At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead scientific content development and manage a talented writing team.
- Company: Join a globally recognised healthcare communications agency making a real impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, private medical insurance, and generous holiday allowance.
- Why this job: Shape strategic direction while mentoring others in a culture that values learning and inclusion.
- Qualifications: Minimum 6 years' medical writing experience and a degree in life sciences required.
- Other info: Opportunity to contribute to diversity initiatives and internal knowledge-sharing.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Summary
Are you an experienced senior / principal medical writer with a passion for mentoring, strategy and scientific storytelling? We’re supporting a globally recognised healthcare communications agency in their search for a Principal Medical Writer. This is a fantastic opportunity to lead delivery on major accounts, shape strategic direction , and support the development of a talented medical writing team.
Everything you need to know about the role
As a Principal Medical Writer you’ll take a leading role across content development, client consultancy, and team management. You’ll ensure scientific excellence in all deliverables, build trusted partnerships with clients and medical experts and serve as a senior editorial voice within the agency.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading delivery of high-quality scientific content across therapy areas, aligned to client strategy and industry standards.
- Acting as a strategic scientific partner across accounts, advising clients with confidence and depth.
- Providing senior-level review and oversight of writing teams, delivering feedback and ensuring consistency across projects.
- Owning key client relationships, leading discussions and scientific input at client meetings and events.
- Managing multiple complex projects, with a strong grasp of timelines, budgets, resourcing and quality control.
- Supporting the professional growth of your team through line management, coaching, and tailored development opportunities.
- Sharing insights on industry trends, therapeutic developments and new innovations with the wider team.
Experience and qualities that make you a strong fit
- A minimum 6 years’ medical writing experience in a medical communications agency
- Strong scientific background – minimum degree in life sciences (MSc or PhD advantageous).
- In-depth knowledge of medical communications, including publication planning and strategy.
- Confident working with senior client stakeholders
- Demonstrated experience mentoring, line managing or developing junior team members.
- Proactive and solutions-focused with strong time management
- Comfortable navigating pharmaceutical compliance and adapting to complex project needs
What’s on offer?
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, including private medical insurance (covering family), income protection, and critical illness cover.
- Annual wellness benefit, hybrid working (3 days in the London office, 2 WFH), and generous holiday allowance of 25 days plus bank holidays, rising with tenure.
- A culture that values learning and inclusion – including a full week per year dedicated to training and development
- Opportunities to contribute to diversity & inclusion, CSR, and internal knowledge-sharing initiative
Could this be the role for you?
If you\’re ready to step into a principal medical writing role where you can have real strategic impact in a team that supports both personal growth and meaningful healthcare communications – I’d love to hear from you. Please apply below or send your CV and a brief cover letter to
Principal Medical Writer employer: Carrot Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Carrot Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Medical Writer
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the medical writing field, especially those who work in healthcare communications. Attend industry conferences or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and clients, as personal connections can often lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your mentoring experience by discussing specific instances where you've guided junior writers or contributed to team development. This will highlight your leadership skills, which are crucial for the Principal Medical Writer role.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the latest trends in medical communications and therapeutic developments. Being knowledgeable about current industry standards will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience managing complex projects, including how you handle timelines, budgets, and quality control. Providing concrete examples will show that you have the necessary skills to excel in this role.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Medical Writer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in medical writing, particularly any leadership roles or mentoring experiences. Emphasise your scientific background and any specific projects that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for scientific storytelling and mentoring. Discuss how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities of the role, such as leading content development and managing client relationships.
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking: Demonstrate your ability to act as a strategic partner by providing examples of how you've advised clients in the past. Highlight your understanding of industry standards and how you ensure scientific excellence in your work.
Highlight Team Management Skills: Since the role involves supporting the professional growth of a team, include specific examples of how you've mentored or developed junior team members. This will show your capability in line management and coaching.
How to prepare for a job interview at Carrot Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Scientific Expertise
As a Principal Medical Writer, you'll need to demonstrate your strong scientific background. Be prepared to discuss your qualifications, such as your degree in life sciences, and any relevant experience that showcases your understanding of medical communications and publication planning.
✨Highlight Your Mentoring Experience
Since the role involves supporting the professional growth of your team, share specific examples of how you've mentored or developed junior team members in the past. This will show your capability in line management and your commitment to fostering talent.
✨Prepare for Client Interaction Scenarios
You'll be acting as a strategic partner for clients, so think about potential client scenarios you might face. Prepare to discuss how you would handle client meetings, provide scientific input, and build trusted relationships with stakeholders.
✨Demonstrate Your Project Management Skills
Managing multiple complex projects is key in this role. Be ready to talk about your experience with timelines, budgets, and quality control. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've successfully navigated these challenges in previous positions.