Publications Lead

The Planet Group; Foster City (CA); Remote; USD 131,000 - 141,000; Full time

Job summary

Planet Group is seeking a Publications Lead (Contractor) to support end-to-end scientific publications across therapeutic areas, particularly during high-priority data readouts. The role requires fast onboarding, independent delivery, and flexibility to align with program timelines.

Remote, 6-12 month engagement with cross-functional collaboration across Medical Affairs, Clinical, and HEOR to ensure compliant, high-quality manuscripts, abstracts, posters, and presentations.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in life sciences (PhD/PharmD/MD/MSc) required.
• 5–7+ years of medical publications experience in pharma/biotech.
• Strong knowledge of ICMJE and GPP guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of manuscripts, abstracts, posters, and presentations.
• Manage publication lifecycle from planning through submission and post-publication activities.
• Collaborate with Medical Affairs, Clinical, HEOR and other stakeholders.
• Oversee medical writing agencies and review deliverables for scientific quality.
• Track milestones and maintain publication trackers and calendars.
• Ensure compliance with ICMJE, GPP and internal policies.

Skills

Independent operation

Prioritization

Manage parallel workstreams

Stakeholder communication

Attention to detail

Education

Advanced degree in life sciences

Job description

Publications Lead

Pay: $95- $102.19per hour
Duration:6months
Location:Fully Remote

Overview

The Publications Lead (Contractor) supports the delivery of scientific publications across one or more therapeutic areas during a high-priority period. This role works alongside existing Publications Leads to provide additional leadership, executional support, and flexibility across the portfolio.
The position is suited for an experienced publications professional who can quickly embed within the team, independently manage key deliverables, and flex across priorities as needed to ensure timely, high-quality scientific communication.

Flexible Publication Leadership

• Partner with existing Publications Leads to support delivery of publication plans across priority programs
• Step in to lead specific publications, workstreams, or assets as needed
• Provide additional bandwidth during peak periods (e.g., congress timelines, key data readouts)

End-to-End Publication Execution

• Lead development and execution of manuscripts, abstracts, posters, and presentations
• Manage publication lifecycle from planning through submission and post-publication activities
• Ensure timely delivery of high-quality outputs aligned with agreed timelines
• Track publication milestones and maintain publication trackers and calendars

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Medical Affairs, Clinical, HEOR, and other stakeholders to ensure alignment
• Interface with authors, investigators, and external experts
• Support publication planning discussions and decision-making as needed

Vendor & Project Oversight

• Provide direction to medical writing agencies and review deliverables for scientific quality
• Manage timelines, risks, and competing priorities across multiple deliverables
• Ensure efficient execution across internal teams and external partners

Compliance & Quality

• Ensure all publications adhere to ICMJE, GPP, and internal policies
• Maintain scientific rigor and accuracy across all outputs
• Support audit-ready documentation and adherence to publication processes

Adaptive Support Across the Portfolio

• Flex across therapeutic areas, assets, or deliverables based on evolving business needs
• Pick up in-flight projects or support areas requiring additional focus
• Help maintain continuity and momentum across publication activities

Qualifications

• Advanced degree (PhD, PharmD, MD, or MSc) in life sciences
• 5-7+ years of experience in medical publications within pharma/biotech
• Strong knowledge of publication guidelines (ICMJE, GPP)

Key Skills

• Ability to operate independently with minimal onboarding
• Strong prioritization and ability to manage parallel workstreams
• Comfortable stepping into partially developed projects
• Clear, pragmatic communication with stakeholders in a compliance-driven environment
• Strong quality mindset and attention to detail

Contract Details

• Duration: 6-12 months, potential extension
• Location: Remote
• Therapeutic area: Cell Therapy