MSL Managers hold PharmD and PhD degrees;
Big Pharma and Biotech are big employers of MSLs;
Many MSLs earn $100K-$125K in base salary;
Many MSL Managers earn $125K-$150K in base salary;
Most MSLs and MSL Managers earn 10-25% in bonus.

Source: The Medical Science Liaison blog, which is run by Jane Chin, who spends her time consulting for MSL programs and coaching MSLs.