Scientific Lead

Major accountabilities:

Support for planning and execution of scientific communications for assigned franchises/TA or group of aligned TAs

• Oversees the delivery of colleague-requested support of medical/scientific communications plans and medical communications workshops for assigned franchises/TA or group of aligned TAs
• Leads the review of the medical/scientific communication plans with the stakeholders to ensure that requirements are met
• Collaborates with the internal Medical and Knowledge Solutions (MKS) team in developing plans and materials for, and participating in new business development meetings with existing and prospective clients
• Demonstrates ability to see the big picture and adds value by identifying the key/broad issues regarding client’s product/brand
• Ensures MKS medical communication deliverables on assigned products/brand(s) are aligned with the product/brand scientific communication strategy and tactics

Therapeutic  knowledge

• Oversees MKS medical communication content development for high-profile and scientifically complex therapeutic areas
• Demonstrates the ability to think creatively and applies extensive knowledge of assigned franchises/TA or group of aligned TAs
• Maintains thorough knowledge of key competitors (strengths, weaknesses, positioning, performance, etc.)
• Proactively and independently maintains knowledge on the product and/or therapeutic category
• Recommends and implements strategy-aligned and innovative medical communications solutions to meet needs
• Demonstrates ability to think about the scientific landscape that shapes a product and provides insights to wider team

Editorial and reviewing

• Responsible for the quality and scientific accuracy/integrity of projects
• Ensures written materials and slides meet product objectives and contain appropriate scientific statements and learning objectives
• Provides guidance and direction to writers/editorial project team
• Communicates key issues/initiatives to team accurately and in timely manner
• Detects/anticipates strategic inconsistencies or potential problems and develops solutions

Champions optimum collaboration and ways of working between MKS and the internal colleagues

• Leads by example in terms of working with the colleagues. Listens to and acts on improvement ideas, and translates into actionable service improvements

KPIs

• 100% compliance with legal regulations, industry codes and internal compliance standards
• Specific feedback: global teams as well as Regions and countries, on the efficacy and effectiveness of the service
• Level of service adoption.  Measured by the number of additional activities being conducted outside of the agreed delivery framework
• Delivery of services in line with defined KPI targets to measure service quality and timeliness

Education

Minimum: Healthcare professional degree or degree in a healthcare-related field
Desirable: Advanced degree (PhD, PharmD, MD) in life science/healthcare
 

Languages

• Fluent English (oral and written).
• Preferred: a second major European language.

Experience/professional experience

• At least 5 years’ experience of working with international Medical Communications for either an agency or in an internal role within the pharmaceuticals industry
• Experience in a wide array of Medical Communications activities, including, but not limited to, publications, slide decks, symposia, standalones, advisory board meetings, etc.
• Track record in developing Medical Communications plans
• Track record of working effectively in a matrixed organization and / or between complex structures between client and deliver teams
• Desired experience in digital solutions and innovation
• Experience in a multi-cultural work environment and international working
• Strong negotiations & stakeholder management skills

Leadership skills

• Ability to scope and lead content projects, manage internal and external resources and direct content projects through to completion; role models teamwork and collaboration skills
• Demonstrates excellent executive level verbal, written and presentation skills
• Anticipates and brings about change as needed; communicates change in a way that supports buy-in and long-term success
• Utilizes decision criteria such as cost, benefits, risks, timing, and buy-in; selects the strategy most likely to succeed with client(s)
• Solves issues, independently moderate conflicts with significant complexity and political sensitivity and influence senior management decisions
• Is sought out for advice and counsel; has proven credibility and cross-functional success
• Sets clear direction and priorities; mentors and coaches staff for improved performance
• Conveys credibility and maintains positive, professional image both internally and externally
• Demonstrates ability and willingness to assume a leadership/mentor role within the team
• Role models professional and positive qualities within the organization
• Ensures compliance and inspection /audit readiness. Is accountable that all associates in the team are adequately trained and comply with industry best practice (incl. GPP3) and internal guidelines/SOPs

Competencies

• Solution orientation
• Significant openness to piloting new ideas
• Comfort around higher management
• Conflict management
• Managing and measuring work
• Organizing
• Peer relationships
• Planning
• Politically savvy
• Drive for results
• Strategic agility
• Managerial courage
• Influencing
• Negotiation