Department Lead Scientific Communications

About the role

The Department Lead Scientific Communications will build and lead an integrated scientific communications organization that spans early development (Phase I) through to late-stage development and prelaunch/launch activities. This role will oversee a team of medical writers dedicated to early clinical publications and a scientific communications team focused on later-stage development, data dissemination, publications and strategic scientific narrative building.

Your Contribution

Strategic Leadership & Function Building

• Develop and lead the global scientific communications strategy across the full product lifecycle, from Phase I through commercialization.
• Build, mentor, and manage a high performing team of medical writers and scientific communication professionals, fostering scientific excellence, accountability, and collaboration.
• Shape and maintain a coherent, scientifically robust narrative for each asset and for the overall company platform/technology.
• Establish and optimize processes, standards, and governance for scientific communications, including publication planning, data disclosure, and scientific messaging.
• Serve as a key member of cross functional leadership teams (e.g., Clinical, Medical Affairs, Regulatory, Commercial) to ensure scientific communications are aligned with corporate and portfolio strategy.

Publications & Early-Stage Development (Phase I)

• Oversees and leads the medical writing team responsible for planning, drafting, and managing publications and scientific documents for Phase I and early clinical studies, including:
• Manuscripts, abstracts, posters, and oral presentations for scientific congresses
• Ensure consistency, scientific rigor, and compliance with Good Publication Practice (GPP), ICMJE, and internal SOPs.
• Partner closely with Clinical Development, Biostatistics, Translational Science, and Regulatory to ensure timely and accurate communication of early data.

Scientific Communications for Late-Stage Development & Commercialization

• Lead the scientific communication team supporting Phase II/III and prelaunch/launch activities, including:
• Global publication and congress strategy for pivotal and late-stage studies
• Scientific platforms and key messaging for each asset and indication
• Data communication materials for internal and external stakeholders (e.g., scientific decks, FAQs, narrative documents).
• Support KOL engagement strategies and scientific advisory boards through development of materials and synthesis of scientific insights.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Governance

• Partner with Regulatory Affairs on alignment of scientific messaging with regulatory labeling, submissions, and health authority interactions.
• Collaborate with Clinical Operations and Data Management to ensure data readiness and quality for scientific disclosure.
• Work with Legal/Compliance to ensure scientific communications adhere to relevant laws, codes, and company policies, including promotional/non-promotional boundaries.
• Ensures the team works according to Good Publications Practices and abides to the highest ethical standards.

Operational Excellence & External Partnerships

• Establishes and mentors a high performing team.
• Selects and manages external agencies, medical writing vendors, and freelancers as needed; ensures alignment with internal standards and expectations.
• Drives continuous improvement of tools, templates, and digital platforms for efficient scientific communication.
• Stays current on trends and best practices in scientific communications, digital congress presence, plain language summaries, and data transparency initiatives.

A Good Match

• Education: Advanced scientific or medical degree required (PhD, PharmD, MD, or equivalent) in life sciences, medicine, or a related field.
• Experience: 10+ years of experience in scientific communications, medical writing, or related medical/clinical roles within the biopharmaceutical industry. Previous experiences leading a Scientific Communications Department is necessary.
• Significant experience in large, international pharmaceutical companies, with exposure to global functions and matrix environments.
• Experience in a biotech setting or high-growth environment strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, including managing and developing teams (both medical writers and scientific communication professionals).
• Proven track record in:
• Global publication planning and execution across Phase I–III clinical development
• Supporting or leading scientific communications for product launches and lifecycle management
• Working cross functionally with Clinical Development, Medical Affairs, Regulatory, and Commercial.

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent leadership skills.
• Deep understanding of clinical development processes, evidence generation, and data interpretation.
• Expert knowledge of publication standards (GPP, ICMJE), ethical guidelines, and relevant codes of practice.
• Strong scientific storytelling skills: ability to convert complex data into clear, impactful narratives for diverse audiences.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with meticulous attention to scientific accuracy and consistency.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to think longterm while executing operationally in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Proven ability to influence and lead in a matrix setting, build consensus, and manage senior stakeholder expectations.
• Strong project management and organizational skills; able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• High integrity, sound judgment, and commitment to patient-centric, evidence-based communication.

Benefits & Remuneration

If the position is filled in the US, the Expected Pay Range is $221,700/year to $354,700/year + benefits, annual bonus & equity (bonus and equity is variable and dependent on company and individual performance). Compensation for the role will depend on several factors, including responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Note

Note: The availability, eligibility and design of the listed benefits may vary depending on the location. The final requirements for the individual use of our benefits are based on the company's internal policies and applicable law.