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- Tasks: Lead high-impact scientific projects and mentor junior writers in a dynamic healthcare agency.
- Company: Obsidian, a passionate healthcare agency transforming scientific communications.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, 25 days holiday, private healthcare, and comprehensive training programmes.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on healthcare while shaping the future of scientific communications.
- Qualifications: Degree in biological sciences and proven experience in medical communications.
- Other info: Join a friendly culture with regular social events and excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
At Obsidian, we’re passionate about transforming scientific communications to improve healthcare outcomes for everyone. As a specialist healthcare agency dedicated to medical & scientific communications, we partner with global healthcare organisations to share knowledge that truly makes a difference.
Our team of over 70 academic scientists, strategists, and communications experts deliver cutting-edge solutions across:
- Medical Affairs
- Strategic Consultancy
- Scientific Meetings and Events
- Medical Education
- Publications Planning and Delivery
- Creative and Digital Services
- Commercial Strategy
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Principal Medical Writer to step into a pivotal role, shaping high-impact scientific and commercial projects while mentoring the next generation of talent. As a Principal Medical Writer (PMW), you will:
- Lead editorial direction for a diverse portfolio of scientific and commercial projects, including complex multi-component deliverables across a range of therapy areas such as rare blood disorders (sickle-cell disease), hepatitis, HIV, oncology, and OTC brands.
- Own project delivery across your accounts, ensuring the highest editorial, scientific, and strategic standards.
- Mentor and develop junior writers, offering coaching, training, and guidance to maintain exceptional quality and support career progression.
- Drive resource planning and workflow discussions for assigned accounts, ensuring efficiency and timely delivery.
- Support team time management, helping junior colleagues prioritise effectively and work collaboratively.
Our expertise will directly influence the success of client projects and strengthen our reputation for scientific excellence—making a real impact on healthcare communications worldwide.
What You’ll Do:
- Lead the charge on projects, driving timelines, resources, and flawless delivery.
- Shape strategy as the go-to therapy area expert, ensuring scientific precision and impact.
- Craft compelling content that challenges briefs and elevates client expectations.
- Inspire and mentor junior writers, building a culture of excellence.
- Own client relationships, instilling confidence and creating long-term partnerships.
- Champion compliance and editorial quality at every stage.
- Master budgets and resources, keeping projects on track and profitable.
- Spot growth opportunities and help win new business with standout proposals.
- Drive innovation, sharing ideas that improve processes and strengthen the team.
What We’re Looking For:
- Ideally a degree in biological sciences (BSc/MSc/PhD or equivalent).
- Proven experience within medical communications agencies, ideally as a Principal Medical Writer or equivalent.
- Strong leadership and mentoring skills with a track record of managing editorial team members.
- Ability to deliver high-quality scientific content and strategic counsel.
- Strong commercial acumen.
What We Offer:
- Hybrid working: Only 2 anchor days a week in the office from our vibrant London office (just off Fetter Lane, EC4).
- 25 days’ holiday + bank holidays, plus gifted days at Christmas and your birthday off.
- AXA Private Healthcare (with family options), Aviva pension scheme, income protection, life assurance.
- Enhanced parental leave, cycle-to-work scheme, season ticket loan.
- Bonus schemes and employee referral rewards.
- Learning and Development: Comprehensive training programmes, annual performance reviews, and opportunities to join working groups.
- Wellbeing Support: EAP, mental health first aiders, AXA wellbeing calendar, and a dedicated wellbeing room.
- Social Connection: Regular social events, and a friendly, collaborative culture.
Ready to lead, inspire, and make an impact? Join us at Obsidian and help shape the future of scientific communications.
Principal Medical Writer - Medical Communications in London employer: Obsidian
Contact Detail:
Obsidian Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Medical Writer - Medical Communications in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the medical communications field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a Principal Medical Writer role or can refer you to someone at Obsidian.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of the latest trends in medical writing and communications. Be ready to discuss how you can lead projects and mentor junior writers, just like the role at Obsidian requires. Show them you’re the go-to expert they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your portfolio! Bring examples of your best work to interviews, especially those that demonstrate your ability to craft compelling content and drive project success. This will help you stand out as a candidate who can elevate client expectations.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Obsidian team and making an impact in healthcare communications.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Medical Writer - Medical Communications in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Medical Writer role. Highlight your experience in medical communications and any leadership roles you've had. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at Obsidian!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about transforming scientific communications. Share specific examples of your work that demonstrate your expertise and how you can contribute to our team.
Showcase Your Mentoring Skills: Since mentoring junior writers is a key part of this role, make sure to highlight any experience you have in coaching or developing others. We love seeing how you’ve helped others grow in their careers!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Obsidian
✨Know Your Science
As a Principal Medical Writer, you'll need to demonstrate a solid understanding of complex scientific concepts. Brush up on the latest research in your therapy areas, like oncology or rare blood disorders, and be ready to discuss how you can apply this knowledge to create impactful content.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since mentoring junior writers is a key part of the role, prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your coaching style and how you foster a culture of excellence within your team.
✨Prepare for Client Scenarios
Expect questions about managing client relationships and delivering high-quality work under tight deadlines. Think of specific instances where you've built long-term partnerships or navigated challenging client expectations, and be ready to share those stories.
✨Demonstrate Your Strategic Thinking
Obsidian values innovation and strategic insight. Be prepared to discuss how you've identified growth opportunities in previous roles or how you've contributed to winning new business. Show them that you can think beyond the immediate project and contribute to the company's overall success.
