Medical Communications

Medical Communications

EPM Scientific:

Specialist Talent Partner in Medical Communications Recruitment

Life sciences in the US and further afield is growing at a rapid rate. In addition to new levels of research and collaboration following the Covid-19 pandemic, the US spend on pharmaceuticals soared to almost $500 billion in 2022.

As life science companies expand and innovative start-ups enter the field, an increased number of Medical Communications opportunities arise. Finding the right people to fill those roles can be challenging if you do not have a trusted talent partner to do it for you. EPM Scientific will source and deliver the right people for the roles when you need them.

How we can help

For over 10 years, EPM Scientific has worked with world-leading life science companies as their preferred talent partner. We strive to source the Medical Communications talent you need, enabling you to grow your business in line with your goals. Whether you are looking for a professional to oversee a time-sensitive project, a team to run with your company goals, or you’re looking for your next career opportunity, we can assist with a variety of specialist talent solutions.

Medical Communications talent solutions

As a leading life science talent partner, we will handle the talent acquisition process for you, allowing you to focus on what really matters: achieving your company goals. We provide a range of talent solutions, including permanent, contract, and multi-hire solutions from our global hubs around the world.

A workforce that is adaptable, flexible, and responsive is essential in today’s fast-paced world. We deliver highly skilled professionals who are committed to your company values and will further your corporate mission and vision. Through our consultative approach, we gain an understanding of our clients’ hiring needs, which allows us to manage the process from source to hire.

As part of Phaidon International, we offer our clients a competitive advantage when it comes to sourcing talent. Our global teams tailor our solutions to deliver results and provide you with additional support including hiring tips, risk mitigation, interview techniques, salary guidance, and bespoke analysis.

Don’t just take our word for it

“EPM Scientific is a dedicated business partner with in-touch life sciences recruiters. They maintain effective communication throughout the staffing process with both their candidates and employers. The team is detail oriented, fast-paced, and efficient in their work. It is a pleasure to work with EPM Scientific and we are looking forward to the continued partnership in the years to come!”- Nick Dowback, Talent Acquisition, ClinicalMind

We currently have a number of consultants contracted through EPM Scientific and they are always on top of how things are going and looking for solutions when (potential) problems arise...Needless to say – I enjoy working with EPM Scientific very much and hope to continue our partnership in future.” - Carlot Kruse, Medical Affairs Manager, Univar Solutions

“I’ve worked with EPM Scientific directly for the past several months, and I know they were behind the scenes working on our roles for long before that. I’ve enjoyed working with EPM Scientific, as they are diligent, easy to work with and to talk to, and great at ensuring they are aware of all of our recruiting needs.”- Jessica DiMaulo, Senior HR Coordinator Cello Health Communications

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Benefits of working with us

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Experience

We have over a decade’s worth of experience as a leading talent partner in Life Sciences & Pharma.

Network

A vast, global network of the best, in-demand professionals, working with the world’s largest Life Sciences institutions, to take drugs, devices and therapeutic applications through from conception to completion.

Knowledge

Our award-winning talent specialists offer bespoke, tailored guidance on the latest hiring trends and industry news to help you achieve your goals.

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Looking to hire?

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Medical Communications Jobs

Find your next Medical Communications role with EPM Scientific, spanning Account & Client Services, Project Management, Scientific Communications, Medical Editor, Public Relations, and more.

Senior/Medical Director - Oncology Omnichannel

One of EPM's global medical communication agency partners has been extremely successful in their oncology omnichannel business that they're looking to add either a Medical Director or Senior Medical Director to the team. This role will entail: Creating omnichannel plan, strategy, and deliverables, including but not limited to KOL videos, MOD/MOA animations, websites, infographics, email/social drivers Being client facing, leading discussions within the oncology space and providing strategic insights to guide clients and elevate the work Diving deeper across multiple indications in the oncology treatment landscape A strong candidate for this position will bring: A minimum of 4 years of direct medical communications agency experience Omnichannel experience a plus PhD, PharmD, MD Strong communication and client facing skills Prior experience leading large-scale projects with multiple deliverables A solid oncology background including med comms work here Other details of the role: Open to candidates in the USA or Canada (EST preferred) Note the posted salary range is for USA candidates, it will be different for Canadian candidates and can change depending on the years and experience one brings Fully remote role Reach out with questions and apply today!

US$140000 - US$160000 per annum
New York
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SR Director Medical Writing, Oncology

