Associate Director, Publications & Medical Communications

Apnimed; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Generous time off for vacation

Flexible working environment

Motivated and experienced team

Job summary

Apnimed is seeking an Associate Director, Publications & Medical Communications to support the development and execution of high-impact scientific publications, and to support broader medical communications activities as the Company prepares for the launch of its lead compound, AD109, for the treatment of OSA.

This role is primarily focused on publications — including congress abstracts, posters, oral presentations, and peer-reviewed manuscripts — with additional support to scientific

Qualifications

• 6–8+ years of relevant experience in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry or medical communications agency in medical writing, publication strategy, scientific communications, or Medical Affairs; prior launch experience preferred.
• Demonstrated track record of delivering peer‑reviewed scientific publications – including congress abstracts, posters, oral presentations, manuscripts, and reviews – from concept through drafting, submission, revision, and acceptance.
• Strong scientific writing and editing skills, with demonstrated ability to translate complex clinical data into clear, simple, accurate, and impactful communications.
• Strong scientific and clinical acumen, including biostatistics, with the ability to critically evaluate and communicate complex data using audience-appropriate scientific messages.
• Working knowledge of the standards governing scientific communications and publications (e.g., ISMPP/GPP 2022, ICMJE); familiarity with CONSORT, PRISMA, STROBE, AMA style, and publication impact measurement (e.g., Altmetric), preferred.
• Hands-on experience with publication management software systems, as well as metrics, dashboards and reporting to track milestones and impact.
• Strong project management skills, designing and executing plans to meet timelines and budgets.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• A high level of emotional intelligence and demonstrated ability to build trust and align cross-functional stakeholders in a matrixed, fast -paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and execute with agility, work independently, and ‘roll up one’s sleeves’ to support team members as needed.
• Unimpeached track record of the highest levels of integrity, honesty, and ethics

Responsibilities

• Support the development, maintenance, and execution of the publication strategy and tactical plan for OSA and AD109, including congress abstracts, posters, oral presentations, manuscripts, reviews, and other peer-reviewed deliverables.
• Manage publications from concept through drafting, submission, revision, and acceptance, ensuring scientific accuracy, data integrity, and consistency with industry best practices, including GPP 2022, ISMPP and ICMJE guidance.
• Support external author and key opinion leader engagement, including identification, prioritization, and relationship management of scientific contributors, and contribute to the internal publication committee and related governance forums.
• Support maintenance and continuous improvement of publication processes, policies, governance, and quality standards, including publication management systems and associated metrics and reporting.
• Support development of medical communications deliverables as needed, including scientific communication and messaging platforms, field medical materials, and congress materials, including digital content.
• Support development and execution of innovative scientific communications, including digital and non-traditional dissemination approaches.
• Provide quality oversight of agency partners, support annual scope of work planning, and partner cross-functionally to align scientific communication priorities with medical strategy, evidence generation, congress planning, and launch readiness.

Skills

Medical writing

Publication strategy

Project management

Biostatistics

ISMPP guidelines

Stakeholder management

Education

Advanced degree in health, medical, or biological sciences

CMPP certification preferred

Tools

Publication management software

Metrics dashboards

Job description

Apnimed is a rapidly growing pharmaceutical company focused on transforming the treatment of sleep apnea through innovative, patient-friendly therapies. Our approach is rooted in a simple idea: patients with obstructive sleep apnea may benefit from a safe, effective oral medication taken once daily at bedtime.

Our lead development program targets the neurologic control of upper airway muscles to help maintain an open airway during sleep. Based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Apnimed is advancing a portfolio of novel pharmacologic therapies for sleep apnea and related disorders through cutting-edge science and a commitment to innovation.

Recognized by the Boston Business Journal as one of the Best Places to Work in both 2024 and 2025, we are continuing to grow and build the foundational operations that enable our employees, and our mission, to thrive.

