At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative medical communications projects and shape scientific narratives that drive real change.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company transforming healthcare communications with a collaborative remote culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, health insurance, flexible remote work, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a genuine impact in healthcare by guiding strategic scientific initiatives and client relationships.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in scientific leadership and strong client engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 70000 £ per year.
We’re looking for a Scientific Director who brings strategic scientific thinking, leadership, and commercial acumen in equal measure. You’ll be the scientific architect behind complex medical communications programmes – from shaping scientific narratives and peer-to-peer scientific exchange platforms to guiding global strategies that actually move the needle for local markets. You’ll guide our internal team and serve as a trusted advisor to clients and our key stakeholders.
This isn’t about churning out slide decks. You’ll diagnose Friction in Pharma® communications cycles, design solutions that pharmaceutical teams didn’t know they needed, and lead high-stakes projects where scientific rigour meets clinical reality. Think scientific narratives that shift HCP perception, P2P programmes that generate genuine scientific exchange, and advisory boards that produce insights rather than box-ticking exercises.
As Scientific Director, you’ll lead flagship medical communications projects while actively driving growth of our med comms vertical – working closely with our Managing Director to expand our footprint with existing clients and convert new business. This means building relationships at Medical Affairs and Clinical Development level, translating client challenges into sellable solutions, and playing a hands-on role in business development.
This is a full-time, remote role (37.5 hours per week) with flexibility built in – designed for someone who thrives on intellectual challenge, enjoys the consultative dance of client relationships, and wants to genuinely transform how healthcare communications is delivered.
Salary And Benefits
- Salary of £62,500 to £66,500 per annum.
- Annual company performance-related bonus (pot shared equally by whole team).
- Company paid private health insurance with Vitality (fully paid by us).
- Pension with 3% contribution if you choose to participate in the scheme (you contribute 5%).
- Individual and team training/self-development budget.
- 25 days holiday per year (3 to be taken between the Christmas and New Year shutdown).
- Additional day off on birthday (so that makes 26 – day in lieu if falls on weekend).
- UK bank holidays.
- Flexible, remote-working team with a virtual 2D office.
- Range of virtual and in-person socials throughout the year.
- Optional working together days within the UK with a contribution to travel expenses.
- Quarterly well-being perk, because you deserve it.
- Personalised monster character.
Key Responsibilities
- Scientific leadership: Overseeing all scientific projects in the med comms vertical, leading RFPs, proposals and scientific direction at a programme and project level where appropriate.
- Providing strategic direction on key med comms projects, including scientific narratives, peer-to-peer programmes, advisory boards, symposia and medical education.
- Providing mentorship and guidance to our highly talented medical communications team comprised of Principal Medical Writers, Senior Medical Writers and Medical Writers.
- Lead the way in patient-first, clinical-centric strategies that shift the needle and reduce friction for global and local teams.
- Strategic client partnership: Be a trusted strategic advisor to clients, spotting opportunities to add value beyond the brief and positioning Word Monster as partner rather than order taker.
- Act as a trusted strategic advisor to clients—proactively identifying opportunities to add value beyond the brief and positioning Word Monster as a true partner in their success, not just a service provider.
- Be comfortable talking assertively with Global Medical Directors and Global Medical Affairs leads, pushing for new thinking and methodologies rather than relying on the old ways.
- Lead client-facing calls and strategic meetings, gathering feedback, identifying organic growth opportunities, and strengthening relationships.
- Provide strategic scientific counsel that helps clients navigate complex challenges.
Scientific Director employer: Lifelancer
Contact Detail:
Lifelancer Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Scientific Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a Scientific Director role. Attend relevant events or webinars where you can meet potential employers and showcase your expertise.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the company’s projects and values. Be ready to discuss how your strategic scientific thinking can help them tackle their challenges. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but the one they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a personalised thank-you note. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them why you’re the perfect fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly. Let’s make it happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Scientific Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Scientific Director role. Highlight your strategic scientific thinking and leadership experience, as well as any relevant medical communications projects you've led. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples that demonstrate how you've successfully navigated complex challenges in medical communications. This will help us understand your impact and potential fit for the role.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who thrives on intellectual challenge and enjoys building relationships. Share your passion for transforming healthcare communications and how you envision contributing to our mission.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to join the StudySmarter family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lifelancer
✨Know Your Science
As a Scientific Director, you need to demonstrate a deep understanding of scientific concepts and medical communications. Brush up on the latest trends in pharma and be ready to discuss how you can apply this knowledge to create impactful narratives and programmes.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your experience in mentoring others and driving strategic initiatives that have made a difference in previous roles.
✨Understand Client Needs
Be ready to discuss how you can identify and address client challenges. Think about specific instances where you've added value beyond the brief and how you positioned yourself as a trusted advisor. This will show your potential employer that you can build strong client relationships.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Expect to engage in conversations about innovative methodologies and strategies. Familiarise yourself with the company's approach to Friction in Pharma® communications cycles and be prepared to share your thoughts on how to challenge conventional thinking in the industry.