SUMMARY:An emerging biopharmaceutical company is seeking a Senior Director, Medical Writing to lead and oversee the medical writing function across a diverse portfolio of clinical development programs, spanning from early-phase clinical trials to Phase 3 studies. This leadership role entails strategic direction, oversight, and management of regulatory writing activities, including clinical trial protocols, investigator brochures, briefing books, clinical study reports (CSRs), and other key documents essential for regulatory submissions and scientific communication (e.g., DSURs, health authority meeting requests, INDs, etc.). The position requires strong leadership capabilities, a comprehensive understanding of end-to-end oncology clinical development, and the ability to collaborate across multiple disciplines, including clinical, regulatory, clinical pharmacology, biomarker and translational medicine, and clinical operations. The ideal candidate should be adept at adapting to shifting priorities and regulatory outcomes while thriving in a fast-paced environment with multiple deliverables across various therapeutic areas. A hands-on approach, with the ability to manage individual projects alongside team leadership, is essential. This role reports to the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for oncology and includes direct reports. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Leadership and Strategy: Lead and manage the medical writing team, providing mentorship, guidance, and performance feedback to ensure timely and successful project execution. Partner with senior leadership, clinical development, regulatory affairs, and other departments to align medical writing strategies with overall clinical development objectives. Develop and implement best practices, templates, and processes to ensure high-quality, compliant, and consistent documentation. Ensure that all medical writing activities adhere to regulatory guidelines, industry standards, and internal procedures. Document Creation and Review: Oversee the preparation of regulatory and clinical documents, including clinical trial protocols, investigator brochures, briefing books, CSRs, and clinical sections of IND/CTA/NDAs/BLAs. Ensure timely completion of medical writing deliverables, meeting the highest scientific, regulatory, and quality standards. Provide editorial oversight and review support for scientific communications, including manuscripts, abstracts, and posters. Regulatory Submissions and Support: Lead the development of documents for regulatory submissions (e.g., IND, NDA, BLA) in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements and guidelines (FDA, EMA, ICH). Collaborate closely with regulatory affairs teams to review and refine documents for regulatory filings, ensuring accurate representation of clinical data and trial outcomes. Contribute to the preparation and review of responses to regulatory agency queries and feedback. Collaboration and Communication: Maintain clear and effective communication with internal and external stakeholders to manage expectations, resolve issues, and ensure alignment on timelines and content. Provide training and guidance to teams on best practices in medical writing and regulatory documentation. Team Development and Oversight: Lead and mentor a team of medical writers, fostering professional growth and development. Establish performance metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure the successful execution of medical writing deliverables. Cultivate a culture of continuous improvement within the medical writing function. QUALIFICATIONS: Education: Advanced degree (Ph.D., M.D., or Pharm.D.) in a scientific or medical discipline preferred. A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Life Sciences, Pharmacy, or a related field will also be considered with relevant experience. Experience: Minimum of 10 years of experience in medical writing within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, including at least 5 years in a leadership role. Extensive experience in writing regulatory documents for clinical trials across all phases (Phase 1 to Phase 3). Proven expertise in regulatory submissions (IND, NDA, BLA) and a deep understanding of regulatory requirements and guidelines (FDA, EMA, ICH). Demonstrated experience managing teams, mentoring writers, and working collaboratively with cross-functional teams. Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex scientific concepts clearly and concisely. Strong attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality documentation. Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and thrive in a dynamic environment. Proficiency in medical writing software and document management systems. Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire, mentor, and guide a team of medical writers.

US$250000 - US$280000 per year
San Francisco
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Account Manager/Senior Account Manager

The ideal candidate will be someone who not only thrives in a fast-paced and challenging environment but also possesses the ability to maintain high standards of work while managing multiple complex projects. If you have a proven track record in leading projects to successful completion and excel in client satisfaction, this role is for you. Key Responsibilities: Effectively liaise with clients to manage and exceed expectations, ensure timely delivery of deliverables, and foster overall satisfaction. Develop and nurture partnerships across various functional groups, including project management, creative teams, and medical writers, to promote seamless project execution. Efficiently navigate and manage complex projects from their initial conception through to completion, ensuring all aspects are delivered to the highest quality standards and remain within set budgetary constraints. Maintain and expand your comprehensive knowledge of various therapeutic areas that are pertinent to ongoing and upcoming projects, thereby enhancing the quality and relevance of communications. Skill Requirements: Promotional Medical Education Experience: Candidates should have a minimum of three years' experience in developing and managing educational content specifically designed for healthcare professionals. This includes tailoring information that is both accessible and engaging to the target audience. Client-Facing Skills: We are looking for someone with a proven track record of handling direct client interactions with the utmost professionalism. The successful candidate will have demonstrated the ability to maintain and grow successful business relationships, ensuring client trust and continued partnership. Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role requires the ability to coordinate effectively between diverse groups, such as creative staff, medical writing personnel, and project managers. This entails fostering collaboration and communication to ensure project alignment and success. Therapeutic Knowledge: An in-depth understanding of a broad spectrum of health conditions and treatments is essential. This knowledge will enable effective communication within the field, ensuring that all project deliverables are relevant and scientifically accurate. Budgetary Planning & Financial Management: Demonstrated ability to plan and manage resources efficiently is crucial. The ideal candidate will have experience in meeting both organizational goals and client expectations through strategic financial planning and resource allocation.

