Scientific Director in Maidenhead

We are looking for a Scientific Director who brings strategic scientific thinking, leadership, and commercial acumen in equal measure. You will be the scientific architect behind complex medical communications programmes – from shaping scientific narratives and peer‑to‑peer scientific exchange platforms to guiding global strategies that actually move the needle for local markets. You will guide our internal team and serve as a trusted advisor to clients and key stakeholders.

This isn’t about churning out slide decks. You will diagnose friction in Pharma® communications cycles, design solutions that pharmaceutical teams didn’t know they needed, and lead high‑stakes projects where scientific rigour meets clinical reality. Think scientific narratives that shift HCP perception, P2P programmes that generate genuine scientific exchange, and advisory boards that produce insights rather than box‑ticking exercises.

As Scientific Director, you will lead flagship medical communications projects while actively driving growth of our med‑comms vertical – working closely with our Managing Director to expand our footprint with existing clients and convert new business. This means building relationships at Medical Affairs and Clinical Development level, translating client challenges into sellable solutions, and playing a hands‑on role in business development.

This is a full‑time, remote role (37.5 hours per week) with flexibility built in – designed for someone who thrives on intellectual challenge, enjoys the consultative dance of client relationships, and wants to genuinely transform how healthcare communications is delivered.

Salary And Benefits

• Salary of £62,500 to £66,500 per annum.
• Annual company performance‑related bonus (pot shared equally by whole team).
• Company‑paid private health insurance with Vitality (fully paid by us).
• Pension with 3% contribution if you choose to participate in the scheme (you contribute 5%).
• Individual and team training / self‑development budget.
• 25 days holiday per year (3 to be taken between the Christmas and New Year shutdown).
• Additional day off on birthday (so that makes 26 – day in lieu if falls on weekend).
• UK bank holidays.
• Flexible, remote‑working team with a virtual 2D office.
• Range of virtual and in‑person socials throughout the year.
• Optional working together days within the UK with a contribution to travel expenses.
• Quarterly well‑being perk, because you deserve it.
• Personalised monster character.

Key Responsibilities

• Scientific Leadership: Oversee all scientific projects in the med‑comms vertical, leading RFPs, proposals, and scientific direction at a programme and project level where appropriate. Provide strategic direction on key med‑comms projects, including scientific narratives, peer‑to‑peer programmes, advisory boards, symposia, and medical education. Provide mentorship and guidance to our highly talented medical communications team comprised of Principal Medical Writers, Senior Medical Writers, and Medical Writers. Lead the way in patient‑first, clinical‑centric strategies that shift the needle and reduce friction for global and local teams.
• Strategic Client Partnership: Be a trusted strategic advisor to clients, spotting opportunities to add value beyond the brief and positioning Word Monster as a partner rather than order taker. Act as a trusted strategic advisor to clients—proactively identifying opportunities to add value beyond the brief and positioning Word Monster as a true partner in their success, not just a service provider. Be comfortable talking assertively with Global Medical Directors and Global Medical Affairs leads, pushing for new thinking and methodologies rather than relying on the old ways. Lead client‑facing calls and strategic meetings, gathering feedback, identifying organic growth opportunities, and strengthening relationships. Provide strategic scientific counsel that helps clients navigate complex challenges.
• Business Development & Growth: Identify opportunities within existing client relationships, expanding through quality of service and strategic partnerships. Conduct Friction in Pharma® discovery calls, diagnosing client friction points, and translating these into compelling proposals aligned to our STOMP framework. Oversee med‑comms forecasting and pipeline management, working with the team to ensure sustainable growth. Propose new approaches and challenge internal processes, spotting gaps where Word Monster can lead team development. Help the team embody the company’s five values. Support recruitment and onboarding of scientific staff as the vertical expands.

Desired Experience

• Education to PhD level in biological sciences or related discipline.
• Substantial experience in medical communications at senior level (Scientific Director or equivalent), with proven ability to lead complex scientific programmes independently.
• Track record of managing high‑profile projects such as scientific narratives, P2P programmes, or publication strategies.
• Experience in business development or new business activities – you’ve won work, not just converted RFPs.
• Deep understanding of Medical Affairs priorities and pharmaceutical commercial realities.
• Excellent knowledge of ABPI and international codes of practice, with experience navigating compliance challenges.
• Demonstrable ability to build and maintain relationships with senior pharmaceutical stakeholders.

Skills And Attributes

• Scientific credibility with commercial understanding.
• Natural curiosity about client challenges, able to ask the questions others miss.
• See patterns, spot friction points, and design solutions.
• Entrepreneurial spirit, motivated to build something truly meaningful.
• Equally comfortable presenting to Medical Directors, writing scientific content, or coaching junior team members.
• Able to rapidly grasp new therapeutic areas, adapt to different client types, and switch between strategic and tactical thinking.
• Thrives on collaboration and proactivity and mucking in across the vertical.
• Willing to shape the role as the agency evolves.
• Builds trust with team members through honesty and objectivity, giving feedback that helps people grow.

Word Monster is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. Any offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and proof of the right to work in the UK, in line with current legislation.