About Artiva: We are a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing natural killer (NK) cell-based therapies. Our mission is to develop effective, safe, and accessible cell therapies for patients with devastating autoimmune diseases. We aim to develop therapies that patients and physicians can utilize in a community setting. Our lead product candidate, AlloNK®, is a non-genetically modified, cryopreserved NK cell therapy being evaluated in combination with B-cell targeted monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). We believe the compelling cell killing properties of NK cells, when combined with mAbs for targeting, creates an opportunity to generate potentially transformative therapies. For more information, visit www.artivabio.com. Job Summary: This is a rare player/coach opportunity — as Artiva's first field medical hire, you will own your region as a hands-on MSL while simultaneously building and leading our national field medical team.  The Director/Executive Director, Medical Science Liaison role is highly entrepreneurial. The Lead MSL (East/West) will serve as both the foundational field medical expert in their region and the Director/Architect responsible for building, scaling, and managing the company’s broader national MSL team from the ground up.  We are seeking a strategic-minded Medical Science Liaison to drive our pre-commercial and launch readiness. In this highly visible role, you will be the cornerstone of our field medical strategy. Initially as an individual contributor and then as a player/coach as you build your team.    Key Responsibilities Scientific Leadership & KOL Engagement   * KOL Mapping: Architect of the national Key Opinion Leader (KOL) engagement strategy, identifying and prioritizing academic researchers, community clinicians, and advocacy groups.  * Scientific Exchange: Lead peer-to-peer scientific discussions regarding the company’s therapeutic pipeline, mechanisms of action, and complex clinical data.  * Medical Education: Plan and execute medical advisory boards, symposia, and clinical training sessions for healthcare providers.  * Education & Support: Provide clinical presentations, facilitate Investigator-Initiated Trials (IITs), and support clinical trial site engagement.  * Medical Inquiry Response: Deliver compliant, objective, and scientifically accurate responses to unsolicited medical information requests.    Clinical Trial & Launch Strategy  * Clinical Development: Support clinical trial operations by identifying potential trial sites, assisting with feasibility assessments, and promoting enrollment.  * Insight Generation: Act as the strategic bridge between the field and headquarters by synthesizing clinical insights and competitive intelligence into actionable recommendations to inform Medical Strategy.  * Pre-Launch Readiness: Collaborate with Clinical, Regulatory, and Commercial teams (while maintaining strict compliant medical independence) to ensure a seamless product launch and patient access strategy.    Medical Congress Coverage & Strategy  * Congress Leadership: Architect of the strategic plan for major medical congresses (e.g., ACR, EULAR, regional specialty society meetings).   * Coordinate pre-congress preparation and delegate session coverage responsibilities across the broader MSL and HQ teams.  * Scientific Exchange: Lead peer-to-peer scientific discussions, facilitate data dissemination, and manage the medical booth/display presence.  * Competitive Intelligence: Gather, synthesize, and report actionable field intelligence (emerging clinical data, competitor pipelines, and unmet needs) from congresses to internal Commercial and R&D teams.  Cross-Functional Collaboration  * Launch Readiness: Work alongside Marketing, Clinical Operations, and Market Access teams to ensure launch readiness and accurate scientific messaging.  * Internal Training: Provide ongoing medical and scientific training to internal colleagues, including field sales teams.     Qualifications:  Required  * Minimum 5 years of Medical Affairs experience, 10 years preferred, in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, with direct ownership of:  * KOL mapping  * KOL engagement, scientific exchange  * Advisory boards  * Medical insights and competitive intelligence  * Formal training and hands-on experience in Immunology and/or Inflammation (e.g., PharmD, MD, PhD, or equivalent scientific background strongly preferred).  * Proven ability to operate in a highly external, travel-intensive role. Travel ~60%  * Strong understanding of Medical Affairs compliance and scientific exchange standards.  * Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to engage credibly with leading physicians and researchers.  Preferred  * Experience in early- to mid-stage biotech.  * Prior leadership experience building or scaling Field Medical Affairs as a Player/Coach  * Experience supporting clinical-stage programs and pre-launch activities.  In addition to a great culture, we offer: * A beautiful facility  * An entrepreneurial, highly collaborative, and innovative environment * Comprehensive benefits, including: * Medical, Dental, and Vision * Group Life Insurance * Long Term Disability (LTD) * 401(k) Retirement Plan * Employee Assistance Program (EAP) * Flexible Spending Account (FSA) * Paid Time Off (PTO) * Company paid holidays, including the year-end holiday week * Our recognition program, Bonus.ly, is where you can trade in points earned for things you want. If all this speaks to you, come join us on our journey! Base Salary: $260,000 - $295,000. Exact compensation may vary based on level, skills and experience