Neuroscience Specialist - Santa Monica, CA

Neuroscience Specialist

Otsuka America Pharmaceutical Inc. is a global healthcare company with the corporate philosophy: "Otsuka-people creating new products for better health worldwide." Otsuka researches, develops, manufactures and markets innovative products, with a focus on pharmaceutical products to meet unmet medical needs and nutraceutical products for the maintenance of everyday health. In its evolved customer engagement model, a Neuroscience Specialist engages healthcare providers (HCPs) using in-person, virtual, and digital tools, offering expertise on products and their approved conditions. This model enhances patient, caregiver, and HCP experiences by focusing on local care delivery, aiming to improve patient care and provide a superior experience. The Neuroscience Specialist will report directly to the respective Area Business Lead, coordinating with cross-functional colleagues in Medical (MSLs), Market Access (HSAMs), and Patient Support (PELs) under appropriate guidelines. This individual will serve as the primary point of contact for HCP customers and should possess a broad range of expertise, capable of addressing complex on-label information based on approved content.

Position Overview

This position is designed to enhance customer engagement, thought leadership, and business planning within the organization. The role involves proactive outreach to healthcare professionals (HCPs), facilitating discussions, and elevating insights to inform strategic decisions. Below is a detailed overview of the key responsibilities and objectives associated with this position:

• Personally engage customers through various virtual or digital tools.
• Direct customers to other colleagues, such as Customer Service Specialists (CSS), as needed.
• Ensure customer requests are met and solicit feedback on the quality of engagement.
• Facilitate speaker programs to share knowledge and insights.
• Organize local provider groups for discussions on experiences and outcomes with local/regional leaders.
• Elevate opportunities and feedback to the Area Business Lead, including local market insights.
• Collaborate compliantly with the ecosystem team to adjust targeting and call point plans.
• Action on insights collected from customer-facing roles to inform local strategy and business goals.

Key Responsibilities

Conduct proactive outreach to HCPs on topics such as product access, on-label information, and established patient care guidance.

Engage customers through various virtual or digital tools and direct them to other colleagues (e.g., CSS) as needed.

Facilitate speaker programs and organize local provider groups for discussions on experiences and outcomes with local/regional leaders.

Elevate opportunities and feedback to the Area Business Lead, including local market insights to inform local strategy and business goals.

Experience & Qualifications

Must have at least one of the following experiences:

• 2+ years of pharmaceutical or medical device sales experience; less experience considered for employees who successfully complete the Otsuka ReadyNow program
• 3+ years of business-to-business (B2B) or equivalent outside sales experience, in regulated, clinical, or customer engagement experience
• 2+ years of Clinical healthcare experience (e.g., Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant, RN, or similar) with demonstrated patient-facing, medical education, or therapy-focused responsibilities

Additional qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex clinical information, influence stakeholders, and translate scientific data into clear, practical value propositions.
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to ethical business practices, an understanding of regulatory standards, and the ability to execute business activities in compliance with Company policies and guidance.
• Ability to assimilate and communicate complex clinical and product information.
• Must reside within a commutable distance of 50 miles from the primary city in the sales territory.

Key Sales Capabilities

Territory Analysis / Business Planning

• Uses competitive data and business reports to track progress and uncover opportunities, including sales data and promotional budget
• Displays knowledge of territory and business conditions that impact sales results to establish near term priorities for his/her territory business plan
• Responds compliantly to competitive threats and opportunities
• Educates office staff on payer guidelines and reimbursement procedures to increase pull through
• Effectively utilizes promotional materials

Selling Skills, Engagement & Account Pull Through

• Maintains ongoing awareness of internal support team resources available throughout the ecosystem and utilizes appropriately
• Applies market and industry knowledge to overcome objections and influence prescribing habits during the total office call
• Identifies territory professional groups to network and ensure access/exposure to potential key opinion leaders
• Builds strong relationships with all key office/practice personnel and focuses on patient health in conversations with all staff members.
• Takes personal responsibility for follow-through and providing value to the accounts by providing accurate information in response to their needs
• Delivers effective and balanced office calls and sales presentations utilizing the appropriate approved marketing materials and technical references (e.g. studies, package inserts, etc.) with clarity and confidence to help HCPs enhance patient outcomes; demonstrates competent product knowledge of own product and competition

Competencies

• Accountability for Results - Stay focused on key strategic objectives, be accountable for high standards of performance, and take an active role in leading change.
• Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving - Make decisions considering the long-term impact to customers, patients, employees, and the business.
• Patient & Customer Centricity - Maintain an ongoing focus on the needs of our customers and/or key stakeholders.
• Impactful Communication - Communicate with logic, clarity, and respect. Influence at all levels to achieve the best results for Otsuka.
• Respectful Collaboration - Seek and value others' perspectives and strive for diverse partnerships to enhance work toward common goals.
• Empowered Development - Play an active role in professional development as a business imperative.

Compensation

Minimum $107,362.00 - Maximum $166,750.00, plus incentive opportunity: The range shown represents a typical pay range or starting pay for individuals who are hired in the role to perform in the United States. Other elements may be used to determine actual pay such as the candidate's job experience, specific skills, and comparison to internal incumbents currently in role. Typically, actual pay will be positioned within the established range, rather than at its minimum or maximum.

Company benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage, company provided basic life, accidental death & dismemberment, short-term and long-term disability insurance, tuition reimbursement, student loan assistance, a generous 401(k) match, flexible time off, paid holidays, and paid leave programs as well as other company provided benefits.