US$80000 - US$100000 per annum
United States Virgin Island
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Director, Internal Communications

The Director of Internal Communications plays an important role in working with executive leadership, department leads, and peers to promote the culture, image, and reputation of the company. This role is looking for a communicator who has demonstrated experience strategizing and executing communications plans that resonate with audiences, keeping stakeholders informed and engaged. Responsibilities: Create internal communications, including weekly newsletters, employee facing content, an internal podcast, and articles for an internal magazine Create scripting for conferences, luncheons, and other executive communications Monitor distribution and engagement tracking with internal communications Maintain a company archive of photos and videos, documenting milestones and events Create and maintain programs for digital signage throughout buildings Work with cross collaborative teams, maintaining communications style guides, business unit webpages, and sitting on the employee portal content committee Qualifications: 8+ years of experience in communications, public relations, or marketing in a healthcare setting Experience managing teams either at an in-house or agency setting Demonstrated experience working with C-Suite to create executive communications Advanced writing skills, knowledge of AP guidelines, and experience working with subject matter experts to translate complex subjects into effective deliverables

US$120000 - US$140000 per annum
Nashville
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Director, Corporate Communications

Currently partnered with a global biotechnology company that is looking to grow their corporate communications team. The Director of Corporate Communications will be involved in strategizing and executing communications plans centered around the clinical trial product pipeline. Responsibilities: Strategize and executive comprehensive public relations and corporate communications plans that are aligned with the broader business unit, ensuring consistent messaging. Manage executive communications, including talking points, presentations, and internal communications. Prepare spokespeople for media interviews and other engagements. Collaborate with cross functional teams, including commercial, patient advocacy, human resources, medical affairs, and regulatory. Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including media, industry partners, and healthcare professionals. Oversee crisis communication plans and manage media inquiries. Monitor industry trends and provide insights to senior leadership. Qualifications: 8+ years of experience in public relations and corporate communications. Proven experience working in-house within a corporate environment. Knowledge of the oncology sector and clinical trials. Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines. Expertise in product communications; familiarity with FDA regulations and guidelines governing communications.

US$180000 - US$220000 per annum
New Jersey
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VP Strategy

** Must have Med Ed Agency Experience ** Role: VP Strategy Location: Remote About Us: Currently partnered with a leading medical communications agency dedicated to delivering innovative and impactful solutions for pharmaceutical clients. They are seeking a dynamic and experienced VP Strategy to join their team. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of success in the medical communications industry, with a strong focus on new business development and organic client growth. This role requires a strategic thinker with exceptional client services experience and the ability to drive agency growth and success. Key Responsibilities: Develop and execute strategic plans to drive new business growth and expand existing client relationships. Lead and mentor a team of strategists, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, innovative solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement integrated communication strategies. Identify and pursue new business opportunities, including pitching and winning new accounts. Foster strong relationships with clients, understanding their needs and providing strategic counsel. Monitor industry trends and competitive landscape to inform strategic decision-making. Oversee the development and execution of client presentations, proposals, and strategic plans. Ensure the agency's strategic initiatives align with overall business objectives and client goals. Qualifications: 8+ years of experience working in a medical communications agency. Proven experience in building and growing new business, as well as expanding organic client growth. Strong client services background with a focus on delivering exceptional client experiences. Excellent leadership and team management skills. Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and execute innovative solutions. Exceptional communication and presentation skills.

US$170000 - US$200000 per annum
United States of America
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Senior Director External Communications

Location: Nashville, TN (On-Site) About the Role: Seeking a Senior Director of External Communications to lead and execute strategic communications for a leading health and hospital system. This role will be responsible for shaping the organization's public image, strengthening media relationships, and enhancing stakeholder engagement. The ideal candidate will have deep experience in healthcare communications, including media relations, crisis management, and executive visibility. Key Responsibilities: Develop and implement a comprehensive external communications strategy to enhance the organization's reputation across media, industry stakeholders, and the public. Serve as the primary media contact, fostering strong relationships with healthcare, business, and national press. Lead crisis communications efforts, ensuring rapid, strategic, and effective responses to emerging issues. Oversee executive visibility and thought leadership programs, including speechwriting, op-eds, and media training. Collaborate with government affairs, marketing, and internal communications teams to align messaging and public positioning. Manage media monitoring and analytics to track coverage, sentiment, and effectiveness of communications strategies. Supervise and mentor a high-performing communications team, providing guidance on messaging, storytelling, and media outreach. Ensure all external communications adhere to compliance and regulatory guidelines specific to the healthcare industry. Qualifications: 9+ years of experience in healthcare communications, media relations, or public affairs, preferably within a hospital system, health provider network, or healthcare PR agency. Proven ability to develop and execute high-impact media strategies, including proactive and reactive outreach. Expertise in crisis and issues management, with a track record of effectively handling reputational risks. Strong relationships with healthcare and business media outlets at local, national, and trade levels. Experience advising C-suite executives on public positioning, messaging, and media opportunities. Excellent writing, editing, and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex healthcare topics into compelling narratives. Deep knowledge of health policy, regulatory environments, and hospital operations. Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field (Master's preferred).

