Senior Medical Writer

Senior Medical Writer

Full-Time 50000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Cactus Life Sciences

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Create impactful medical content and collaborate with global pharma clients.
  • Company: Join a leading life sciences firm driving innovation in medical communications.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive leave, wellness support, and retirement savings plans.
  • Other info: Dynamic hybrid work model with opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in healthcare while working with cutting-edge AI technology.
  • Qualifications: Bilingual German-English proficiency and a PhD or Master's in life sciences required.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.

Cactus Life Sciences partners with the global biopharma industry to drive innovation and elevate patient outcomes through agile, science-driven medical communications. We transform complex data into actionable insights, bridging the critical gaps between research, decision-making, and real-world healthcare impact.

This role operates on a hybrid model, with one day per month in our Cheadle (Manchester) office.

Job Responsibilities

  • Take ownership for developing (write, review, proofread, and data-check) high-quality, client-ready scientific and medical materials like manuscripts, abstracts, posters, congress and meetings materials, and literature searches and reviews according to client and audience needs with excellent attention to detail.
  • Actively involve in reviewing materials developed by scientific writers to ensure strategic alignment and scientific accuracy as needed and provide clear constructive feedback, support, and supervision to writers.
  • Develop a deep understanding of product/accounts to enable meaningful interactions with clients and authors, including consultancy where necessary.
  • Build and maintain long-standing relationships with international pharma clients, healthcare professionals, and key stakeholders like authors, reviewers and KOLs across therapeutic areas, while anticipating their needs and providing strategic guidance to improve scientific content and data dissemination.
  • Effectively and proactively communicate with team members, authors/faculty, clients and vendors.
  • Apply your scientific and creative knowledge and work closely with client directors on developing effective medical communications initiatives in the digital space, including publication extenders, creation of infographics, interactive assets, website content, patient narratives, and medical information engagement plans.
  • Support the creation of visual content through effective data visualization techniques and contribute to innovative “out of the box” solutions for medical writing projects.
  • Ensure all materials align with client requirements, style guides, templates, preferences, and CACTUS internal SOPs, updating documents consistently to keep all content current and compliant.
  • Perform as a document specialist, provide intellectual input across document types, and contribute to making cutting-edge research accessible to specific audiences as appropriate, by maintaining current awareness of developments across therapeutic areas or disciplines.
  • Support with pitches, both during the preparation phase and the actual pitch.
  • Attend workshops/seminars/training to hone your skills and contribute to organizational objectives.
  • Attend client and other external meetings and support senior team members as needed.

Qualifications and Prerequisites

  • Must have bilingual German–English proficiency at a native or near-native level, with strong scientific writing skills.
  • PhD in medical, life or health sciences, or pharmacy or Masters degree in life sciences.
  • At least 3 years’ experience as a medical writer within the pharmaceutical industry, ideally within a medical communications agency.
  • Clear, concise, scientific style of writing, with a high level of attention to detail and excellent language skills.
  • Literature reviewing and evaluation capabilities.
  • Ability to adapt writing style to different materials and target audiences.
  • Basic knowledge of biostatistics.
  • Ability to multi-task and work under tight timelines.

Benefits of the role

  • Annual leaves and public holidays.
  • Statutory leaves including SSP, maternity and paternity leaves.
  • Holistic wellness support with access to fitness club and sportive activities.
  • Financial security through life assurance and income protection.
  • Retirement savings plan with employer contributions.

Application Process

Before applying, please ensure you meet the role requirements listed above and have legal authorization to work in the country where this role is advertised. Our selection process includes two Technical Interviews with the hiring manager and peers, followed by a Technical Assessment, where candidates will have agreed upon timeline to complete the task. The final round will be the HR Interview. All interactions will be conducted virtually via MS Teams.

AI at Cactus Life Sciences

The life sciences industry is undergoing a fundamental shift in how scientific knowledge is created, communicated, and delivered. We are building our work around it. AI is embedded meaningfully across everything we do, through proprietary platforms purpose-built for life sciences and generative tools that deliver measurable value to our clients. It is core to how we operate, and an expected way of working for everyone who joins us. We believe in Human-Anchored AI™: whatever your discipline - science, communications, strategy, or operations, you will work in an environment where AI augments your expertise rather than replaces it. You will build skills that are in genuine demand and still taking shape across the industry. If you are curious and focused on building capabilities for the world where human intelligence meets artificial intelligence, this is where you belong.

Equal Opportunity

Our hiring practices reflect our commitment to providing equal opportunities and creating an environment where everyone can thrive, develop, and succeed. We celebrate the uniqueness of our team members and prohibit discrimination of any kind, based on race, colour, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or any other protected characteristic.

About Us

At Cactus Life Sciences (cactuslifesciences.com), we believe the future of medical communications lies at the intersection of science, technology, and human connection. Headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey, with teams in Switzerland, the United Kingdom, India, and Japan, we help biopharmaceutical organizations redefine scientific exchange—leveraging AI, automation, and innovation while keeping patients at the heart of everything we do. Our expertise spans medical strategy, scientific content development, and medical education across therapeutic areas and the product lifecycle. By blending scientific rigor, agile operational models, and future-ready technologies, we partner with medical affairs teams to catalyze their transformation, adapt to a changing landscape, and drive meaningful outcomes for healthcare communities worldwide.

Senior Medical Writer employer: Cactus Life Sciences

Cactus Life Sciences is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, where employees are empowered to drive meaningful change in the biopharma industry. With a hybrid working model based in Cheadle, Manchester, team members enjoy a supportive environment that prioritises professional growth through continuous training and wellness initiatives, alongside competitive benefits such as retirement savings plans and life assurance. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that values your expertise and encourages you to thrive at the intersection of science and technology.

Cactus Life Sciences

Contact Details:

Cactus Life Sciences Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Medical Writer

Get Involved in Local Research Communities

Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!

Leverage University Alumni Networks

If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like Cactus Life Sciences. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!

Show Off Your Projects

Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!

Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends

Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like Cactus Life Sciences!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Medical Writer

Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Organizational Skills
Compassion
Flexibility
Teamwork
Adaptability

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show Cactus Life Sciences that you have the hands-on skills they need.

Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at Cactus Life Sciences.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that Cactus Life Sciences does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.

Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.

How to prepare for a job interview at Cactus Life Sciences

Brush Up on Lab Techniques

Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at Cactus Life Sciences. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.

Know Your Bioinformatics Tools

Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.

Show Your Teamwork Skills

Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into Cactus Life Sciences's culture.

Research Recent Biotech Innovations

Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at Cactus Life Sciences. This shows your passion for the industry!