Scientific Director

Cactus Communications; Manchester; Remote; GBP 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leaves and public holidays

Wellness support access

Retirement savings plan

Job summary

A leading medical communications firm is seeking a self-motivated Scientific Director to join their scientific services team. This remote-first role requires strong writing skills and leadership ability, alongside a mandate to develop strategic initiatives in scientific communication. Candidates should possess an advanced degree and relevant experience in the biopharma industry. Join a firm committed to innovation and patient outcomes.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of core writing experience and 3+ years as a Medical Director or 7+ years of core writing experience and 2+ years as an Associate Medical Director.
• Integrated Scientific Communications experience preferred.
• Experience providing congress support and conducting advisory board meetings is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic scientific communications initiatives.
• Collaborate with clients’ scientific teams for publications.
• Train and mentor junior writers.

Skills

Core writing experience

Attention to detail

Editorial skills

Education

MD, PhD, PharmD or similar advanced degree

Job description

Overview

Cactus Life Sciences partners with the global biopharma industry to drive innovation and elevate patient outcomes through agile, science-driven medical communications. We transform complex data into actionable insights, bridging the critical gaps between research, decision-making, and real-world healthcare impact. We are seeking a self-motivated, strategy-oriented Scientific Director to join our scientific services team. We are a remote-first organization with an "accelerate from anywhere" culture. Travel may be required based on business needs or for company/team events.

Responsibilities

• Work with clients’ Medical Affairs and Scientific Communications teams to develop and execute strategic scientific communications initiatives such as scientific communications platforms, scientific communications plans, and KOL engagement plans.
• Collaborate with clients’ scientific teams to develop and execute publications and medical communication tactics, including manuscripts, abstracts, posters, review articles, symposia decks, literature searches, gap analyses, strategic publication plans, and MSL field materials.
• Own client relationship by partnering with the Account Director to build confidence in the company’s service offerings; ensure compliance and consistency with client SOPs, messaging, and scientific communications objectives; assist with resolution of client concerns.
• Collaborate with in‑house technology and creative teams to build innovative digital solutions for Medical Affairs and Scientific Communications clients.
• Oversee and ensure the quality of scientific communications tactics/deliverables developed by in‑house scientific writers; review deliverables for strategic alignment and scientific accuracy and be accountable for the quality of deliverables sent to the client.
• Develop, manage, and track strategy and tactics in partnership with a cross‑functional team of internal and client stakeholders.
• Train and mentor junior writers; contribute to the skill development of the writing team.
• Participate in client pitches and business development meetings as the scientific lead.
• Ensure organic growth through delivering high‑quality deliverables and maintaining strong client engagement.

Qualifications And Prerequisites

• MD, PhD, PharmD or similar advanced degree required.
• At least 5 years of core writing experience and 3+ years as a Medical Director at a pharmaceutical company, or 7+ years of core writing experience and 2+ years as an Associate Medical Director.
• Integrated Scientific Communications experience preferred, with demonstrated work on both medical communications and publications accounts.
• Demonstrated expertise in developing and executing deliverables for both investigational and mature products.
• Experience across several therapy areas preferred.
• Experience in writing and reviewing deliverables.
• Experience with developing digital content and other deliverables to supplement traditional communications.
• Strong attention to detail and editorial skills.
• Willingness to train and develop junior writers through detailed document reviews and training sessions.
• Experience providing congress support and conducting/facilitating advisory board meetings is a plus.

Benefits of this Role

• Annual leaves, public holidays, and a special day off for your birthday and work anniversary
• Statutory leaves including SSP, maternity and paternity leaves
• Holistic wellness support with access to fitness clubs and sportive activities
• Financial security through life assurance and income protection
• Retirement savings plan with employer contributions

Application Process

Before applying, please ensure you meet the role requirements and have legal authorization to work in the country where this role is advertised. The selection process includes an initial recruiter screening, an interview with the hiring manager, a strategic assessment, and HR interview rounds.

Our hiring practices reflect our commitment to equal opportunities and creating an environment where everyone can thrive, develop, and succeed. We celebrate the uniqueness of our team members and prohibit discrimination of any kind, based on race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or any other protected characteristic.

Accelerating from Anywhere

As a remote‑first organization, these are essential attributes we look for in all our candidates.

• Taking ownership of your work with minimal supervision, with strong ability to organize, prioritize, and deliver results independently.
• Documenting work to align teammates and stakeholders.
• Maturity to choose between synchronous and asynchronous collaboration.
• Effectively collaborating with colleagues across different time zones by setting dedicated hours for collaboration and keeping team members updated about your status.

About CACTUS

At Cactus Life Sciences (cactuslifesciences.com), we believe the future of medical communications lies at the intersection of science, technology, and human connection. Headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey, with teams in Switzerland, the United Kingdom, India, and Japan, we help biopharmaceutical organizations redefine scientific exchange—leveraging AI, automation, and innovation while keeping patients at the heart of everything we do.

Our expertise spans medical strategy, scientific content development, and medical education across therapeutic areas and the product lifecycle. By blending scientific rigor, agile operational models, and future-ready technologies, we partner with medical affairs teams to catalyze their transformation, adapt to a changing landscape, and drive meaningful outcomes for healthcare communities worldwide.

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