Senior Medical Writer

DNA; London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job description

dna Communications is an integrated medical communications agency. Part of the IPG DXTRA Healthcare ecosystem, the dna Communications Medical Education team offers clients high-level insights into the ever-changing commercial landscape through strategic, medical educational, behavioural change and engagement programmes.

They pride themselves on their supportive team-led culture with a strong focus on work/life balance, team collaboration and proactive development and training for progression.

A SNAPSHOT OF THE ROLE

dna Communications Senior Medical Writers (SMWs) are able to independently provide content development for the writing team, whose goal it is to communicate science and medicine to support pharma, biotech, patient groups, etc. via activities surrounding their medicine/device/disease area. Ultimately dna's goal is to support communications to improve health, in line with specific client needs, while maintaining a high ethical standard and adhering to industry regulations and guidelines.

SMWs will have an overview of the whole account, utilising their established communications skills to independently pursue a variety of medical and scientific communication outputs, while providing direction, support and coaching of junior members.

SMWs therefore must possess strong planning and strategic thinking skills, as well as be able to proactively challenge and contribute towards client handling activities. Excellent industry knowledge will facilitate a strong ability to write high-quality documents with appropriate tone and information that will resonate with the target audience and help ensure the highest standards for all client deliverables. Experience in rare disease and gene therapy will be a bonus.

Our SMWs are team players who exhibit professional conduct at all times both internally and externally, as well as a clear commitment to the dna core values, outlined below.

WHAT WILL YOU BE DOING?

Scientific Content Responsibilities

• Able to independently develop high-quality scientific copy for a variety of different writing outputs, from slide decks to congress posters, to website content to newsletters to manuscripts, with appropriate tone and message tailoring for different audiences.
• Able to independently develop content for projects across different therapeutic areas: owning and shaping medical narratives across therapy areas.
• Able to facilitate meetings and present scientific materials to external and client audiences.
• Supporting new business and pitching.
• Has excellent attention to detail and is able to reliably proof documents for accuracy and consistency.
• Able to lead on scientific content discussion and development in face-to-face and teleconference/Webex forums.
• Able to implement best practice in communication and publication guidelines (GPP3, CONSORT, ICMJE) in all writings.
• Effectively prioritises their own actions and takes responsibility for delivering these to a high standard and on time.
• Collaborates with account leads to define content vision aligned with client objectives.
• Is able to multi-task and copes well under pressure.
• Able to implement guidance from ABPI, PMCPA and EFPIA codes of practice in writings and projects.
• Continues to develop an understanding of the NHS and major European health systems plus relevant global agencies (for example the World Health Organization [WHO]).
• Provides guidance, input and feedback to all team members on client-related work.
• Provides support and coaching to junior members of the team whenever possible, taking time to explain and help develop written and verbal skills.

Agency Responsibilities

• Is capable of the day-to-day management of tactics/projects within a client programme.
• Provides clear and accurate project briefs and delegates workload appropriately (e.g., to designers and other support teams).
• Is proficient in preparing and reviewing key materials and client correspondence, as well as contributing to more complex materials such as new business proposals.
• Is able to adhere to project plans and reports on progress to the team lead; works with the team lead to ensure he/she understands client objectives and deadlines.
• Demonstrates a clear understanding of the disciplines across the communications spectrum, with a focus on medical education.
• Becomes a trusted adviser to the clients.
• Ensures that time sheets are completed in an accurate and timely basis.
• Proactively contributes to staff and other internal meetings.
• Proactively communicates with the team to ensure they are updated on work in progress and briefed when having difficulty achieving required results.
• Able to provide feedback on budgets/cost estimates and scopes of work developed by the account team, feeding back regarding timelines, allotted hours and the split of work.

Scientific Content Development

• Able to lead content strategy.
• Able to translate a client brief into a concrete writing plan.
• Demonstrates a strong understanding of therapy areas, market dynamics, and HCP engagement.
• Shares key developments in the therapeutic fields of interest with the dna team and able to lead scientific discussions within the dna team.
• Able to synthesise strategically relevant and accurate reports on scientific and medical advances presented at congresses.
• Demonstrates an ability to manage junior colleagues as well as upwardly-manage to make best possible use of time and expertise.
• Independently plans ahead to ensure project-critical resources plus key staff (internal and external) are available when needed to ensure timely delivery of all projects.
• Understands the strategic overview of their account(s) and is able to contribute to strategic planning events.

Preferred experience and qualifications

• 3 – 5 years’ experience in medical writing.
• A strong science or medical background.
• A postgraduate degree such as a MSc or PhD.

OUR VALUES & EXPECTED BEHAVIOURS

Ownership
Taking accountability for any allocated account deliverables and for excellent client service. Taking responsibility for personal development and taking advantage of the learning opportunities provided.

Partnership
Partnering with colleagues to deliver excellent work in a collegial and collaborative culture. Speaking up and sharing perspectives to help the agency provide a fun and inclusive working environment.

Understanding the agency business model and how the work of the Associate enables the business to function. Managing and reporting costs accurately and supporting the financial hygiene of accounts.

Proactively increasing understanding of the broader healthcare environment, relevant therapy areas and clients’ business, environment and priorities.

Determination
Understanding the underlying purpose behind actions and ensuring that objectives are met and deliverables are completed on time. Applying initiative and problem-solving skills to identify solutions to overcome barriers.

Integrity
Following all appropriate company and client policies and upholding the highest ethical standards. Speaking up and encouraging others to voice their opinions.

Fun
Contributing to a team environment that is fun, social and non-judgemental. Sharing perspectives, opinions and experiences to help the agency to provide the most fun environment possible for the whole team.

ANYTHING ELSE?

We are based in London with a very modern office space in Liverpool Street, which boasts a roof terrace (with some pretty awesome views!), a spacious design and plenty of office perks!

What’s in it for you:

• 25 days annual leave + Birthday & xmas period off.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Health cash plan.
• Group life assurance.
• Group income protection.
• Flexible life insurance.
• Critical illness insurance.
• Buy & Sell Holiday.
• Travel Insurance.
• Private medical.

NOTE FROM THE TALENT TEAM

We appreciate the time taken to apply for the role and your recent interest in dna Communications. We will review all applications within five working days and be in touch with those who have been shortlisted to the next stage. Unfortunately, due to volume, we are not able to get back to everyone individually so if you have not heard back from us, unfortunately, you have not been successful on this occasion and wish you all the best in your search.