At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead scientific strategy and mentor a team in rare disease communications.
- Company: Join Ogilvy Health, a top global healthcare communications agency.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, enhanced parental leave, and comprehensive health coverage.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse, non-hierarchical team committed to creativity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a global impact in healthcare while working with top professionals.
- Qualifications: PhD in Life Sciences and experience in medical communications required.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 € per year.
Ogilvy Health is one of the largest global networks in healthcare communications and provides strategic, integrated communication solutions for our clients, including many of the biggest names in the pharmaceutical industry. We are made up of healthcare communication specialists across the disciplines of medical education and communications; brain sciences; brand promotion; digital and social; strategic planning; public relations and creative/design.
Are you a scientific leader passionate about making a difference in the world of rare diseases? Do you thrive on building strategic client partnerships and mentoring a team to deliver exceptional scientific communications? Ogilvy Health is seeking a Scientific Director to join our team and lead a cornerstone of our business, a Rare Disease portfolio. This is a senior-level opportunity placing you at the heart of a high value book of work for 2026.
As Scientific Director, you will be more than just a team leader; you will be a vital strategic and scientific partner to our key clients. You will act as the central scientific consultant for our internal Medical Education and Communications teams, driving the scientific strategy and ensuring the flawless delivery of high-impact publications and medical education projects. Your leadership will be instrumental in the smooth running and continued success of this prestigious and growing account.
Key Responsibilities- Strategic Client Counsel: Serve as the primary scientific advisor to our clients, providing strategic insights and fostering a true partnership based on trust and scientific expertise.
- Scientific Leadership: Lead and inspire our scientific services team, promoting excellence in writing and maintaining an outstanding understanding of complex therapeutic areas.
- Content Excellence: Champion the highest standards across all scientific content, from publications and medical affairs to promotional materials, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and strategic alignment.
- Team Mentorship: Drive efficient and effective working practices, mentoring your team to enhance their skills and ensure the seamless delivery of work.
- Expert Collaboration: Liaise with top-tier global clinicians and healthcare professionals, confidently discussing complex scientific data and treatment pathways.
We’re looking for an individual with a unique blend of scientific acumen, strategic thinking, and leadership:
- A Life Sciences PhD.
- Demonstrable experience within a medical communications agency.
- An in-depth understanding of the pharmaceutical industry, including pre- and post-launch environments.
- Proven experience in rare diseases and/or neuroscience.
- Deep expertise across a broad range of therapy areas, with the ability to discuss complex scientific data with senior clients and global Key Opinion Leaders.
- A highly accomplished track record of delivering and leading a team to produce exceptional scientific content, particularly within publications and medical affairs.
- Thorough knowledge of medical education standards (including ABPI) and compliance guidelines (such as the Sunshine Act).
- A strong grasp of statistical analyses.
- Therapy area experience in immunotherapy, dermatology, or cardio-renal metabolic disease desirable.
At Ogilvy Health, you’ll be part of a non-hierarchical, eclectic team united by a shared commitment to doing the best work of our lives. Beyond client work, you’ll have opportunities to engage with our vibrant culture and social teams, and contribute to our fantastic DEI initiatives, championing diversity across our agency and industry. We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package, including:
- 25 days annual leave, with the option to purchase up to an extra 5 days per year, plus your birthday off and a paid volunteering day.
- Generous enhanced parental leave policies.
- A robust pension scheme (up to 17.5% total contributions after probation).
- Choice of Private Medical Cover (Bupa from day one), Dental cover, or a monthly £45 leisure allowance for your health & wellbeing.
- A fantastic Employee Assistance Programme offering support, advice, and specialist counselling.
- Help at Hand: quick, free access to a remote GP, mental health support, physio, or a medical second opinion.
- Free 1-2-1 Coaching through Thrive Partners for professional or personal growth.
- A comprehensive Learning & Development programme to support your career trajectory.
At Ogilvy, our people are at the heart of what we do: a creative agency that sparks game-changing ideas across culture and business through collaboration, integrity, and a celebration of self-expression. We believe in building powerful teams with purpose - and we relentlessly curate transformative initiatives that make our commitment to fairness, and equity a reality. Our ultimate mission is to leave a positive impact on the world, creating a better future for all, while supporting and uplifting the global communities we serve. This is central to our mantra of Borderless Creativity.
Ogilvy is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.
If you need any assistance seeking a job opportunity, or if you need reasonable accommodation with the application process, please contact us at accommodations@ogilvy.com. Please note that this contact is only for candidates who are requesting accommodation.
Scientific Director employer: Ogilvy Amsterdam
Ogilvy Health is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises creativity and collaboration. With a comprehensive benefits package, including generous leave policies and robust professional development opportunities, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. Located in London, Ogilvy Health provides a unique chance to make a significant impact in the healthcare communications sector, particularly within the rare disease portfolio, while being part of a global network renowned for its innovative approach.
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 healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential employers and showcase your passion for rare diseases.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your scientific knowledge and understanding of the pharmaceutical landscape. Be ready to discuss your experience with rare diseases and how you can contribute to Ogilvy Health's mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! During interviews, share examples of how you've mentored teams or led projects. Highlight your ability to inspire others and drive excellence in scientific communications.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to 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 Ogilvy Health team.
We think you need these skills to ace Scientific Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Scientific Director role. Highlight your experience in rare diseases and any relevant leadership roles. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your passion for healthcare communications and how you can make an impact at Ogilvy Health. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Scientific Expertise:In your application, don’t forget to highlight your scientific acumen and any specific therapeutic areas you’ve worked in. We’re keen to see how you can bring your knowledge to our team and clients.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ogilvy Amsterdam
✨Know Your Science
As a Scientific Director, you'll need to demonstrate your deep understanding of complex therapeutic areas. Brush up on the latest research in rare diseases and neuroscience, and be ready to discuss how this knowledge can impact client strategies.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Highlight your mentoring experiences and how you've driven excellence in scientific communications. This will show that you can inspire and guide your future team at Ogilvy Health.
✨Understand Client Needs
Research Ogilvy Health's key clients and their specific challenges in the pharmaceutical industry. Be prepared to discuss how you can provide strategic insights and build strong partnerships based on trust and expertise.
✨Master the Art of Communication
Since you'll be liaising with top-tier clinicians and healthcare professionals, practice articulating complex scientific data clearly and confidently. This will help you convey your ideas effectively during the interview and demonstrate your communication prowess.
