Expert Scientific Writer

Job Description Summary

To manage and complete assigned Medical Communications deliverables at high quality standards and in accordance with agreed timelines. Projects include manuscripts, abstracts, posters, slide sets, satellite symposia content, congress or advisory board reports, publication planning and medical education materials for internal medical and/or clinical teams.

Job Description

Major Activities

Demonstrate a command of assigned therapeutic areas and expertise with assigned products. Research and write original content for publications activities (primary and review manuscripts, abstracts, posters), slide presentations and other materials based on direction and materials supplied by customers. Prepare meeting materials for satellite symposia (agenda, slide content, speaker briefings etc), and reports from advisory boards and other internal or external meetings. Develop content that is scientifically accurate, evidence-based, grammatically accurate, referenced using appropriate sources, and consistent with quality standards for author review, customer review as appropriate, and scientific peer review. As needed, perform quality control (QC) checking / proof reading of the above mentioned documents to meet customer expectations. Clearly communicate medical scientific concepts in a condensed, audience-appropriate way Follow all internal processes and procedures with regard to workflow, development of deliverables, and adherence to industry best practices, including GPP3. Demonstrate the flexibility/adaptability necessary to function on different therapeutic teams as needed and to work on projects across multiple brands at any given time. Interpret and apply clinical data in medical communication deliverables. Work in conjunction with service team and line manager to develop and adhere to logical and attainable timelines for project completion. Provide input and aid in troubleshooting/problem-solving. Collate and incorporate author/customers comments. Lead and/or participate in author/client teleconferences. Provide accurate citations in text (utilizing Reference Manager system), a bibliography, and appropriately annotated references for medical review. Participate in strategic and tactical publications planning and related research. Work as part of a team; train new colleagues as and when required. Supports people and performance management. Maintains records for all assigned projects including archiving. Maintains audit, SOP and training compliance. Performs additional tasks as assigned.

Key Performance Indicators

Adheres to quality, timeliness and productivity of deliverables as per KPI targets. Attention to detail and high degree of scientific and medical accuracy in medical writing. Ability to identify key issues and to creatively and strategically overcome challenges or obstacles. Sound analytical thinking, planning, prioritization, and execution skills. Well-developed professional communication skills, including written and inter-personal. Exceptional organizational skills with adeptness at multitasking. Flexibility and adaptability to change; ability to work under time constraints. Ability to interact effectively in a team-oriented environment. Established track record of high-quality medical communications outputs (eg, manuscripts, posters, etc). Understanding of good publication practice guidelines (GPP3). Adheres to Novartis values and behaviors.

Job Requirements

Functional Competencies

Level

Results Driven

Advanced

Customer/Quality Focus

Advanced

Leadership

Intermediate

Innovative and creative

Intermediate

Fast / Action oriented / Initiative / Simplicity

Intermediate

Empowerment / Accountability

Advanced

Commitment / Self discipline

Advanced

Mutual respect / Trust / Loyalty / Candor

Advanced

Open Communication/Collaboration/Compassion

Intermediate

Drug Development

Intermediate

Science and Technology

Advanced

Commercial Proficiency

Intermediate

Operational Excellence

Advanced

Clinical communication & Info. Mgmt.

Advanced

Strategic Thinking

Intermediate

Leadership Competencies

Level

Sets clear direction and aligns team and others around common objectives

Intermediate

Energizes the Team

Intermediate

Displays Passion for the 3 Cs (Consumers, Customers, Competition)

Intermediate

Exercises Good Judgment and Drives Change for Competitive Advantage

Intermediate

Drives for Superior Results and Has Passion to Win

Intermediate

Builds the Talent Pipeline

Intermediate

Inspires Continuous Improvement and Breakthrough Thinking

Intermediate

Displays Analytical and Conceptual thinking

Intermediate

Functional Experience

Total number of years required

Scientific/ Clinical Knowledge of Safety aspects, TA, Disease, Brand

Extensive (Critical)

Writing medical documents and publications (eg., abstracts, literature review, slide sets, posters, manuscripts, meeting reports)

Extensive (Critical)

Clinical Research/ Drug Development

Solid (Critical)

Drug Safety

Extensive (Critical)

Quality management

Solid (Critical)

IT/ web applications, office productivity tools and document formatting skills

Extensive (Critical)

Leadership Experience

Total number of years required

Project Management

Solid (Critical)

People Management

Exposure

Third Party (Customer/Vendor/Buyer)
Relationship Management

Solid (Critical)

Managing Cross Cultural Matrix Organisation

Solid (Critical)

Budgetary Management

Exposure

Driving operational excellence

Solid (Critical)

Job Dimensions

Number of associates:

None

Financial responsibility:

(Budget, Cost, Sales, etc.)

None

Impact on the organization:

Timely preparation of medical and scientific documents to meet regulatory requirements, for publication of clinical trial results, to increase customer awareness of company products, and to support marketing activities.

Ideal Background

Education:

Minimum: Minimum science degree or equivalent.

Desirable: MSc, PhD, PharmD, or MD.

Experience:

Minimum of 5 years' experience in medical communications.

Medical writing experience.

Good understanding of industry work processes for publications.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook).

Excellent written and oral English

Skills Desired

Building Construction, Clinical Practices, Clinical Research, Clinical Trials, Drug Development, Hazard Identification, Health Sciences, Immunology, Intensive Care UnIT (Icu), Internal Control, Internal Medicine, Job Description, Medical Information, Organization Skills, Patient Care, Stakeholder Engagement, Tcp/Ip Protocols, Utilization Management (Um)

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