US$140000 - US$165000 per annum
Nashville
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MSL - Lower Saxony/ Niedersachsen

Job Title: Medical Science Liaison (MSL) - Infectious Diseases Location: Niedersachsen, Germany Department: Medical Affairs Reports to: Medical Director Job Overview: The Medical Science Liaison (MSL) in Infectious Diseases will act as a vital scientific resource for healthcare professionals (HCPs) and internal teams. This role involves establishing and nurturing relationships with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), providing scientific and clinical support, and ensuring the effective communication of medical information related to the company's infectious disease products. Key Responsibilities: KOL Engagement: Develop and maintain relationships with KOLs and other HCPs in the field of infectious diseases. Scientific Support: Provide scientific and clinical support for product development, marketing strategies, and medical initiatives. Presentations and Training: Conduct scientific presentations and training sessions for internal teams and external stakeholders. Clinical Trial Support: Assist in the design and execution of clinical trial protocols and support clinical trial activities. Data Dissemination: Collaborate on publishing peer-reviewed scientific findings and disseminate clinical data to the medical community. Strategic Planning: Develop and execute strategic plans to address scientific gaps and opportunities in the field of infectious diseases. Compliance: Ensure all scientific communications comply with regulatory and ethical guidelines. Competitive Intelligence: Monitor and report on competitive intelligence in the scientific community. Conference Participation: Represent the company at medical and scientific conferences. Qualifications: Advanced degree (PhD, PharmD, MD) in a relevant scientific field. Strong understanding of clinical research and the drug development process. Excellent communication and presentation skills. Ability to build and maintain professional relationships with KOLs and HCPs. Experience in infectious diseases is highly preferred. Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team. Fluency in German and English. Skills: Scientific expertise in infectious diseases. Strong networking and relationship-building skills. Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities. Effective communication and presentation skills. Ability to translate complex scientific data for varied audiences. Strategic thinking and planning capabilities.

£100000 - £120000 per annum
Germany
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MSL - (NRW - Nordrhein-Westfalen)

Job Title: Medical Science Liaison (MSL) - Infectious Diseases Location: Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany Department: Medical Affairs Reports to: Medical Director Job Overview: The Medical Science Liaison (MSL) in Infectious Diseases will serve as a key scientific resource for healthcare professionals (HCPs) and internal teams. This role involves building and maintaining relationships with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), providing scientific and clinical support, and ensuring the effective communication of medical information related to the company's infectious disease products. Key Responsibilities: KOL Engagement: Develop and maintain relationships with KOLs and other HCPs in the field of infectious diseases. Scientific Support: Provide scientific and clinical support for product development, marketing strategies, and medical initiatives. Presentations and Training: Conduct scientific presentations and training sessions for internal teams and external stakeholders. Clinical Trial Support: Assist in the design and execution of clinical trial protocols and support clinical trial activities. Data Dissemination: Collaborate on publishing peer-reviewed scientific findings and disseminate clinical data to the medical community. Strategic Planning: Develop and execute strategic plans to address scientific gaps and opportunities in the field of infectious diseases. Compliance: Ensure all scientific communications comply with regulatory and ethical guidelines. Competitive Intelligence: Monitor and report on competitive intelligence in the scientific community. Conference Participation: Represent the company at medical and scientific conferences. Qualifications: Advanced degree (PhD, PharmD, MD) in a relevant scientific field. Strong understanding of clinical research and the drug development process. Excellent communication and presentation skills. Ability to build and maintain professional relationships with KOLs and HCPs. Experience in infectious diseases is highly preferred. Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team. Fluency in German and English. Skills: Scientific expertise in infectious diseases. Strong networking and relationship-building skills. Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities. Effective communication and presentation skills. Ability to translate complex scientific data for varied audiences. Strategic thinking and planning capabilities.

£100000 - £120000 per annum
Germany
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Account Director

** Must have med comms agency experience** Job Title: Account Director Location: Remote Salary: $110,000 - $130,000 CAD About: Currently partnered with a dynamic and rapidly growing medical communications agency dedicated to delivering high-quality, impactful communications solutions for clients. Their team is passionate about science, healthcare, and making a difference through effective communication. Position Overview: Currently seeking an experienced and motivated Account Director to join the team. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in the US market, a proven track record of managing clients, and expertise in various medical communications activities, including advisory boards, publications, presentation decks, symposiums, and congresses. Key Responsibilities: Client Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, ensuring their needs are met and expectations exceeded. Project Oversight: Lead and oversee the development and execution of medical communications projects, including advisory boards, publications, presentation decks, symposiums, and congresses. Strategic Planning: Develop and implement strategic plans to achieve client objectives and drive business growth. New Business Growth: Identify and pursue new business opportunities to expand the agency's client base and revenue streams. Team Leadership: Mentor and guide a team of account managers and other staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment. Budget Management: Manage project budgets, ensuring financial targets are met and resources are allocated efficiently. Quality Assurance: Ensure all deliverables meet the highest standards of quality and compliance with industry regulations. Qualifications: 6+ years of experience in a similar role within the medical communications industry, with significant experience in the US market. Proven ability to manage and grow client relationships. Demonstrated experience working across advisory boards, publications, presentation decks, symposiums, and congresses. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Bachelor's degree in a relevant field; advanced degree preferred.

