Principal Medical Writer

Albion Rye Associates; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading medical communications agency in the UK is seeking a Principal Medical Writer to lead scientific content development across oncology and rare diseases. This senior role offers a balance of hands-on writing and strategic leadership, aiming to shape communication strategies while mentoring junior team members. The ideal candidate will have over 6 years of experience and a strong understanding of medical affairs and publication standards. A competitive salary, benefits package, and professional development opportunities are offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Healthcare

Pension

Flexible working

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• 6+ years’ experience in medical writing within a medical communications agency or equivalent.
• Proven track record in medical affairs and publications deliverables.
• Deep understanding of publication standards and medical communications guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of scientific deliverables: manuscripts, abstracts, posters.
• Mentor and support junior writers, ensuring quality standards.
• Ensure compliance with guidelines and internal standards.

Skills

Scientific writing

Project management

Client-facing communication

Mentorship

Oncology expertise

Education

Bachelor’s degree in life sciences

PhD preferred

Job description

Principal Medical Writer

Location: UK (remote / hybrid options available)

I'm currently working with several strong independent agencies looking for Principal Medical Writers. These roles can either be Medical Affairs focused or Medical Affairs and Publications focused. This is an exciting opportunity to lead projects, shape strategy, and mentor junior writers while working across high-impact therapy areas, in oncology and rare diseases.

Role Overview

As a Principal Medical Writer, you will be responsible for leading the development of scientific content across the product lifecycle. This will include publications (abstracts, manuscripts, posters), medical education and training materials, symposia and advisory board content, HCP resources, and digital tools. You will collaborate closely with internal teams, clients, and external experts to deliver compelling communications that are accurate, compliant, and strategically aligned.

This is a senior role with a strong balance of hands-on writing and strategic leadership, with opportunities to shape communication strategy, contribute to business growth, and act as a trusted scientific partner.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead development of scientific deliverables: manuscripts, abstracts, posters, slide decks, training modules, symposia content, disease awareness campaigns, and digital resources.
• Provide oncology expertise and apply rare disease knowledge where relevant.
• Act as a scientific lead on accounts, proactively shaping strategy and messaging.
• Mentor, review, and support junior writers, ensuring standards of quality and consistency.
• Liaise with clients, medics, and thought leaders to gather content and incorporate feedback.
• Ensure all materials are compliant with guidelines (ICMJE, GPP, ABPI, etc.) and internal standards.
• Contribute to business development through proposals, pitches, and new opportunities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in life sciences (advanced degree or PhD preferred).
• 6+ years’ experience in medical writing within a medical communications agency or equivalent.
• Strong expertise in oncology; rare disease experience highly desirable.
• Proven track record in both medical affairs and publications deliverables.
• Deep understanding of publication standards and medical communications guidelines.
• Excellent scientific writing, client-facing, and project management skills.
• Ability to mentor junior team members and lead large, complex projects.

Whats On Offer

• Opportunity to work across high-impact launches, symposia, medical education programmes, and publications.
• Collaborative environment with exposure to strategic, creative, and digital teams.
• Competitive salary and benefits package (bonus scheme, healthcare, pension, flexible working).
• Professional development and leadership opportunities within a growing team

If you are interested in either of these opportunities, please apply with your CV today, successful applicants will contacted with 48 hours.