Dr. MATTHEW CULBERSONMedical Science Liaison CandidateAtlanta, GA • Carson, CA • Open to relocate
Oncology • Neuroscience • Immunology | Scientific Communicator • Relationship Builder • Tactically AutonomousPROFESSIONAL PROFILE SUMMARYScientist and educator with oncology clinical operations experience, scientific communication expertise, relationship building skills, cross-functional collaboration participation, and documentation abilities. Skilled at interpreting, simplifying, and translating scientific literature and engaging with internal and external stakeholders (KOLs, HCPs, sales, etc.) from varied audiences. Independently driven with supreme organization skills. Understanding of field-facing travel role to be a clear, data-driven scientific voice while bridging & building relationships, being resilient to change, and gathering scientific insights.SELECTED PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCEClinical Operations, Oncology - Intern (CPA) | Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, CA | 2023 – 2023
Supported Phase I oncology studies through protocol-aligned task execution, inspection-ready documentation, and cross-functional communication with clinical, medical, and regulatory teams.
Completed 3+ clinical trial initiation projects and assisted in developing and reviewing clinical study procedures, presentation slides, patient-facing materials, and documents consistent with GCP & GxP.
Presented feasibility (SiFi) project and other projects to ClinOps division.
Reviewed scientific materials and contributed to evidence-based project decisions related to safety, trial endpoints, and operational timelines.
Built relationships with individuals across TAs and divisions. Collaborate with care teams and CROs.
Strengthened understanding of clinical trial structure, investigational product handling, and medical/scientific rationale for study design.
Supported scientific decision making, interpreted data, & collaborated with medical & clinical teams.Lecturer, Adjunct Instructor, & Professor | (Multiple Institutions), CA, MI, GA | 2018 – current
Spelman College • Emory University • Agnes Scott College • Kennesaw State U. • University of Michigan • UC Davis
Field-Facing Scientific Educator: Delivered 100+ high-impact scientific presentations, translating complex chemistry, biomedical, biochemistry, and biology concepts into accessible, digestible content through storytelling.
Designed lectures, presentations, infographics, and assessment tools aligned with learning objectives.
Mentored an array of learners, strengthening interpersonal communication and scientific literacy.
Executed MSL competencies: scientific storytelling, audience engagement, and business acumen.SELECTED RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
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Graduate Student Researcher | University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI | 2019 – 2024
Department of Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, and Chemical Biology
Conducted synthetic and mechanistic research relevant to pharmaceutical drug development.
Synthesized scaffolds of natural products and drug candidates.
Authored a peer-reviewed publication and delivered oral and poster presentations at local and national scientific conferences.
Interpreted complex datasets and primary literature to construct evidence-based scientific narratives.Undergraduate Student Researcher | University of California, Davis, CA | 2015 – 2017
UC Davis Center for Neuroscience, Department of Neurological Surgery
Conducted antibody-based analyses (NeuN) and stereological quantification in models of traumatic brain injury and epilepsy with a methodical approach.
Quantified several populations of neurons in key regions of interest, including hippocampus and medial septum.
