Who We Are:
Xenon Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:XENE) is a neuroscience-focused biopharmaceutical company dedicated to drug discovery, clinical development, and commercialization of life-changing therapeutics for patients in need. We are looking for great people who thrive in a respectful, collaborative, inclusive, and productive culture to join the Xenon team.
What We Do:
We are advancing an exciting product pipeline to address indications with high unmet medical need, including epilepsy and depression. Our Phase 3 azetukalner program represents the most advanced, clinically validated potassium channel modulator in late-stage clinical development for multiple indications. Building upon the positive results and compelling data from our Phase 2b X-TOLE study in adult patients with focal epilepsy, our Phase 3 epilepsy program includes multiple clinical trials evaluating azetukalner in patients with focal onset seizures and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures. In November 2025, we announced the completion of patient enrollment in our Phase 3 X-TOLE2 study, and topline data are anticipated in March 2026. We also have multiple Phase 3 azetukalner clinical trials in major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar depression (BPD) underway, based on topline data from our Phase 2 X-NOVA clinical trial. In addition, we are proud of the leading-edge science coming out of our discovery labs, including early-stage research programs that leverage our extensive ion channel expertise and drug discovery capabilities to identify validated drug targets and develop new product candidates. We have recently initiated Phase 1 studies for our follow-on Kv7 channel opener, XEN1120, and our lead Nav1.7 development candidate, XEN1701, in pain. Backed by a strong balance sheet to support our growth plans, we continue to build a fully integrated, premier neuroscience company with strong discovery, clinical development, corporate, and commercial operations.
About the Role:
We are seeking a Senior Medical Science Liaison (Senior MSL). This is an opportunity to join Xenon in a field-facing role to shape and advance the MSL function in support of Medical Affairs and Clinical Development teams. This role will engage external Healthcare Providers (HCPs), Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), and patient groups to provide education on Xenon’s pipeline in epilepsy.
This position reports to the Regional Senior Director, Field Based Medicine, and the Senior MSL will be responsible for the Northwest Region: Northern California, Washington, Oregon, Utah, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and Alaska). Preference is for the selected individual to reside in San Francisco or Seattle area.
The successful candidate is a clinical or scientific professional with a passion for science and deep scientific knowledge and a proven ability to communicate complex scientific and medical information clearly. This candidate seeks to understand the needs of healthcare providers, patients, and families, and collaborates to solve critical scientific and business challenges.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Identify, develop and maintain valued and productive scientific relationships with key external stakeholders including KOLs, HCPs, payors, academic and healthcare institutions, and advocacy groups.
Act as a key scientific resource to communicate up-to-date medical, clinical, and scientific information about Xenon’s neurology and epilepsy products and pipeline.
Advance Xenon’s scientific platform and medical information in alignment with corporate and medical objectives.
Engage in projects and/or initiatives aligned to medical strategies and objectives; adapt plans and tactics for the assigned territory.
Identify and report timely and relevant scientific/clinical insights, trends, opportunities, and threats for targeted products.
Collaborate with internal clinical development teams to enhance patient enrollment in Xenon-sponsored clinical trials. This includes investigator identification for clinical programs in epilepsy.
Respond to and document unsolicited requests for scientific information.
Lead assigned national and/or regional congress activities in accordance with Medical Affairs strategies and plans.
Provide instruction, coaching and mentoring to new or less experienced MSLs.
Travel domestically up to 50% of the time, including overnight travel as business needs require. International travel may be required on an ad-hoc basis.
Act in accordance with Company policies, including, for example, the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and ensure policies are understood and followed by direct reports, if any.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum of a relevant doctorate degree (i.e. M.D., PhD, PharmD, DPH, DNP).
Minimum 5 years relevant MSL related experience required, with 8+ years strongly preferred. Experience in neurology therapeutic area or epilepsy required
Established relationships with KOLs and knowledge of institutions in neurology; epilepsy strongly preferred.
Clinical trial development and drug launch experience are strongly preferred.
Able to communicate accurately, concisely, credibly, and confidently; easily understands other points of view and responds appropriately; adjusts communication according to the audience.
Delivers reliably against goals; proven ability to work both independently and cross-functionally; demonstrates a willingness and aptitude to learn if not yet well-versed.
Knowledge of clinical research processes, FDA regulations, and OIG guidelines required.
Our Total Rewards program includes base salary, target bonus, and stock options, as well as a full range of benefits including medical, dental, vision, short-& long-term disability, accidental death & dismemberment, and life insurance programs, Employee Assistance Program, travel insurance, and retirement savings programs with company matching contributions.
Xenon encourages time to rest and re-charge through vacation, personal days, sick days, and an end-of-year company shutdown. Xenon highly values employee development and has an expanding Training, Learning & Development program, including a Tuition Assistance program for advanced degrees.