At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead scientific strategy and mentor a team in rare disease communications.
- Company: Join Ogilvy Health, a top creative healthcare agency with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, enhanced parental leave, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Other info: Inclusive environment with strong DEI initiatives and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a global impact in rare diseases while fostering creativity and innovation.
- Qualifications: PhD in Life Sciences and experience in medical communications required.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
About Ogilvy Health UK is 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. We believe we are like no other: we blaze new trails; we encourage a culture of creativity and innovation; we challenge, and we change; and we recognise and reward our team.
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.
About the Role 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.
What You'll Bring
We’re looking for an individual with a unique blend of scientific acumen, strategic thinking, and leadership.
Essential Experience:
- 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.
If you’re eager to make a significant impact on a global scale within PMLive’s #1 Creative Healthcare Agency of 2025 then apply today!
Benefits & Culture
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.
Our ambition is to attract the very best diverse talent to Ogilvy, and to be the employer of choice in the UK. We want everyone to feel welcome when they join us, and once they’re here, for them to want to stay with us, grow their career, and to feel they belong with us.
We are an equal opportunity employer and we’re committed to creating an inclusive, welcoming environment for everyone who wants to work at Ogilvy. For us, diversity, equity and inclusion is integrated into everything that we do. We believe that for creativity to flourish, everything about how we work must have diversity at its core.
We aim to facilitate an accessible and positive application experience for all candidates. If you require any adjustments from us to support you through the process or expect to require any adjustments to working conditions to be able to best perform in the role, please let us know. We are happy to consider all reasonable adjustments.
If you live with a disability and you would like to take advantage of our offer of a guaranteed interview under the Disability Confident Scheme, please ensure you fill out our voluntary Equal Opportunities Questionnaire when applying.
Scientific Director- Medical in London employer: Ogilvy Health UK
Ogilvy Health is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, where creativity and innovation are at the forefront. With a commitment to employee growth, we offer comprehensive benefits including generous leave policies, robust parental leave, and extensive learning opportunities, all while working on impactful projects in the rare disease sector. Our hybrid working model in London and Manchester allows for flexibility, ensuring that our team members can thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Scientific Director- Medical in London
✨Engage with Local Pharma Events
Keep an eye out for local pharmaceutical conferences, workshops, or meetups happening in your area. These events are golden opportunities to connect with industry professionals and showcase your enthusiasm for the field. Who knows, you might just meet someone from Ogilvy Health UK!
✨Utilise University Networks
If you're still in school or recently graduated, tap into your university's career services and alumni networks. Many universities have connections with pharmaceutical companies that could lead you to part-time roles. Plus, they often host job fairs specifically for the life sciences!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Pharma
Whether it’s starting a blog about current pharmaceutical trends or sharing insightful content on social media, let your passion for the industry shine. This visibility can help you stand out when applying for part-time gigs like Scientific Director- Medical at Ogilvy Health UK.
✨Apply Through Our Website!
Don’t forget to submit your application through our website where we keep all our part-time roles updated. It’s the easiest way to stay in the loop and ensure your interest reaches the right people at Ogilvy Health UK. Let’s get you that role!
We think you need these skills to ace Scientific Director- Medical in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Coursework:Since this is a part-time role in the pharmaceutical industry, make sure to spotlight any relevant coursework or projects you’ve completed. Include specific modules related to pharmacology or drug development that showcase your expertise and commitment to the field.
Certifications that Matter:If you’ve got any certifications related to clinical trials, good laboratory practices, or even health and safety, flaunt them! These qualifications give you a leg up, showing that you’re proactive and have a keen interest in quality standards within the pharmaceutical sector.
Tailor Your CV for the Pharma World:Make sure your CV isn’t just a general rundown of your job history. Instead, tailor it to reflect the skills relevant to the pharmaceutical industry—think laboratory skills, data analysis, and any experience with regulatory compliance. It’s all about showing how you're a great fit for the unique challenges of this field!
Express Your Motivation Clearly:In your cover letter, let your passion for pharmaceuticals shine through. Employers love to see candidates who are genuinely interested in their work—so share your motivations for wanting to join Ogilvy Health UK and how you hope to contribute in the part-time role of Scientific Director- Medical. Don't forget to apply through our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ogilvy Health UK
✨Get Familiar with Industry Regulations
In the pharmaceutical industry, understanding regulations like GDPR or FDA guidelines can be crucial. Brush up on the key compliance concepts and be ready to discuss them; it shows you are serious about the field and can keep up with the complexities involved.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Even if you’re going for a part-time position, it’s important to highlight any relevant experience, internships, or projects that demonstrate your knowledge of pharmaceuticals. Prepare to discuss specific examples of how your past roles have prepared you for this position at Ogilvy Health UK.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions related to drug development, clinical trials, or pharmacology. You might also face scenario-based questions that evaluate your problem-solving skills in real-world pharmaceutical contexts, so be ready to think on your feet.
✨Emphasise Your Flexibility
Part-time roles often require a flexible schedule, so be ready to discuss your availability and how you can manage your time effectively. This shows your commitment not just to the job but to blending it into your other responsibilities.