Gained early exposure to neurology, neuroinflammation, and clinical translational research concepts.EDUCATION
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D. & M.S.), Organic Chemistry - University of Michigan-Ann Arbor 2019 – 2024
Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Biochemistry & Molecular Biology - Univ. of California-Davis 2013 – 2018MEDICAL AFFAIRS CORE COMPETENCIES, SKILLS, & EXPERTISEEmotionally Intelligent | Relationship Building | Scientific Communication | Interpersonal Skills | KOL Engagement (Emerging) | Oncology | Clinical Operations | Scientific Liaison & Medical Affairs Support | Field Medical Engagement | KOL & HCP Relationship Development | Scientific Exchange & Storytelling | Clinical Trial & Investigator Support | Medical Insights Generation | Cross-Functional Collaboration | GCP / GxP Compliance | PhRMA Guidelines | Territory Planning & Ownership | CRM & Documentation Discipline | Digital & Virtual Engagement | Autonomy | Listener | Integrity | Finesse | Trainable | INFJSELECTED PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONSCulberson, M.; Dong, S.; Wolfe, J.P.* Organic Letters. 2025, 27, 24, 6445 - 6448
Gilead Sciences, Site Insights & Feasibility Intelligence in Clinical Operations, Oral Presentation, 2023
Merck Symposium, Drug Candidate Synthesis, Poster Presentation, 2022
Yale Bouchet Honor Society Conference, Drug Candidate Synthesis, Oral Presentation, 2022
Nickerson, L.; Culberson, M.; et. al., Shaw, J.T.* Chemical Science 2020, 11, 494 - 498.LEADERSHIP, COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT, AND PROFESSIONAL AFFILICATIONSMedical Science Liaison Society (MSLS) – Member 2025
Sigma Xi Scientific Research Honor Society – Member 2025
Treasurer, National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists & Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE) (2020 – 2021)
Student Liaison, University of Michigan Department of Chemistry Faculty Committee (2020 – 2022)
Intern, UC Davis Medical School Internship: Emergency Department, Sacramento, CA. (2015 – 2015)
Volunteer, UCDMS Student Run Health Clinic: Imani Clinic, Sacramento, CA. (2015 – 2015)
Volunteer, Kaiser Permanente: Emergency Department, Sacramento, CA. (2013 – 2013)SELECTED AWARDS, HONORS, & CERTIFICATESIsabella & Jerome Karle Symposium Poster Award: 2022 ($500)
Rackham Merit Fellowship (2019–2024)
Awarded & managed $200K+ in scholarships, awards, & fellowships.
MSL Mastery Readiness Assessment: Ready to Launch 12/2025
FSTP Certificate of MSL Interview Exam (100% Pass) 12/2025
FSTP Certificate of MSL Soft Skills & Emotional Intelligence Capability 12/2025
Dec. 20, 2025I hold a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan and bring a combination of clinical operations experience, scientific communication strengths, and regulated-environment documentation expertise that aligns directly with the expectations of an MSL. I understand my field-facing role to simplify complex science data into simple terms, execute relationship building – developing personal relationships that lead into the discussion of medical science, be persuasive in communicating my mission to educate & support clinicians and KOLs, be resilient to change, and be a clear scientific voice for the company. I am confident I will enhance your team and take performance metrics to a higher level, contributing to medical affairs-aligned workflows in field work.My background has prepared me to effectively engage with healthcare providers, communicate scientific and clinical information, and support evidence-based decision-making. During my Clinical Operations internship in Oncology at Gilead Sciences, I supported Phase I clinical studies through inspection-ready documentation, protocol-aligned study tasks, and cross-functional communication with clinical scientists, medical monitors, and regulatory colleagues. This work strengthened my understanding of study endpoints, investigational product handling, safety review processes, and the scientific rationale behind early-phase oncology development. It also reinforced my ability to evaluate scientific literature and synthesize findings clearly—skills essential for scientific exchange. From here, I executed a talk on my main project, Site Insights & Feasibility Intelligence (SiFi) in Clinical Operations, to the entire Oncology Division at Gilead.In parallel, my teaching experience across various universities and colleges (Spelman, Emory, UMich, UC Davis) equipped me with a strong foundation in scientific communication. I have taught and mentored more than a thousand students, developing the ability to translate complex biomedical, mechanistic, and chemistry concepts for audiences with varying levels of expertise through superb presentation skills. This mirrors the communication expectations central to effective KOL engagement. As a researcher, I developed palladium-catalyzed heterocycle synthesis methodologies relevant to drug-scaffold development and routinely communicated data through presentations, reports, and peer dialogue. I am comfortable interpreting primary literature, building scientific narratives, and discussing mechanistic or translational implications—core competencies of an MSL. I am independently self-driven to fulfill projects building and self-organized to schedule and territory plan. I will be good with expense reports, company insights, and paperwork to report insights to medical and commercial teams.I am excited about the opportunity to bring my scientific training, clinical exposure, and communication abilities to your Medical Affairs team. I would welcome the chance to discuss how I can support your organization through being a scientific ambassador to physicians, researchers, and KOLs. If you desire to have someone on your team that you can trust and count on to get a job done, you will not regret making me an addition. I will be a great bridge!Matthew R. Culberson, Ph.D.