Director, Medical Science Liaison
Company: COMPASS Pathways
Location: San Francisco
Posted on: February 19, 2026
|
|
|
Job Description:
Job Description Job Description Company introduction: Compass
Pathways plc (Nasdaq: CMPS) is a biotechnology company dedicated to
accelerating patient access to evidence-based innovation in mental
health. The Company is headquartered in London, UK, with offices in
New York City in the US. We focus on developing novel treatments
that have the potential to improve the lives of those who are
suffering with mental health conditions and who are not helped by
current treatments. We are pioneering a new paradigm for treating
mental health conditions focused on rapid and durable responses
through the development of our investigational COMP360 synthetic
psilocybin treatment, potentially a first in class treatment.
COMP360 has Breakthrough Therapy designation from the US Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) and has received Innovative Licensing and
Access Pathway (ILAP) designation in the UK for treatment-resistant
depression (TRD) due to the pressing unmet need in this area. We
are currently in phase 3 for TRD, have completed phase 2 studies
for both post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anorexia nervosa
and are planning a further late-stage study in PTSD. We envision a
world where mental health means not just the absence of illness but
the ability to thrive. - Compass Pathways. Job overview: The
Director, Medical Science Liaisons 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 (covering for Pacific
Northwest, Southwest, Rocky Mountains). Reports to : Senior
Director, Medical Science Liaisons. Roles and responsibilities:
(include but not limited to) 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, who's 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 Benefits & Compensation: For an overview of our
benefits package and compensation information, please visit
"Working at Compass". 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. UK
applicants We are proud of our commitment to diversity and equality
(pursuant to the Equality Act 2010). We do not discriminate based
upon race, religion or belief, colour, nationality, ethnic or
national origin, gender, pregnancy or maternity, marital or civil
partner status, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, age or
disability. 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: Unfortunately, we cannot
sponsor employment visas and can only accept applications if you
have employment rights in the country to which you are applying.
Data Privacy: All data is confidential and protected by all legal
and data privacy requirements, please see our recruitment Privacy
Notice to learn more about how we process personal data.
Keywords: COMPASS Pathways, Santa Rosa , Director, Medical Science Liaison, Science, Research & Development , San Francisco, California