Scientific Lead- Global Medical Communications

ICON; Whitpain Township (PA); Remote; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare intelligence firm is seeking a Scientific Lead for their Global Medical Communications team. This remote role requires advanced medical writing expertise and experience in client engagement. Responsibilities include overseeing scientific content, mentoring junior staff, and contributing to medical communication outputs. Ideal candidates have a PhD or similar advanced degree with substantial experience in medical communications. Competitive benefits are offered.

Benefits

Various annual leave entitlements

Health insurance offerings

Competitive retirement planning

Employee Assistance Programme

Flexible optional benefits

Qualifications

• 4-5 years of experience in a medical communications agency required.
• At least 3 years as a Senior Medical Writer.
• Strong track record of high-quality content development and review.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and approve scientific/clinical content across assigned projects.
• Mentor and support junior writers.
• Contribute to a wide range of medical communication outputs.

Skills

Medical writing expertise

Client engagement

Mentoring skills

Communication skills

Education

Advanced degree (PhD preferred)

Job description

Overview

Scientific Lead (Medical Communications) – Philadelphia, NYC and surrounding areas – REMOTE.

ICON plc is a world-leading healthcare intelligence and clinical research organization. We foster an inclusive environment driving innovation and excellence. We welcome you to join us on our mission to shape the future of clinical development.

Scientific Lead – Global Medical Communications
Location: Homebased role; Philadelphia/Blue Bell/NYC areas highly preferred, but all locations across the US considered.

ICON PLC's Global Medical Communications team is seeking passionate, resilient, and inspiring individuals to join our team. As a Scientific Lead (aka Associate Scientific Director), you’ll combine high-level medical writing expertise with strategic client engagement and leadership responsibilities. This hybrid role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to scientific content while shaping quality standards and mentoring others.

Approximate role breakdown:

• 70% of your time will be devoted to content oversight and quality control
• 25% of your time will be devoted to scientific/medical writing and content-development
• 5% of your time may be devoted to assisting the Senior Scientific Account Lead and/or GMC Senior Leadership with business development

What you’ll do

• Oversee and approve scientific/clinical content across assigned projects, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and compliance with industry standards.
• Mentor and support junior writers while contributing scientific and therapy area insights.
• Partner with account leads and clients to provide strategic input, manage timelines, and maintain quality across deliverables.
• Contribute to a wide range of medical communication outputs including manuscripts, abstracts, posters, slide decks, and scientific platforms.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (editorial, graphics, digital) to deliver impactful work.
• Support new business development opportunities through background research and proposal input.

What you’ll bring

• Advanced degree (PhD preferred; PharmD/MD considered).
• 4–5 years of experience in a medical communications agency required, including at least 3 years as a Senior Medical Writer.
• Strong track record of high-quality content development and review, with proficiency in ICMJE and GPP guidelines.
• Demonstrated interest in mentoring and supporting team development.
• Excellent communication and client relationship skills.
• CMPP/MAPPS certification a plus.

Why join us

At ICON, we believe ongoing development is vital. As a Scientific Lead, you’ll have the chance to grow into broader leadership or strategic roles while working on impactful projects across therapy areas. We offer a competitive benefits package, international scope, and a supportive culture where your success matters.

What ICON can offer you:

Our success depends on the quality of our people. We’ve built a diverse culture that rewards high performance and nurtures talent. In addition to a competitive salary, ICON offers a range of benefits focused on well-being and work-life balance for you and your family.

• Various annual leave entitlements
• A range of health insurance offerings
• Competitive retirement planning offerings
• Global Employee Assistance Programme, LifeWorks, offering 24-hour access to a global network of professionals
• Life assurance
• Flexible country-specific optional benefits

Visit our careers site to read more about the benefits ICON offers.

Inclusion and belonging are fundamental to our culture and values. ICON is committed to providing a workplace free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please let us know.

Interested in the role but unsure if you meet all of the requirements? We encourage you to apply regardless—there’s every chance you’re exactly what we’re looking for at ICON.

Are you a current ICON Employee? Please apply here.