At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and craft engaging medical content while mentoring a talented team.
- Company: Join Word Monster, a unique agency transforming healthcare communications.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible remote work, competitive salary, and wellness perks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare with your writing skills.
- Qualifications: Life sciences degree and extensive medical writing experience required.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive culture that values creativity and growth.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 49000 £ per year.
Overview
About Word Monster
Word Monster is an agency with a difference. An agency striving to Transform Healthcare Communications Worldwide. We do that from our core of scientific excellence and our award-winning, life-first culture. Our vision is to be the agency that healthcare companies fight to work with and people fight to work for.
Our proprietary frameworks and Friction in Pharmaâ„¢ philosophy underpin our unique approach to medical communications, one that cuts to the core of the needs of our agency, pharmaceutical, research, tech and charity clients and solves them with an evidence-based approach.
We know that exceptional writing comes from people who feel trusted, empowered, and supported to do their best work. That’s why we’ve built a life-first culture, one that gives you the autonomy to balance life and work in a way that suits you. As a remote-first company, you can work from anywhere, design your workspace, and manage your own schedule — all while staying connected through our collaborative virtual environment and in-person events such as our annual Monster Mash retreat.
Our standard business hours are 09:00 to 17:30 (UK time), and we offer flexibility around these hours as long as client needs, meetings, and deadlines are met. We trust our people to manage their workload responsibly, communicate clearly, and deliver exceptional work that meets our high standards.
We believe in supporting your wellbeing and growth — through quarterly wellbeing gifts, private health insurance, additional leave options, share schemes, and opportunities for progression. You’ll be part of a culture that values creativity, connection, and the freedom to do your best work.
Our Evolution
Word Monster has grown from firm roots supporting healthcare agencies — delivering scientific expertise and publications — and through our training academy, which builds capability within pharma and agency teams.
Our vision is now to establish a fully-fledged Med Comms vertical, underpinned by our proprietary communications frameworks. As Principal Medical Writer, you’ll play a pivotal role in bringing this vision to life — evolving our Med Comms offering, building and mentoring a high-performing team, and delivering meaningful impact for clients.
Our Values
At Word Monster, our core values are the root of our culture and the standard we live by. They guide how we think, behave, and collaborate — and we expect everyone who joins us to embody them.
You’ll Thrive Here If You
- Strive for excellence — You care about the details, take pride in your craft, and go the extra mile to deliver work that makes an impact
- Value teamwork — You’re open, honest, and supportive; you show up with enthusiasm, communicate clearly, and help create a positive, collaborative environment.
- Drive transformation — You bring ideas, challenge the status quo, and are relentless in finding better, smarter ways to do things.
- Champion inclusivity — You lead with fairness, kindness, and respect, welcoming diverse perspectives and creating space for everyone to shine.
- Show resilience — You stay cool under pressure, adapt quickly, and deliver consistent quality, even when challenges arise. You’re reliable, committed, and embrace a growth mindset.
If that sounds like you, you’ll fit right in — and you’ll help us continue to Write With Bite.
About The Role
As a Principal Medical Writer at Word Monster, you’ll lead by example — crafting clear, engaging, and scientifically accurate content for a wide range of therapy areas and audiences. You’ll take ownership of complex projects, act as a trusted advisor to clients, and guide fellow writers to deliver work that truly Writes With Bite.
You’ll collaborate closely with clients and internal teams to develop compelling materials across multiple formats — from medical education and communications to creative campaigns and digital assets. You’ll also play a key role in maintaining quality standards, mentoring junior writers, and contributing to the continued growth and success of our agency.
This is a full-time, permanent, remote role (37.5 hours per week) with flexibility built in — designed for an experienced writer who thrives on variety, autonomy, and purpose-driven work in healthcare communications.
Salary And Benefits
- Salary of £51,500 to £56,500 per annum.
- Annual company performance-related bonus (pot shared equally by whole team)
- Share options (entered into company pool – we’re in this together!)
- Company paid private health insurance with Vitality (fully paid by us)
- Pension with 3% contribution if choose to participate in the scheme (you contribute 5%)
- Individual and team training / self-development budget
- Enhanced maternity/paternity pay (full pay for 12 weeks maternity / 4 weeks paternity)
- 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
- Additional day of holiday after 2+ years of employment (from new holiday year) – every year thereafter you will receive one further additional day of holiday, up to a maximum of 5 additional days
- Purchased holiday scheme available up to 5 additional days
- 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
- Financial coaching with Octopus MoneyCoach
- Personalised monster character
Key Responsibilities
Writing
- As a Principal Medical Writer, you will be a scientific lead across main accounts, driving excellence in content and strategy. You\’ll develop high-quality, scientifically accurate materials across a range of formats — from publications and congress materials to medical education, digital content, and strategic communication plan
- Guarantee all copy adheres to ABPI and local codes of practice / guidelines, proactively communicating any concerns and proposing solutions to ensure code compliance
- Adhere to deadlines and budgets, maintaining transparency and open communication with clients to resolve challenges that may arise
- Ensure content adheres to in-house or client-specific style
- Become an extension of the pharmaceutical company’s account team, supporting medics, brand leads, etc, providing strategic support and knowledge.
