Company: Oxygen 8 Recruitment
Location: London
Posted: May 5th, 2026
This is a mid-sized, independent agency that has managed to maintain a culture of genuine collaboration while successfully competing with the global networks for high-tier pharmaceutical business.
They are currently looking for a Scientific Services Director who wants to be a "big fish in a medium pond" someone who is tired of the red tape of giant networks and wants to actually influence the direction of an agency and its accounts.
As the Scientific Services Director, you will be the most senior scientific voice within the agency. You won't be tucked away in a back room checking references; you will be front and center with clients, acting as a high-level strategic consultant. Our client needs someone who can look at a complex clinical data set and immediately see the narrative that will resonate with global healthcare professionals.
You will lead a talented, tight‑knit team of writers and scientific advisors. Because of the agency's size, your impact here will be visible every day. You’ll be responsible for the quality of the scientific output across the board, but you’ll also be a mentor, helping your team grow their own strategic wings. You will also work hand‑in‑hand with the agency’s founders and the Client Services Director to lead pitches and ensure that the science is always at the heart of their business development efforts.
We are looking for someone who still loves the science but is ready for the responsibility of leadership. You likely have a PhD or PharmD and have spent a significant portion of your career within a MedComms agency. You should be at a point where you are comfortable navigating the "grey areas" of medical strategy and can provide a calm, authoritative voice for clients when they are facing a challenging launch or a difficult regulatory hurdle.
The ideal candidate is someone who values autonomy. In a mid‑sized environment, there is nowhere to hide, but there is also no limit to how much you can contribute. You should be someone who enjoys the "human" side of agency life building relationships, developing talent, and being part of a team that actually enjoys working together.
Our client offers a refreshing alternative to the "churn" of the larger networks. They have a very high staff retention rate, largely because they allow their senior leaders the freedom to run their accounts without constant micro‑management.
They offer a highly competitive salary, but more importantly, they offer a seat at the table. You will have a genuine say in how the agency evolves over the next few years. Alongside a comprehensive benefits package including flexible hybrid working, private healthcare, and a very generous bonus structure you’ll be joining a group of people who are genuinely passionate about delivering life‑changing medical education.
If you are a Scientific Director looking for a step up, or an established SSD looking for a more entrepreneurial and less corporate environment, we would love to chat. This is a confidential search handled exclusively by Oxygen 8 Recruitment.
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