Navigating Medical Affairs Careers After a PhD with Rayana Luna

Welcome to another episode of Beyond the Thesis With Papa PhD—a podcast where we dive deep into what happens after the PhD and how you can leap from academia into a diverse universe of fulfilling careers. This week, host David Mendes sits down in-person with Rayana Luna, a seasoned expert in medical affairs with over a decade of experience spanning multiple leadership roles, industry transitions, and a consulting business: Your MSL Coach. In this in-depth conversation, Rayana shares her journey from doing a PhD and feeling locked into the traditional academic path, to discovering the world of medical science liaison (MSL) roles and climbing the career ladder in medical affairs. She opens up about the realities of breaking into the industry, the variety of entry-level roles available (including MSLs, medical writers, and more), and sheds light on salary expectations—spoiler: they’re generally higher than postdoc salaries! Rayana also addresses common hurdles PhDs face when shifting careers, like learning to “sell” yourself beyond an academic CV, mastering LinkedIn, and networking with authenticity. Packed with actionable advice, inspiring stories, and a deep dive into what medical affairs teams actually do in big pharma, this episode is a must-listen for anyone considering taking their research skills Beyond the Thesis.

Rayana Luna’s career journey is a testament to growth and adaptability within the medical affairs field. Starting out, Rayana observed that roles like medical science liaison (MSL), medical advisor, and medical writer not only offered higher starting salaries than traditional postdoctoral positions, but also provided abundant opportunities for advancement. Over the span of ten years, Rayana changed positions six times, quickly climbing the career ladder by focusing on collaborative environments and personal fulfillment over prestigious titles or starting pay. Her story encourages valuing meaningful work and positive teamwork, reinforcing that career progression comes naturally when you do what you love and build strong professional relationships. What we covered in the interview:

Career Progression is Fast & Rewarding: Entry-level roles like medical affairs fellow or MSL may seem humble, but with consistent performance and strategic networking, career (and salary) growth can be rapid. “Don’t get hung up on initial titles; focus on enjoying your work and collaborating with great people.”
Networking & Self-Advocacy are Essential: Start intentional networking early (don’t wait until you need a job!) and tailor your LinkedIn to what you WANT to do—not just what you’ve done. Your visibility and authentic connections can open unexpected doors.
Your Advanced Degree Matters: Finishing your PhD is increasingly required for most roles in medical affairs and opens many more doors for your industry trajectory. Don’t give up in the final stretch—your perseverance will pay off.

If you’re prepping for your next step, focus on crafting a standout LinkedIn profile, invest in building genuine connections, and keep an open (and growth-oriented) mindset. There’s a whole world of opportunity beyond the bench!

See the resources section below for her links! This episode’s resources: