Role: Associate Scientific Director
Location: UK (remote or hybrid from a London office)
Contract Type: Permanent
Start Date: ASAP
The Opportunity –
This is an exciting opportunity to join a thriving and collaborative medical communications agency with a strong reputation for delivering scientifically robust, strategically driven programmes across global pharmaceutical accounts.
As a senior member of the scientific team, you will play a key role in shaping scientific strategy, leading high-impact client engagements, and contributing to the continued growth and development of the editorial division.
You will work across a diverse portfolio of medical communications activities, including congress activities, advisory boards, training programmes, websites, digital applications, and omnichannel initiatives.
The agency offers a highly supportive and sociable team culture, alongside intensive on-the-job coaching, structured development opportunities, and clear progression pathways. This is an environment where individuals are encouraged to take ownership, build strategic influence, and further develop their leadership capabilities.
Role & Responsibilities –
Scientific Leadership
- Provide senior scientific counsel across accounts, supporting and challenging scientific strategy where appropriate
- Lead scientific discussions with clients and act as a trusted strategic advisor
- Develop high-quality, scientifically rigorous, and strategically aligned materials across multiple deliverables
- Build a deep understanding of assigned brands, therapy areas, competitors, and market landscapes
Team Leadership and Development
- Mentor, support, and oversee junior members of the scientific and editorial teams
- Contribute to recruitment and resourcing decisions to support continued business growth
- Work with leadership teams to develop performance plans and support team progression
- Promote best practice and foster a collaborative, high-performing scientific culture
Project and Account Oversight
- Ensure the delivery of high-quality outputs that are on-brief, strategically aligned, and meet client expectations
- Implement and optimise team processes that support quality, efficiency, and consistency
- Collaborate cross-functionally with client services, creative, and commercial teams
- Maintain awareness of industry regulations, guidelines, and compliance standards
Strategic and Commercial Contribution
- Support new business activities, proposals, and pitch presentations
- Contribute scientific expertise to strategic programme development for new and existing clients
- Proactively identify business opportunities through therapy area research and pipeline awareness
- Help educate internal teams on how scientific strategy enhances client delivery and account growth
Requirements –
- Degree in a life science (PhD or MSc desirable)
- Significant experience within a medical communications agency environment
- Strong scientific knowledge and strategic thinking capability
- Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
- Experience leading scientific discussions with clients and cross-functional teams
- High level of initiative, motivation, and organisational ability
- Understanding of industry guidelines and best practice within medical communications
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