Scientific Director – Medical Communications
About The Role
We're looking for a Scientific Director who brings strategic scientific thinking leadership and commercial acumen in equal measure. You'll 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'll guide our internal team and serve as a trusted advisor to clients and our key stakeholders.
This isn't about churning out slide decks. You'll 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'll 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.
You'll 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
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
Overseeing all scientific projects in the med comms vertical, leading RFPs, proposals and scientific direction at a programme and project level where appropriate
Providing strategic direction on key med comms projects, including scientific narratives, peer-to-peer programmes, advisory boards, symposia and medical education
Providing 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 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
Be confident engaging Global Medical Directors and Global Medical Affairs leaders, challenging convention, championing innovative thinking, and advocating for forward-looking methodologies rather than defaulting to legacy approaches.
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
Leverage positioning and go-to-market strategy for external med comms thought leadership, ensuring our offering genuinely differentiates us
Oversee med comms forecasting and pipeline management, working with the team to ensure sustainable growth
Propose new approaches and challenging internal processes, spotting gaps where Word Monster can lead Team development Oversee internal strategic framework, ensuring people have context and drive to keep learning and building towards their own goals and the company's vision 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
Previous experience managing or mentoring scientific staff (desirable but not essential if strong leadership qualities demonstrated)
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
You 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
You'll be an ambassador for our approach, our values, and our slightly unconventional way of doing things
Expected start date: Early May 2026. Closing date for applications: Friday 20 March 2026.
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.