CA$110000 - CA$130000 per annum
Toronto
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Freelance Medical Strategist

Job Title: Freelance Medical Strategist Location: Remote Job Type: Freelance/Contract - 30 hours p/w - 6 months About the Client: Our client is a leading medical communications agency dedicated to delivering high-quality, impactful medical content and strategies. They are passionate about advancing health care through innovative communication solutions. Role Overview: Our client is seeking a skilled and experienced Freelance Medical Strategist to join their dynamic team. In this role, you will develop and implement strategic medical communication plans that align with their client's goals and objectives. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure the delivery of accurate and compliant medical content. Key Responsibilities: Develop comprehensive medical communication strategies for various therapeutic areas. Collaborate with medical writers, editors, and designers to create high-quality content. Ensure all content is scientifically accurate, compliant with industry regulations, and tailored to target audiences. Provide strategic insights and recommendations to clients and internal teams. Stay updated on industry trends, guidelines, and best practices. Write and edit medical content, including manuscripts, abstracts, posters, and presentations. Develop clear, concise, and scientifically accurate materials for various audiences, including health care professionals and patients. Review and ensure the quality and accuracy of medical writing produced by other team members. Qualifications: Advanced degree in life sciences, medicine, or a related field. Proven experience in medical communications agencies. Strong understanding of medical and scientific terminology. Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.

Negotiable
England
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Freelance Medical Writer

EPM Scientific is currently in collaboration with a boutique medical communications agency that is seeking experienced freelance medical writers to join their team and play a pivotal role within their organisations over the course of 2025. The details of the role are as follows: Freelance Medical Writer Therapy Areas, Oncology, Immunology, Inflammation Medical Education Materials, slide decks and congress materials. 12 Month Initial Engagement 0.5 FTE minimum 100% Remote Outside of IR35 (applicable only to the UK) Requirements: Minimum 9+ years experience as a medical writer Requested TA experience essential Medical Education experience essential Variety of TA experience beneficial Background in science essential (minimum BSc) This is a great opportunity for experienced writers looking to take on a contract with consistent work, great environment and friendly people. If you fit the description above and would like to pursue this opportunity, please apply now!

Negotiable
England
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Medical Communications News & Insights

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Life Sciences Salary Guides of 2023

Are you aiming to advance your career within the life sciences sector? Are you interested in discovering your competitors‘ offerings for professionals in your field across the APAC region? We are excited to present our new series of Salary Guides for the life sciences industry. These comprehensive reports will furnish you with invaluable insights into the present salary trends in Singapore, China, Australia, South Korea, and Japan.Compiled from the responses of almost 900 life sciences professionals in the APAC region, this is an opportunity you shouldn't overlook. Seize the chance to gain a competitive advantage in the life sciences field, enabling you to make well-informed choices about your career trajectory, compensation, and hiring approaches.

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The Benefits of Hiring In-House Medical Communications Talent in the Era of AI Image
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The Benefits of Hiring In-House Medical Communications Talent in the Era of AI

