At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead scientific strategy and mentor a team in rare disease communications.
- Company: Join Ogilvy Health, a top global healthcare agency with a creative edge.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, enhanced parental leave, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare while collaborating with top professionals.
- Qualifications: PhD in Life Sciences and experience in medical communications required.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to creativity and social impact.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Ogilvy has been creating impact for brands through iconic, culture-changing, value-driving ideas since the company was founded by David Ogilvy 75 years ago. It builds on that rich legacy through Borderless Creativity - innovating at the intersections of its advertising, public relations, relationship design, consulting, and health capabilities with experts collaborating seamlessly across over 120 offices in nearly 90 countries. Ogilvy currently ranks as the #1 global agency network for creative excellence and effectiveness by WARC, signifying its ability to deliver creative solutions that drive unreasonable impact for clients and communities.
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.
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.
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 for professional or personal growth.
- A comprehensive Learning & Development programme to support your career trajectory.
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.
Scientific Director in London employer: Ogilvy
Contact Detail:
Ogilvy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Scientific Director in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with yours. We want you to walk into that interview feeling confident and ready to showcase how you can make an impact at Ogilvy Health.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it relates to the role of Scientific Director. We suggest rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror to nail down your delivery and ensure you come across as genuine and passionate.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in showing your appreciation and keeping you top of mind. We’re all about building relationships, so let’s keep that connection strong!
We think you need these skills to ace Scientific Director in London
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 medical communications, and don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills. We want to see how you can make an impact!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about rare diseases and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our team. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your expertise in scientific communications and client partnerships. Numbers and outcomes speak volumes, so don’t hold back!
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 at Ogilvy Health!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ogilvy
✨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 and trends in rare diseases and neuroscience. Be ready to discuss how this knowledge can drive strategic insights for clients.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires you to lead and inspire a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully mentored others and driven excellence in scientific writing. Highlight your experience in fostering collaboration among diverse teams to deliver high-impact projects.
✨Understand Client Needs
Ogilvy values strategic partnerships with clients. Research their key accounts and think about how you can provide tailored scientific counsel. Be prepared to discuss how you would build trust and rapport with clients based on your expertise.
✨Prepare for Complex Discussions
You'll be liaising with top-tier clinicians and healthcare professionals. Practice articulating complex scientific data clearly and confidently. Think about potential questions they might ask and how you can address them effectively, showcasing your analytical skills.