Senior Scientific Director

JR United Kingdom; Bradford; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A global medical communications agency is seeking a Senior Scientific Director to lead teams and drive strategic initiatives. This role demands expertise in multiple therapeutic areas and the ability to cultivate strong client relationships. You'll be responsible for managing projects and guiding the development of scientific strategies while overseeing recruitment and team development.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in medical communications industry.
• Proven ability to lead and influence high-performing teams.
• In-depth understanding of pharmaceutical industry standards and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead scientific services team to success and manage complex projects.
• Provide high-level scientific and strategic guidance to clients.
• Oversee recruitment, training, and development of team members.

Skills

Leadership

Scientific writing

Client management

Strategic counsel

Education

PhD, MD, PharmD, or equivalent

Job description

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We are currently recruiting for a Senior Scientific Director to join a global medical communications agency. This individual will demonstrate the ability to lead high-performing teams and play a vital role within the leadership group of the scientific services department. They are a recognized expert in a variety of therapeutic fields, yet remain committed to expanding their knowledge into new and emerging areas. This person excels at building strong relationships with clients, offering high-level scientific, editorial, and strategic guidance. Additionally, they hold a range of operational responsibilities, including mentoring and training team members, managing financial aspects, and overseeing recruitment and resourcing.

They also contribute significantly to the development and leadership of scientific strategies for new business opportunities. Well-respected across the organization, they are frequently called upon for their expertise and advice.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities:

No two days are alike in this dynamic role, where the Senior Scientific Director is actively involved in leading the scientific services team to success. Typical responsibilities include:

Client Management:

• Manages a variety of complex projects and demonstrates deep knowledge in multiple therapeutic areas.
• Acts as the Scientific Lead on designated accounts, overseeing the delivery of high-quality medical communication materials, including slide decks, digital content, publications, abstracts, posters, and meeting summaries.
• Cultivates and maintains strong relationships with both new and existing clients, as well as relevant medical experts.
• Provides high-level scientific, editorial, and strategic counsel to clients.
• Leads scientific discussions in client meetings and facilitates engagement with external experts on scientific and medical topics.
• Organizes and leads client workshops and thought leadership discussions with healthcare professionals (HCPs).
• Ensures that team deliverables align with clients’ strategic goals and objectives by effectively communicating and delegating briefs.
• Reviews the content developed by the scientific team to maintain high editorial standards.
• Collaborates with Client Services leadership to ensure smooth project execution, including strategic planning, timeline creation, account management, and resource planning.

Scientific Knowledge:

• Develops and maintains expert knowledge in specific therapeutic areas.
• Stays updated on the latest developments within the medical communications field.
• Provides regular updates on product advancements, medical and regulatory milestones, competitor activities, and broader healthcare industry trends.
• Adopts a forward-thinking approach, constantly generating fresh ideas and insights for clients.

New Business Development:

• Identifies opportunities for organic growth within existing accounts and supports new business initiatives.
• Provides direction on potential new business opportunities.
• Leads the strategic and scientific aspects of business proposals and pitch strategies.
• Ensures accurate research and appropriate tactics for proposal development.
• Coordinates with relevant departments and personnel across the organization.
• Leads the scientific services team to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.
• Partners with Client Services leadership on financial aspects, including forecasting, budget management, and resource allocation, ensuring financial accuracy.
• Consistently meets billability targets and ensures that team members do the same.
• Ensures accurate and timely submission of timesheets for themselves and their team.

People Management:

• Provides operational and scientific leadership to the account team and the broader scientific services group.
• Oversees the recruitment, training, and development of team members within the scientific services department.
• Actively manages the career development of direct reports, regularly reviewing goals and objectives.
• Provides actionable and constructive feedback to team members at various levels.
• Coaches and mentors the team to foster career growth and development.
• Proactively manages team and individual performance, including training and supporting junior writers.
• Cultivates strong relationships with senior leadership, keeping them informed on key account activities.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced degree (PhD, MD, PharmD, or equivalent).
• Extensive experience in the medical communications industry.
• Proven ability to lead and influence high-performing teams.
• Exceptional scientific writing skills with experience across various therapeutic areas and different target audiences.
• In-depth understanding of pharmaceutical industry standards and regulatory compliance.