Senior Medical Writer

Title : Senior Medical Writer

Reports to : Manager, Editorial Services or Editorial Director

Role : To lead the strategic and editorial development and co-ordinate implementation of client communication programmes with a focus on key messages, content and overall quality of all materials. Together with relevant colleagues in the teams, to provide both tactical and strategic contribution, helping to build client and KOL advocacy and helping clients fulfil their marketing and strategic objectives.

Key Duties :

1) Writing and scientific delivery:

1.1. Act as the primary editorial contact for the account team on large programmes
1.2. Research, write (from brief and outline through to finished product), edit and proof copy to the highest standard (scientific and grammatical) for a full range of educational materials and target audiences
1.3. Take briefs from client for new projects and brief other writers
1.4. Accurate and precise implementation of client/author amendments
1.5. Develop and implement strategic communications programmes and publication plans in close collaboration with the client and client service teams, keeping core team informed
1.6. Provide medical advice, expertise and consultancy in areas of main strength, internally and externally
1.7. Attain/maintain awareness of therapeutic area, competitors, new products, new indications, etc
1.8. Provide ideas and direction for the development of creative designs where appropriate
1.9. Manage on-site support to meet client/agency requirements including writing/editing/production, faculty support, A/V, data gathering, general assistance
1.10. Establish, develop and maintain opinion leader relationships and advocacy

2) Client focus, liaison and service:

2.1. Attend and lead client meetings where appropriate
2.2. To assist with and make presentations where necessary to clients, speakers, third party organisations
2.3. Demonstrate client focus to the wider team

3) Maintain quality of company deliverables through review, feedback, and continuing development of team skill sets:

3.1. Effectively mentor or line manage more junior writers and editorial assistants and contribute to objective setting, training and performance appraisals where appropriate
3.2. Review scientific content of written materials for other writers to ensure that materials comply with client brief, internal quality standards, deadlines and other agreed specifications; provide timely, consistent and constructive feedback to writers
3.3. Quality control and review of pre-print items for other medical writers across the company

4) Project management:

4.1. Maintain an overview of all ongoing projects within client account
4.2. Work closely with the Editorial Director and Account Directors to help plan and allocate resource to match programme needs
4.3. Work with account services colleagues to produce regular status updates for client
4.4. Management of freelance writers, including briefing and monitoring of projects being worked by freelance writers

5) Business development:

5.1. Together with the Account Directors, proactively contribute to organic growth and new business development for existing and new clients
5.2. Assist in the development of proposals. Play an active role in preparation and delivery of proposals, pitches and presentations if required

6) General areas:

6.1. Manage internal and external communications efficiently
6.2. Comply with company SOPs and standards
6.3. Attain/maintain a good working knowledge of the computer software required
6.4. Show understanding of budget development; record and monitor actual vs. budgeted time on projects and appraise Account Director as appropriate
6.5. Any other duties as requested by the Editorial Director

Job Package

Competitive package based on experience.

Person Profile

Skills and Knowledge Required
Qualifications:
" Educated to at least degree level in the physical or life sciences
Previous work experience:
" Agency editorial experience including experience of good multidisciplinary teamwork is generally essential

Job Specific Competencies:
" Demonstrable competence in scientific and commercial writing
" Confidence in client-facing situations; ability and willingness to lead client meetings and make presentations where necessary
" Ability to adapt quickly and competently to different therapy areas and target audiences
" Demonstrated ability to juggle multiple projects and therapy areas efficiently and competently
" Ability to identify areas for organic growth and facilitate recommendations to clients
" Attention to detail - style/consistency, grammar, syntax, scientific accuracy, layout etc.
" Good knowledge of a number of therapeutic areas, medical products and the pharmaceutical industry
" Excellent project/time management and organisational skills
" IT skills (including MS Office, database searching, internet use)
" Keen budgetary awareness
" Familiarity with code of practice guidelines for medical copy/copyright issues
" Familiarity with drug development process
" Excellent interpersonal/ communication skills including client/opinion leader contact skills
" Ability and willingness to mentor or line manage more junior staff

Alpharmaxim Competencies:

" Customer focus
" Teamwork
" Integrity
" Accountability
" Innovation
" Communication
" Business awareness
" Self development




Interview Process

2 stage interview process plus a writing test.

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