​Discussions and debates among Medical Communications (MedComms) professionals are being dominated by AI. How can language-processing AI tools be used to increase their productivity, which tools are best, what are the limitations, and what are the risks? MedComms professionals play a vital role within life sciences, simplifying complex medical information and accurately translating it for a variety of audiences. AI tools can help MedComms professionals work quicker and produce higher quality content[1], even summarizing research findings, drafting medical reports, or helping teams where English isn’t their first language bring their scientific knowledge to more people.However, as we learn more about these tools and they continue to evolve by the day, new threats are arising. In the life sciences industry, where brand trust is vital and wrong facts can spell disaster, the negative consequences can be momentous. As AI usage becomes more prevalent, MedComms teams must be aware of the risks, and ensure they are using AI tools correctly. Having a dedicated in-house MedComms team within your agency or individual specialist project consultants, rather than outsourcing to a consultancy, can be beneficial to organizations looking to mitigate the risks of AI and ensure it is being used correctly. Here are five threats MedComms professionals must be aware of when using AI tools, and reasons why life sciences companies and MedComms agencies should consider hiring specialised MedComms talent or consultants in an era dominated by the rapid rise of AI:1. Outdated dataChatGPT, the most popular tool for generating written content, has only been fed information up to September 2021 at time of writing, so it will not pick up on new industry developments, research, or statistics. As MedComms professionals are usually working on new studies, drugs or devices, it is near-impossible for AI tools to provide up-to-date information to aid with creating new content.Working with a specialised in-house MedComms team or project consultant, rather than outsourcing to an consultancy, will ensure that your team have lived and breathed the product throughout its entire lifecycle, giving them an in-depth knowledge of the project they are working on. This will allow them to write their own original, detailed, and accurate content, then use AI to produce supporting documents and copy to boost their productivity, rather than risking an outsourced team using AI to generate generic new content. Likewise, through the use of specialised consultants, you save outsourcing costs and utilize time efficiently, as they are working side by side with you in-house as part of the team.2. Knowledge is powerWhile AI algorithms can be used to aid research by efficiently scanning through vast databases of medical literature to locate relevant studies or statistics, AI tools commonly used by comms professionals do not have access to the contents of every medical report, book and journal available. Combine this with the previously mentioned knowledge cut-off points, and any MedComms professional relying on AI too heavily will be missing out on a wealth of industry knowledge and sources. We asked ChatGPT if it had access to medical journals, and this is what it said: “My responses are generated based on a mixture of licensed data, data created by human trainers, and publicly available data. I have been trained on a wide range of data sources, including books, websites, and other texts, to develop a broad understanding of human language. It is possible that the content I generate may include information from medical journals or studies that have been published in the public domain. However, it's important to note that while I strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, my responses may not always reflect the most current research or medical guidelines. Medical knowledge is constantly evolving, and new studies can emerge that may change the understanding or treatment of certain conditions. Therefore, it's always a good idea to refer to reputable medical sources for the latest research findings.”Specialised consultants in this space, who can bridge this gap and work in-house, have access to a collaborative environment where colleagues care deeply about their project. Therefore, they are more likely to share relevant studies and articles with each other, sparking ideas to improve content that is most beneficial to the business.3. Adding the human touchAs more content is being created and published with the use of AI tools, it is becoming easier to identify when content has been generated by it – for example, overuse of key words or phrases, very broad or generic statements with no originality, and a lack of logical flow. William Paton, Senior Vice President at EPM Scientific, recently attended a seminar about ChatGPT and its impact on Medical Affairs at MAPS Lisbon. This particular comment resonated with him: “We should use AI as a co-pilot into our workflow, but not use it externally with HCPs for example”. Essentially, the tool can make us more time efficient when it comes to more mundane tasks, freeing up time for more impactful work. However, the human touch element remains as a fundamental part of the process. Ultimately, in-house team members or consultants need to be embedded into a company’s culture and values, to naturally add company keywords, tone of voice, and flair when writing content.4. Protect your brand reputationAI tools like ChatGPT collect comments from social media and news articles among its many sources. This can cause incorrect narratives or information to be presented as facts, which if not fact-checked before publishing could be disastrous for brand reputation. This feature can also cause negative sentiments or bad PR to be amplified, so when people use ChatGPT to find out information about your company or product, they will be supplied with negative or inaccurate information. A range of different audiences rely on the information MedComms professionals provide, be it expert KOLs to the everyday person on the street, and publications from reliable sources are the beating heart of MedComms. With misinformation being such a prevalent topic in today’s work, the correct application of AI needs to be taken with the upmost responsibility. Using a specialised consultant, who has the insight into how these tools work and can maximize usability, will allow you to work more directly throughout the content production process to ensure that all new content created is correct and has been fact-checked. They can also proactively prepare crisis communications and actively monitor social media and consumer sentiment, so that in the rare chance of receiving public negativity you could save your brand or company reputation before news become more mainstream.5. Keep track of evolving AI threats The risks that AI tools present to MedComms teams discussed above will rapidly evolve – new AI tools are being published weekly, constantly bringing both new threats and opportunities. For instance, Google was the seventh established search engine but is the most widely used today. What’s to say that the biggest AI tool MedComms professionals use ten years from now has even been invented yet?Despite the worries many comms professionals have about AI replacing them, they will never be able to replicate the soft skills needed to be able to match humans’ quality of work. However, MedComms professionals may find their jobs at risk from others who understand and utilize AI tools better than them. We can identify expert MedComms consultants or specialists for your organization who can keep track of AI tools, understand and overcome emerging risks, avoid costly mistakes, save time, and provide a competitive advantage as AI becomes ever-more prevalent.How EPM Scientific can helpEPM Scientific’s specialist talent team combines cutting-edge industry expertise with our extensive global database of highly qualified MedComms professionals available for permanent and contract roles. We can help you find the perfect MedComms candidate or consultant with the knowledge to use AI tools safely and keep track of the risks to help your business thrive.As a specialist life sciences talent partner, EPM Scientific helps clients with hiring within 3 different verticals in MedComms: Scientific Services - including Medical Writers and Scientific DirectorsClient Services - including Accounts and Project ManagersDigital & Creative Services – including Creative Directors, UX Designers and Digital ConsultantsIf you’re looking to hire MedComms talent, find out more about how we can support you by requesting a call back from our experts today.[1]https://www.nngroup.com/articles/chatgpt-productivity/