Position Summary

Apnimed is seeking an Associate Director, Publications & Medical Communications to support the development and execution of high-impact scientific publications, and to support broader medical communications activities as the Company prepares for the launch of its lead compound, AD109, for the treatment of OSA. This role is primarily focused on publications — including congress abstracts, posters, oral presentations, and peer-reviewed manuscripts — with additional support to scientific communication platforms, field medical materials, and congress deliverables as needed.

As we build out our Medical Affairs organization, this role is recognized as a key member of the Apnimed Medical Affairs team. Through rigorous scientific assessment and clear scientific writing, this individual will translate complex clinical data into accurate, compliant, and impactful peer-reviewed communications, while serving as a scientific resource across the organization. The ideal candidate will be a true medical “triple threat” demonstrating high levels of scientific excellence, business acumen, and emotional intelligence. Candidates selected to join the Medical Affairs Team will have a profound opportunity to have a major impact on the team, make significant contributions to the organization and ultimately create positive change to those patient populations which we ultimately serve.

This role will report to the Senior Director, Medical Communications and may be based remotely.

Key Job Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Support the development, maintenance, and execution of the publication strategy and tactical plan for OSA and AD109, including congress abstracts, posters, oral presentations, manuscripts, reviews, and other peer-reviewed deliverables.
• Manage publications from concept through drafting, submission, revision, and acceptance, ensuring scientific accuracy, data integrity, and consistency with industry best practices, including GPP 2022, ISMPP and ICMJE guidance.
• Support external author and key opinion leader engagement, including identification, prioritization, and relationship management of scientific contributors, and contribute to the internal publication committee and related governance forums.
• Support maintenance and continuous improvement of publication processes, policies, governance, and quality standards, including publication management systems and associated metrics and reporting.
• Support development of medical communications deliverables as needed, including scientific communication and messaging platforms, field medical materials, and congress materials, including digital content.
• Support development and execution of innovative scientific communications, including digital and non-traditional dissemination approaches.
• Provide quality oversight of agency partners, support annual scope of work planning, and partner cross-functionally to align scientific communication priorities with medical strategy, evidence generation, congress planning, and launch readiness.

Education

• Advanced degree in health, medical, or biological sciences required; doctoral degree strongly preferred (PharmD, PhD, DSc, MD, or equivalent).
• Certified Medical Publication Professional (CMPP) certification preferred.

Work-Related Skills & Experience

• 6–8+ years of relevant experience in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry or medical communications agency in medical writing, publication strategy, scientific communications, or Medical Affairs; prior launch experience preferred.
• Demonstrated track record of delivering peer-reviewed scientific publications – including congress abstracts, posters, oral presentations, manuscripts, and reviews – from concept through drafting, submission, revision, and acceptance.
• Strong scientific writing and editing skills, with demonstrated ability to translate complex clinical data into clear, simple, accurate, and impactful communications.
• Strong scientific and clinical acumen, including biostatistics, with the ability to critically evaluate and communicate complex data using audience-appropriate scientific messages.
• Working knowledge of the standards governing scientific communications and publications (e.g., ISMPP/GPP 2022, ICMJE); familiarity with CONSORT, PRISMA, STROBE, AMA style, and publication impact measurement (e.g., Altmetric), preferred.
• Hands-on experience with publication management software systems, as well as metrics, dashboards and reporting to track milestones and impact.
• Strong project management skills, designing and executing plans to meet timelines and budgets.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• A high level of emotional intelligence and demonstrated ability to build trust and align cross-functional stakeholders in a matrixed, fast -paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and execute with agility, work independently, and ‘roll up one’s sleeves’ to support team members as needed.
• Unimpeached track record of the highest levels of integrity, honesty, and ethics

What Apnimed Offers

• 401(k) with company match
• Generous time off for vacation
• Flexible working environment
• Motivated and experienced team

Location and Other Information

• This is a remote, U.S.-based position. Occasional travel (10%) may be required for team meetings, medical congresses, or company events.
• Apnimed is an EEO employer committed to an exciting, diverse, and enriching work environment.
• Please visit us at www.apnimed.com to learn more about our work with Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

The salary range for this position is $170,000 - $220,000. Final compensation will be determined based on multiple factors and may fall outside of the posted range.