Leadership
- Act as an advocate for Word Monster, demonstrating assertive leadership and actively contributing to a positive, collaborative team culture
- Directly manage writers across all experience levels, providing consistent support through monthly one-on-ones, actionable feedback, and collaboratively setting quarterly development goals
- Review and edit content produced by both in-house and freelance writers, delivering constructive, timely feedback to uphold quality standards
- Play a key role in recruitment efforts, assisting with hiring processes and leading effective onboarding for new team members
- Monitor and ensure team efficiency targets are consistently met, identifying and addressing any areas for improvement
- Stay informed about emerging digital technologies and trends, ensuring your team receives relevant training and is equipped to adapt
- Regularly lead and participate in client-facing calls with pharmaceutical companies, including taking briefs, providing project updates, and presenting creative concepts and deliverables
Business development
- Play an active role in business development by contributing to strategic planning, crafting compelling proposals, participating in pitches, and identifying new growth opportunities
- Take initiative in driving innovation—proactively suggesting new services, improving internal processes, and contributing to business development efforts that support Word Monster’s continued growth
Other
- Demonstrate adaptability and an open-minded approach within an entrepreneurial environment, embracing change to help keep Word Monster innovative and competitive
- Work towards and consistently achieve individual quarterly KPIs, contributing to both personal growth and wider business success
- Support the marketing team by contributing to social media channels and assisting with key campaigns and promotional activities
- Embrace feedback with a growth mindset and take proactive steps to maintain current knowledge of the medical communications industry
- Follow processes in relation to administrative and project-related tasks. To include, but not limited to, daily completion of timesheets, adherence to editorial procedures, and timely and accurate file housekeeping
- Be open to occasional domestic and international travel as required to support client work and company initiatives.
Desired Experience
- A life sciences undergraduate degree
- A life sciences PhD
- Extensive experience as a medical writer at a senior level with the ability to work independently
- Proven experience writing excellent creative/medical copy in an agency environment with demonstrable experience leading on projects and accounts
- Previously managed junior writers with proven experience managing performance, supporting engagement, setting SMART goals, and supporting employee wellbeing.
- Advanced Word and PowerPoint skills
- Excellent knowledge of the strict regulations in pharmaceuticals, with experience working to ABPI and other codes of practice
Skills And Attributes
- Strong leader, capable of motivating a team
- Demonstrates loyalty and will be an ambassador for Word Monster
- Ability to work under pressure, and multi task between multiple projects, line management and other internal tasks.
- Strong desire / self-motivated to learn and develop
- Enthusiasm for business and intrapreneurship
- Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills
- Sound scientific understanding and analytical skills
- Comfortable working independently and as part of a team
- Proactive thinking, constantly seeking to improve ways of working and help the agency differentiate itself from the competition
- A flexible attitude with respect to work assignments and new learning, grasp new concepts and therapy areas quickly
- Act in a diplomatic, nurturing and respectful way with colleagues
- Show sensitivity to colleagues with differing motivations and priorities
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Principal Medical Writer employer: Word Monster | Medical Communications
Contact Detail:
Word Monster | Medical Communications Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Medical Writer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend virtual events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with yours. This will help you show that you're not just a fit for the role, but for the team too!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Principal Medical Writer role. Highlight your experience, skills, and how you can contribute to Word Monster's mission of transforming healthcare communications.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Word Monster family.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Medical Writer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Medical Writing: When you’re crafting your application, let your enthusiasm for medical writing shine through. Share specific examples of your past work that demonstrate your ability to create engaging and scientifically accurate content. We want to see how your passion aligns with our mission at Word Monster!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Principal Medical Writer role. Highlight relevant experience and skills that match the job description. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their background with what we’re looking for!
Be Clear and Concise: In your written 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 and personality.
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 the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Word Monster!
How to prepare for a job interview at Word Monster | Medical Communications
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Word Monster's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their Friction in Pharmaâ„¢ philosophy and how it shapes their approach to medical communications. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your answers with their core principles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Medical Writer, you'll be expected to lead and mentor others. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed projects or teams in the past. Highlight your ability to provide constructive feedback and support junior writers, as this aligns perfectly with what they’re looking for.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Compliance
Given the importance of adhering to ABPI and local codes of practice, brush up on these regulations before your interview. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in your previous roles and how you would handle any challenges that arise in this area.
✨Emphasise Your Adaptability
Word Monster values resilience and adaptability. Think of specific instances where you've had to pivot quickly or manage multiple projects under pressure. Sharing these experiences will demonstrate that you can thrive in their dynamic, remote-first environment.