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management advice

The Life Sciences Skills Gap: How to Hire

​The life sciences industry is rapidly growing, but it is experiencing skills gaps that need to be addressed to allow it to reach its full potential. According to a 2022 life sciences and pharma talent trends report, 33% of C-suite and human capital leaders in the life sciences and pharmaceuticals sector agree that talent scarcity is a major pain point. This problem is widespread, with the UK also suffering a skills shortage that threatens to stall the industry’s trajectory.Skills gaps in digital and computational skills, and industrial, economic, and clinical research are particularly large. However, if phenotypic, genomic, and patient data integration practices can be optimized across the industry, this will support both research and treatment advances in the future.This article shares effective hiring strategies that can help life sciences organizations address skill gaps within their teams and wider business.Understanding the skills gaps in the life sciences industryStatistics from the talent trends report highlight the key skills gaps in the life sciences industry and how they impact key research and development processes. Demand for life sciences products is forecast to grow more rapidly than the global GDP over the coming years, and 45% of the aforementioned talent leaders note that they are looking to hire primarily to avoid talent scarcity from hindering their organizations’ progress. Moreover, the report found that 67% of pharmaceutical and life sciences companies believe that reskilling their current employees is an efficient way to address and mitigate skills gaps. It currently takes 105 days on average to fill a non-executive life sciences position in the US, leading to financial losses of $500 per open role per day, so intentional talent strategies are crucial to setting life sciences businesses on the path to success.Supporting mobility between sectorsSupporting mobility between sectors plays a vital role in closing the skills gaps within the life sciences industry. Enabling professionals to transition across sectors, ranging from Regulatory and Legal Services to Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Engineering, allows life sciences companies to tap into a vast pool of talent. This is also an effective method of sharing intersectional knowledge and developing key skills.Selecting candidates with a diverse range of backgrounds for open roles may also bring more unique perspectives into your organization, thereby driving innovation and helping to meet growing demand. Focus on transferable skillsFocusing on transferable skills is a powerful approach to bridging the skills gap in the life sciences industry. Rather than solely emphasizing sector-specific experience, prioritizing transferable skills enables professionals to adapt and thrive in new roles within the field. The life sciences industry’s talent offers a myriad of transferable skills that can be used to power future growth and innovation. These include analytical skills, leadership and teamwork skills, problem solving, written and oral communication skills, management skills, and scientific peer communication. Additional soft skills to focus on in your talent acquisition strategy include critical thinking, problem solving, and attention to detail.Consider cultural fitSeek out candidates from other industries who align with your organization’s culture, values, and core mission. This alignment promotes employee engagement, retention, and overall job satisfaction, whilst creating a supportive working environment that benefits from a wide range of experiences and perspectives.These candidates should also possess the aforementioned transferable skills, which will help to ensure that they can perform optimally in their new roles without being hindered by common skills gaps.Offer more flexibilityWhile not a priority for all candidates, flexible working arrangements such as remote or hybrid work arrangements are valuable to skilled candidates and may help to give your organization an advantage in the ongoing competition for life sciences talent.Hire top talent with EPM ScientificEPM Scientific is a leading specialist life sciences talent partner, providing you with a wealth of expertise to help you locate the best talent for your life sciences roles globally. Submit a vacancy or request a call back from our team to find the right people to drive your organization forwards.

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How to Ensure Employee Retention in Life Sciences Image
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How to Ensure Employee Retention in Life Sciences

​The Pharmaceutical market has expanded considerably in the past two decades, with Pharma revenues totalling $1.42tn in 2021. This has been accompanied by a growing demand for experienced, highly qualified Life Sciences professionals: with more drugs than ever now available, companies require a strong workforce to bring their products to market. The industry has had to deal with an ever-small talent pool as a result, which has been exacerbated by one of the highest employee churn rates, with the Life Sciences and Medical Devices industry alone seeing a 20.6% turnover rate. This is reflected in the results of our Life Sciences survey which revealed that more than 40% of Life Sciences professionals are currently looking for a new role.The COVID-19 pandemic led to a substantial increase in resignations across all industries, as many employees started to re-evaluate their priorities and seek roles that offered flexible remote-work policies. Consequently, companies have found it harder to get the people they need. 47.8 million workers in the U.S. decided to quit their jobs in 2021 – the highest volume of resignations since the Bureau of Labor Statistics began recording this data in 2001. This is equivalent to 3.98 million workers quitting their jobs each month, up from an average of roughly 3m leaving their jobs each month in 2019.Similar trends have been observed in Australia and the UK, where the rate of employed people between 16-64 choosing to switch jobs reached an all-time high of 3.2% between October-December 2021. The resignation rate continued to increase in 2022, with job-to-job resignations in the UK peaking at 442,000 in the second quarter of 2022. In Europe, one in three workers are considering quitting their jobs in the near term, with inadequate compensation and lack of career advancement being cited as the top factors.Why are Life Sciences professionals leaving their roles?The reasons that Life Sciences professionals have for wanting to leave their jobs vary across each industry sector. However, the promise of higher remuneration is invariably the main reason. This is according to findings from our Year in Review, which goes into greater depth about the factors that matter most to Life Sciences professionals when seeking to advance their careers.There are a host of other important factors, however, such as the desire for an improved work-life balance and employees wanting to acquire more new skills that will aid in their professional development. Changes in management can also cause people to want to move jobs, and Life Sciences professionals are increasingly looking for openings that provide flexible working hours and the ability to work from home.How to improve employee retentionThe good news is that there is a wide range of employee retention strategies that you can adopt in your workplace. Let’s take a look at some of the most effective employee retention techniques that you can use to ensure that your employees are satisfied at work and remain highly motivated in their positions, as opposed to looking elsewhere for their big career break.Offer competitive salaries and benefitsDissatisfaction around salary has had a negative impact on talent retention in the Life Sciences sector. As we’ve seen across the board, wanting higher compensation is the top reason for employees wanting to move to jobs; 70% of the R&D professionals that we surveyed within the Pharmacological industry were motivated by the promise of higher compensation at other companies.Paying your team a competitive rate is a simple but effective employee retention strategy that you can use to avoid your workforce shrinking. Our survey results show that the majority of respondents want a pay rise upwards of 10-15% of their current salary, which provides some indication of how much you may need to offer in order to remain competitive. Focus on career developmentYour employees will be far less likely to want to continue working for you long-term if there are few opportunities for advancement – or if their ability to develop their skills is limited. A study by Work Institute found that employees quit in 20% of cases due to career development issues.This highlights the importance of setting clear paths for career progression to give your team the motivation and provide them with long-term goals.Be flexibleOffering flexible working arrangements is a sure-fire way to keep your employees happy. Our Year in Review revealed that the option to work from home is very important to 60% of the industry as a whole. The majority of R&D respondents deemed flexibility as either important or very important, and workers in Pharmacovigilance ranked flexibility higher than salary when asked what is most important when considering a new job.Whilst a lack of flexible working options will not be a deal-breaker for many employees, you will find it far easier to retain your top talent if you grant them greater freedom to work according to their preferences.Build a supportive company cultureThere’s nothing quite like a warm, friendly culture when it comes to getting excellent work out of your employees. It’s also one of the best ways to increase their loyalty to the company.Seeking feedback from employees on a regular basis about how working processes might be improved helps ensure that workers feel that their concerns are being heard and addressed. Providing senior employees with the skills and training that they need to be good managers is also a worthwhile endeavour. Manufacturing professionals regard good leadership as almost as important as salary, according to our Year in Review survey.Promote work-life balanceMore than a third of respondents in our Life Sciences Year in Review report highlighted a poor work-life balance as one of the main reasons for wanting to seek employment in another role. Almost half of the Clinical Pharmacology professionals surveyed cited a need for an improved work-life balance as their main reason for seeking a new position.With higher numbers of professionals re-evaluating their priorities in life in the wake of the COVID pandemic, it’s no wonder that Life Sciences professionals are seeking out positions that allow them to spend more time with their families and friends. Giving your employees more personal time is therefore one of the most effective strategies for employee retention.Offer innovative, up-to-date technologiesFinally, ensure that you have the latest technology in your workplace. Investing in top-of-the-range software, for example, will make it easier for your employees to complete tasks and reduce the errors that are made, thereby increasing company productivity and boosting morale.Employee retention is critical to successThriving companies are characterized by a happy, satisfied workforce and high employee retention rates. Partner with EPM Scientific, a leading executive search firm for the Life Sciences industry, to find out more about how you can implement employee retention strategies that get results. Request a call back and one of our specialist consultants will be in touch. ​

