Medical Science Liaison (San Diego)

About Karius

Karius is a venture-backed life science startup that is transforming the way pathogens and other microbes are observed throughout the body.  By unlocking the information present in microbial cell-free DNA, we're helping doctors quickly solve their most challenging cases, providing industry partners with access to the microbial landscape to accelerate biomarker discovery and clinical trials, discover novel microbes, to ultimately reduce patient suffering worldwide.

Position Summary

We are looking for an outstanding Medical Science Liaison (MSL) to join our commercial team in a role that blends scientific expertise with commercial impact. Unlike traditional MSL positions, this role is fully embedded within the commercial organization and carries a shared sales goal alongside the Clinical Sales Manager (CSM). The MSL is expected to be a strategic partner, working closely with their CSM to educate, influence, and drive behavior change that leads to increased adoption and integration of the Karius tests. The MSL will guide optimal adoption of Karius products and provide clinicians the education needed to successfully employ cutting edge technology to advance patient care.

This is a unique opportunity for scientifically grounded individuals who thrive in collaborative, goal-oriented environments and who are motivated by improving patient care through influence and action.

Why Should You Join Us?

Karius aims to conquer infectious diseases through innovations around genomic sequencing and machine learning. The company’s platform is already delivering unprecedented insights into the microbial landscape, providing clinicians with comprehensive tests capable of identifying causative pathogens from specimens (e.g. blood/BAL) and helping healthcare providers accelerate the delivery of therapeutic solutions. The Karius tests we provide today are one of the most advanced solutions available to physicians who aim to deliver better care to many otherwise ineffectively treated patients. Our tests are the result of some incredible work done by our scientists, statisticians, engineers, and physicians, all driven by the same mission. You, as part of the Karius team, will be able to see how directly your work has a life-changing impact on people, and at scale.

Reports to: Director, Medical Science Liaison  

Territory: The Greater San Diego area, with deep knowledge and experience in the greater metropolitan area health systems.

Primary Responsibilities

• Partner with the Clinical Sales Manager to collaborate on the achievement of shared territory goals by facilitating the appropriate adoption and informed clinical use of Karius tests.

• Deliver clinical and scientific expertise in customer-facing engagements to drive demand, remove barriers to adoption, and position the Karius tests as critical diagnostic tools.  

• Lead and tailor presentations (e.g., Grand Rounds, ASP meetings, M&M discussions, dinner programs, etc.) using peer-reviewed literature, published case studies, and approved Karius resources to engage multidisciplinary stakeholders.

• Engage with a broad range of stakeholders (physicians, pharmacists, nurses, lab directors, infection control) to identify champions, shape decision-making, and support test integration into clinical workflows and protocols.

• Partner with marketing and training to identify content needs, develop impactful messaging, and refine tools based on real-world feedback and clinical insights.

• Establish and grow Centers of Excellence by helping sites achieve optimal clinical use of the Karius tests—then leveraging those models to influence broader market adoption.

• Gather and relay field insights that shape commercial strategy, product positioning, and cross-functional initiatives.

• Stay current on clinical and scientific developments in infectious disease diagnostics and translate those insights into actionable strategies for field teams and customers.

• Represent Karius at conferences and professional meetings to build brand visibility, develop customer relationships, and capture feedback from key voices in the field.

What’s Fun About the Job?

Karius is operating at the edge of what is now known to be possible in infectious disease diagnostics. With that, comes a wave of new and incredible challenges and opportunities. To deliver on that value, you will be tapping into some of the most advanced technologies, architecting and innovating where the current solutions simply don't suffice. You will get to see how much your work really matters. 

Travel (Local and Regional): Travel required up to 70%. 

Physical Requirements

• Subject to extended periods of sitting and/or standing, vision to monitor and moderate noise levels. Work is generally performed in the field which requires the ability to extensively travel. 

Position Requirements

• Advanced Clinical Degree Required (PA-C, NP, PharmD, MD/DO, PhD). 

• Measurable clinical experience as a healthcare provider or clinical pharmacist required. 

• Clinical experience with hematology/oncology, infectious disease, transplant, intensive care preferred. 

• Familiarity with infectious disease treatment and management required.

• Understanding of microbiology/virology, common diagnostic modalities (PCR, culture methods, serologies) required. 

• Knowledge of medical and laboratory structure and hierarchy required.

• Sales experience, a plus.

• Knowledge of laboratory workflow and fiscal operations, a plus.

• Knowledge of cfDNA technology, a plus. 

• Valid Driver’s License.

Personal Qualifications

•  Has an entrepreneurial spirit and is comfortable multitasking and working in a fast-paced, ambiguous, growth-oriented environment. 

•  Strong presentation acumen, ability to manage and facilitate engaging discussions with both small and large groups. 

•  Ability to present technical information to audiences with various degrees of scientific and clinical expertise. 

•  Unquestionable personal code of ethics, integrity, confidentiality and ability to build trusting and professional relationships. 

•  Passionate about the mission and reputation of Karius while investing in the culture as the company grows. 

Disclaimer

The above job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Responsibilities and duties may change or be adjusted to meet the needs of the company, and additional duties may be assigned as necessary. The job description is subject to change at any time at the discretion of Karius.

Equal Opportunity Employer

At Karius, we value a diverse and inclusive workplace and provide equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees and are committed to honor and invest in the full diversity of people, in our hiring, recruiting and development of employees across the Company.  All qualified applicants for employment are encouraged to apply and will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity and gender expression (including transgender individuals who are transitioning, have transitioned, or are perceived to be transitioning to the gender with which they identify), religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. If you are unable to submit your application due to a disability, please contact us at recruiting@kariusdx.com and we will accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities.