ABOUT US
We are a healthcare communications agency that turns complexity into opportunity with clarity and intent. We are an agile, passionate team of strategists, scientists, creatives, and client partners, driven by precision and purpose. Strategically led, scientifically backed, and flawlessly executed. Experience healthcare communications with Definition.
If you’re committed to client satisfaction, thrive without bureaucracy, and want to do some of the most interesting work in healthcare communications, you’ll fit right in.
JOB OVERVIEW
The Scientific Director (SD) is a recognized expert and subject matter authority responsible for leading the development of high-quality scientific content across multiple client accounts, shaping scientific strategy within assigned brands, and setting the standard for scientific accuracy and quality across the team. The SD guides junior and mid-level writers, contributes to organic account growth and new business, and builds deep cross-functional relationships across scientific, account, and creative teams.
CORE CAPABILITIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Writing
- Lead the development of high-quality scientific content across publications, oral presentations, print, digital, and emerging formats across multiple assigned accounts
- Shape the scientific narrative within assigned brands, selecting the most compelling story from the data and translating complex science for diverse audiences
- Apply recognized expert-level judgment across complex therapeutic areas, setting the quality standard for scientific content on assigned accounts
- Establish and apply scientific content frameworks and best practices, contributing to Definition’s evolving standards
- Use AI and automated tools to drive efficiency and improve scientific workflows while maintaining accuracy and quality standards
Client Activity
- Act as a trusted scientific lead for clients and key opinion leaders on assigned projects and accounts
- Build strong working relationships with pharmaceutical clients and KOLs, serving as a reliable point of contact on specified projects
- Develop and maintain deep expertise across therapy areas relevant to assigned accounts, including product data, educational messaging, and competitor awareness
- Accurately interpret client and author comments and apply feedback with precision
- Contribute to organic account growth and support new business proposals as a senior scientific voice
- Provide on-site support at client meetings and medical congresses as appropriate
Teamwork
- Guide and mentor junior and mid-level scientific writers on assigned accounts, recognized internally as a scientific subject matter authority
- Build productive relationships across scientific, account, and cross-functional teams
- Direct freelance scientific writers on assigned work, ensuring quality and consistency of output
- Proactively manage workload and resource requirements, ensuring adequate coverage to meet clients’ needs
- Ensure effective communication with the internal team on issues that may affect quality or delivery
Financial Management
- Apply expert-level budgetary awareness to inform project scoping and account planning
- Estimate scientific hours accurately for complex deliverables across assigned accounts
- Flag financial or resourcing risks to scientific leadership proactively
Industry Awareness
- Remain current on medical literature, industry events, regulatory developments, and competitive landscape relevant to client brands
- Contribute to Definition’s scientific knowledge base by sharing insights on therapeutic area developments and regulatory changes
- Begin developing an external professional profile through participation in industry events and scientific forums
- Keep updated on relevant regulatory codes and legislation, advising team members where needed
EXPERIENCE & SKILLS
- Expert-level scientific writing style with recognized subject matter authority across multiple complex therapeutic areas
- Proven ability to lead scientific content across multiple accounts with wide latitude and minimal direction
- Exceptional attention to detail: style, consistency, grammar, and scientific accuracy
- Expert in editing, QC, and sign-off of complex scientific materials across multiple formats
- Strong client and thought leader relationship-building skills
- Demonstrated ability to mentor and guide junior and mid-level scientific writers
- Comfort and enthusiasm for using AI tools to drive scientific efficiency and quality
- Understanding of drug development and compliance guidelines for medical writing at an expert level
- Excellent verbal and written business communication skills
- Strong project and time management across multiple accounts simultaneously
- Attention to detail and adherence to house style
- Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, database/internet searching, etc.
LEVEL OF EXPERIENCE
- 7–10 years of experience at a healthcare communications agency
EDUCATION
- Bachelor’s degree (or preferably higher) in a biomedical science field; advanced degree (MSc, PhD, PharmD) strongly preferred
Pay: $115,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Vision insurance
Work Location: Remote
