At a Glance
- 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.
- Other info: Join a friendly culture with regular social events and excellent career growth opportunities.
- 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.
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
Obsidian is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant Greater London area, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration among experts in the field. Employees benefit from a fast-start program with opportunities for growth and extension, alongside a commitment to quality in AI model training that makes a meaningful impact in genomics. With a focus on professional development and a supportive environment, Obsidian is dedicated to empowering its team members to excel in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Medical Writer - Medical Communications in London
✨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 Obsidian. 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 Obsidian!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Medical Writer - Medical Communications in London
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 Obsidian 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 Obsidian.
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 Obsidian 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 Obsidian
✨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 Obsidian. 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 Obsidian'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 Obsidian. This shows your passion for the industry!
