Applications for this role will close on Friday 30 January About this role As a Principal Medical Writer, you will take strategic and scientific ownership of major client accounts, ensuring the delivery of scientifically rigorous, creatively crafted, and strategically aligned content. You will lead and inspire the scientific services team, providing guidance, resourcing oversight and high-level client partnership. Principal Medical Writers at Madano are senior scientific leaders – trusted advisors who shape programmes, influence client strategy, and help drive new business initiatives. This role blends deep scientific expertise, leadership, high-level client engagement and programme oversight. You will work in close collaboration with editorial, scientific, client services and creative teams to deliver best-in-class medical communications that truly influence healthcare decision-making. Key Responsibilities Scientific Content Development & Leadership Act as lead scientific strategist across 1–2 major accounts, setting scientific direction and ensuring alignment with client goals Oversee and contribute to the development of high-quality, scientifically robust, insight-driven content across all medical communication disciplines Ensure the highest standards of scientific accuracy, data interpretation, narrative coherence, and editorial quality across all projects Lead complex scientific discussions with clients, external experts, and senior internal partners, providing authoritative guidance and recommendations Apply deep understanding of therapy areas, competitive landscapes, and market trends to shape programmes of work and develop new project ideas Ensure consistent implementation of rigorous QC processes and best-practice guidelines (e.g., ICMJE, GPP, study reporting standards) Understanding the Medical Communications Environment Maintain an advanced understanding of the pharmaceutical industry and drug development process and relate these to pre- and post-launch client objectives Analyse and synthesise scientific, market, product, competitor and cross-industry insights to guide strategic decision-making and strengthen deliverables Keep the team informed of therapy area developments and interpret their implications for ongoing and future work Demonstrate strong understanding of global compliance frameworks (e.g., ABPI, US Sunshine Act) and ensure adherence across all activities Project and Account Management Oversee editorial resourcing and delivery of scientific content across key accounts, ensuring work is appropriately allocated among writers based on experience and development needs Define and align outcome-focused objectives with clients and ensure these are woven into delivery plans across the scientific and account teams Monitor project progress across multiple workstreams, anticipate risks, and proactively guide teams to ensure timely and high-quality delivery Promote continuous improvement by identifying new solutions, ways of working, and value-add opportunities for clients Client and External Engagement Serve as a trusted scientific advisor to clients, external experts and senior internal stakeholders Lead high-level scientific conversations and provide authoritative recommendations based on data, strategic objectives, and market context Build and sustain deep client relationships, managing challenging discussions and navigating complex stakeholder dynamics with confidence Lead scientific elements of client meetings, workshops, and events, presenting clearly and facilitating expert contributions effectively Apply experience from diverse therapy areas and accounts to quickly establish rapport with new clients and adapt communication approaches Internal Leadership, Mentoring and Team Development Mentor and coach writers across the scientific team to support skill development, confidence and high-quality delivery Line-manage 2–3 writers, as required, supporting their growth, setting clear expectations, and facilitating opportunities for development Identify potential team issues early, applying a positive, solutions-focused mindset and escalating appropriately Develop and deliver training, workshops and scientific capability-building sessions for editorial colleagues and cross-functional teams Foster a collaborative, inclusive and team-oriented culture across Madano Financial & Business Awareness Contribute to internal and external budget management discussions, helping define scope, hours and resourcing needs for major programmes Contribute to forecast, scope and planning processes to identify internal and freelance resource needs for upcoming programme requirements Demonstrate deep understanding of account recoverability and model strong financial behaviours for the scientific services team Identify areas for organic growth, using scientific insight and therapy area knowledge to propose new content, formats or strategic initiatives Lead the development of scientific and strategic sections of pitches and proposals, and present confidently in new business meetings What You’ll Bring A degree in a life science or biomedical discipline (MSc or PhD advantageous), with advanced scientific literacy Extensive medical writing experience (typically 6 years), including responsibility for major accounts and strategic scientific leadership Demonstrated expertise across multiple content disciplines (publications, medical affairs, promotional) and familiarity with end-to-end medical education programme development Strong ability to interpret, synthesise, and communicate complex scientific information to a variety of audiences with clarity and impact Confidence leading high-level client conversations and acting as a trusted scientific partner Proven experience mentoring and managing writers, with a commitment to developing talent and maintaining team morale Strong organisational ability, with skill in managing competing priorities across complex accounts Proficiency with Microsoft Office, reference management software (e.g., EndNote), and medical communications platforms (e.g., Veeva, Datavision) What We Offer Leadership opportunities within high-impact, strategically significant accounts Clear progression pathway with exposure to senior decision-making, agency leadership discussions, and complex cross-functional programmes A collaborative, people-focused culture that values scientific excellence, curiosity, and continuous learning Opportunities to shape scientific strategy across multiple therapy areas within the AVENIR GLOBAL network Important Information As part of our recruitment process we request that you do not use AI, as all work will be passed through an AI analyser. While we understand the growing use of AI tools, our evaluation criteria require original content created by the candidate to accurately assess their skills and suitability for the role. Our recruitment process can consist of virtual interviews, in person interviews, and written tasks, please let us know if you have any accessibility requirements so that we can accommodate your needs during this process. Our Benefits As well as the basic salary, great social events and a culture of continual learning, our competitive benefits package includes: 25 days’ holiday plus Bank Holidays (rising to a maximum of 30 days alongside length of service) Enhanced employer pension contribution Private Medical insurance (for you and your family) Income Protection insurance Life Assurance at 4x your salary Financial support and advice Travel insurance (for you and your family) An annual wellness benefit of £150 Four-week sabbatical after every 5 years’ service. Madano offers a range of first rate, dedicated training that enables employees to take control of their careers to become experts in their field and trusted advisors to clients. *Some benefits are contingent on successful completion of probation period. Equal Opportunities Madano is committed to a policy of equal opportunities and non-discrimination. At all times we aim to recruit, develop and promote the very best people, basing judgement solely on suitability for the job. We particularly encourage applications from those who are significantly underrepresented in our sector, such as disabled people, ethnic minorities and neurodiverse people. We are committed to transparency about how we collect and use your data, including ensuring we comply with legal obligations relating to data protection. You can view our data privacy policy here and Recruitment Privacy Policy .