Prinicpal Medical Writer

MEDIA CONTACTS; London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare communications agency in London is seeking a Principal Medical Writer to lead the creation of scientific content. This role involves collaboration with various teams and mentorship of junior writers. A degree in life sciences and experience in a medical communications agency are essential. The agency promotes a flexible, hybrid working environment with opportunities for development and social engagement.

Benefits

Flexible working environment

Supportive development structure

Engaging social calendar

Opportunities for pro bono work

Qualifications

• Experience in a medical communications agency, ideally at SMW level.
• Strong scientific background required.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Adaptability to new therapy areas and projects.
• A passion for healthcare communications.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of scientific content across various materials.
• Review and edit work produced by other writers.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Support new business development with proposals and pitches.

Education

Degree in life sciences

Job description

After an exciting rebrand, this integrated healthcare communications agency is looking for a Principal Medical Writer to join their medical communications team. The agency has experienced significant growth, including moving into new offices on the River Thames with its sister agencies, expanding its US presence, and investing in new talent. Their capabilities cover medical affairs, commercial & marketing, market access & HEOR, clinical trials, communications, advocacy, and PR.

If you have solid healthcare agency experience and want to work at the forefront of life-changing communications, this is a perfect opportunity.

(N.B. The company operates hybrid working, with 3 days in their London office. They offer flexibility around core hours to support work-life balance.)

The Principal Medical Writer

1. Lead the development and delivery of high-quality scientific content across various materials (e.g., manuscripts, slide decks, meeting materials, MSL resources, digital content). Provide strategic and scientific leadership, ensuring content aligns with client objectives and therapy area developments.
2. Review and edit work produced by other writers, offering guidance and mentoring to support their development.
3. Collaborate with internal teams (client services, editorial, design) and external stakeholders (clients, authors, KOLs) to ensure timely and accurate project delivery.
4. Support new business development by assisting with proposals, pitches, and providing scientific insights during client meetings.

Requirements

• Experience in a medical communications agency, ideally up to at least SMW level.
• Strong scientific background, educated to a minimum degree level in life sciences.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Adaptability to new therapy areas, projects, and accounts.
• A passion for healthcare and making a difference through communications.

What you will get in return

• A flexible agency environment with no pressure to be in the office, though access to a vibrant central London office if desired.
• Supportive development structure with two line managers and a mentor.
• An engaging social calendar, including events like wine & cheese nights and Halloween parties.
• Opportunities to participate in electives such as pro bono work, volunteering, social committees, and DE&I initiatives.
• Work across diverse therapy areas including diabetes, obesity, gastroenterology, Alzheimer’s, women’s health, cardiovascular, vaccines, neurology, and rare diseases.