At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead scientific strategy and mentor a team in rare disease communications.
- Company: Ogilvy Health, a top creative healthcare agency with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: 25 days leave, enhanced parental leave, private medical cover, and professional development.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusivity and personal growth.
- 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 - 84000 € per year.
Ogilvy was founded in 1948 by David Ogilvy. David created a culture that deeply respects and cares about its people and clients. Our mission is to inspire people and brands to make an impact and we are committed to attracting, growing, and retaining the best talent in the industry.
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
- 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 (it's one of our values!). 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 (Telus) 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. Your race, colour, ethnic, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability have no bearing on our hiring decisions, but we encourage everyone to feel free to express their true selves in an environment we are consistently striving to make as inclusive as possible.
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.
Your privacy is important to us, you can find out more information on how we handle your data for recruiting purposes in our Privacy Notice.
Scientific Director employer: Ogilvy Health UK
Ogilvy Health is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant, non-hierarchical culture where creativity and innovation thrive. With a commitment to employee growth, we offer comprehensive benefits including generous leave policies, robust pension contributions, and extensive learning opportunities, all while championing diversity and inclusion. Join us in London or Manchester and be part of a team dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the world of rare diseases.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Scientific Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. The more you engage, the better your chances of landing that Scientific Director role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back on sharing your knowledge about rare diseases and medical communications. Let them see your passion and how you can make an impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to scientific leadership. Think about how you would mentor a team or handle client relationships. Confidence is key, so rehearse until you feel ready to shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. So, go ahead and take that step!
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 experience in rare diseases and medical communications, and show us how your skills align with our mission at Ogilvy Health.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see how you’ve led teams and mentored others in your previous roles. Share specific examples of how you've inspired your team to deliver exceptional scientific content and fostered a culture of creativity and innovation.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the point while showcasing your expertise.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Ogilvy Health.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ogilvy Health UK
✨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 inform your strategic insights for clients.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about specific instances where you mentored team members or drove projects to success. This will highlight your ability to inspire and guide others, which is crucial for this role.
✨Understand the Client's Needs
Research Ogilvy Health and their Rare Disease portfolio thoroughly. Be prepared to discuss how you can build strategic partnerships with clients and provide tailored scientific counsel that aligns with their goals. This shows you're not just interested in the role, but also in the company's mission.
✨Prepare for Complex Discussions
You’ll likely engage with top-tier clinicians and healthcare professionals. Practice discussing complex scientific data clearly and confidently. This will help you convey your expertise effectively during the interview and demonstrate your readiness to collaborate with key opinion leaders.
