Obsidian
Scientific Director - Medical Communications
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Scientific Director - Medical Communications
About Obsidian
At Obsidian, we’re passionate about transforming scientific communications to improve healthcare outcomes for everyone. As a specialist healthcare agency, dedicated to medical and scientific communications, we partner with global healthcare organisations to share knowledge that truly makes a difference.
Our team of +70 academic scientists, strategists, and communications experts deliver cutting-edge solutions across:
- Medical Affairs
- Strategic Consultancy
- Scientific Meetings and Events
- Medical Education
- Publications Planning & Delivery
- Creative & Digital Services
- Commercial Strategy
The Opportunity
We are looking for a Scientific Director to join one of Obsidian’s thriving business units. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Scientific Director (SD) or an accomplished Principal Medical Writer (PMW) ready to take the next step in their career. As a senior member within our editorial team, you will play a pivotal role in:
- Shaping client strategy
- Delivering scientific excellence
- Developing talent
- Working closely with Client Services to build and strengthen client partnerships and drive organic growth across key accounts
Responsibilities
In this role, you will:
- Hold a senior position within a 12-person editorial team, collaborating with Client Services colleagues
- Provide scientific and strategic leadership across a diverse portfolio of healthcare communications projects
- Lead and grow designated client accounts, ensuring programmes meet scientific, editorial and communication objectives
- Build and maintain strong client relationships, acting as a trusted scientific advisor
- Identify and capitalise on opportunities for organic business growth
- Mentor, coach, and develop medical writers at all levels, fostering skill development and expertise
- Contribute to a dynamic business unit of 25 professionals delivering impactful healthcare communications
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Our work spans a broad range of therapy areas, including:
- Oncology
- Biosimilars
- Rare diseases
- Cardiology
- Infectious diseases and vaccines
- Neurology
- Haematology
Key Tasks
Scientific & Editorial Oversight:
- Provide expert scientific, editorial, and strategic counsel, reporting to the Scientific Business Unit Lead
- Ensure quality, accuracy, and consistency of all deliverables while aligning with client objectives
Project Ownership & Delivery:
- Take ownership of editorial delivery, ensuring timely, on-brief, and on-budget completion of projects
- Support the training and capability development of the wider editorial team
Team Leadership:
- Line manage and mentor junior team members, supporting professional growth
- Oversee new starter onboarding within client accounts and project teams
Strategic Innovation:
- Drive continuous improvement by introducing ideas that enhance quality, efficiency, and operational effectiveness
- Monitor resourcing requirements and contribute to workforce planning and recruitment activities
Collaboration:
- Collaborate closely with Client Services and cross-functional teams to deliver exceptional projects and maintain client satisfaction
Requirements
Qualifications & Experience:
- Degree in a life sciences discipline (BSc, MSc, PhD, or equivalent)
- Significant experience in a medical communications agency environment
- Experience at Scientific Director level (or equivalent) or proven track record as a Principal Medical Writer looking to progress into the SD role
- Proven leadership, mentoring, and line management experience
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Strategic Mindset & Soft Skills:
- A strategic mindset with the confidence to challenge thinking, influence decisions, and drive client success
- Ability to anticipate client needs and develop solutions that enhance customer satisfaction
- Track record of high-quality scientific content delivery alongside strategic scientific counsel
- Strong commercial awareness and understanding of account growth and profitability
Benefits
- Hybrid working: Only 2 anchor days per week in our London office (near Fetter Lane, EC4)
- Flexible leave: 25 days’ holiday + bank holidays, plus gifted days at **Christmas and your birthday!
- Wellbeing support:
- AXA Private Healthcare (with family options)
- Aviva pension scheme, income protection, and life assurance
- Additional perks:
- Enhanced parental leave
- Cycle-to-work scheme
- Season ticket loan
- Bonus schemes and employee referral rewards
- Learning & Development:
- Comprehensive training programmes
- Annual performance reviews
- Opportunities to join working groups
- Social Connection:
- Regular social events
- Friendly, collaborative culture
Ready to Lead & Make an Impact?
Join Obsidian and help shape the future of scientific communications.
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