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How to Determine if a New Hire Will Fit into Your Company's Culture Image
Management & Culture

How to Determine if a New Hire Will Fit into Your Company's Culture

There’s no question that a company’s culture and ethos can help its employees feel more satisfied at work, increase employee retention and ultimately serve as a catalyst for its success. Company culture is seen as very important by professionals: survey data collected by Glassdoor shows that more than three quarters of professionals take the culture into account before applying for a job, and 56% say that they see the culture of a company as playing a more significant role than salary in determining overall job satisfaction. Given the role that it plays, cultural fit should be a key priority for employers.Why is cultural fit important?If somebody is a good cultural fit for a company, they are far more likely to be an engaged, motivated employee who derives satisfaction from their role. There is a greater chance that they will see the job as more than just a source of income and as such, they will be more likely to go above and beyond in the workplace and may even inspire others to follow in their footsteps.Hiring for cultural fit therefore makes good business sense. 10-25% of new employees decide to leave within six months of starting work, and one reason that professionals give for quitting is that they feel that they are a poor fit for the company culture. Choosing people for the job who are a natural fit for the company’s values and working practices is a great way to avoid these problems from arising.How to hire for cultural fit?Given the importance of company culture, businesses are increasingly hiring for cultural fit. This involves defining what your culture is all about and incorporating questions at interview stage that relate to your interviewees’ values, motivations and aspirations.Define your company’s cultureThe first step is to describe your company’s culture in writing. What are the values, beliefs and ethics that characterize your company’s operations and working environment? If you are struggling to capture the essence of your culture, it might be worth asking current employees about how they feel about the company and its working practices. It is recommended that you use such feedback when writing or updating a mission statement and articulating your company values. Include these on your website and on all your digital platforms, in addition to testimonials from your current employees.Demonstrate your values throughout the interview processAsking values-based interview questions is one of the best ways to identify candidates who share your values and will be a good fit in the workplace.You should also draw attention to the benefits that you offer your employees. 56% of CFOs in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) have said that they are considering expanding benefits, including flexible working arrangements (FWAs), in a bid to retain their top talent. If you offer flexible working roles, ensure that your staff relay this information at interview stage.Cover the right questionsIf you’re wondering how to determine if a candidate is a good fit, asking the following questions will help shed light on the personality of your interviewees and their alignment with your values:What motivates you? How do you handle conflict in the workplace?What work environment supports innovation and productivity levels? Give me an example of something that you have taught yourself in the last six monthsWhat experiences have shaped your outlook on life?What are you most proud of?Utilize personality testsPersonality tests provide valuable insights into how prospective employees approach problems. They can also shed light on their ability to work alongside others and offer further information about their interests and preferences.Some of the most common personality tests used by employers include the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, the Caliper Profile and the 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire.Other key considerationsWhilst cultural fit is of great importance, it should be weighed alongside other factors. Hiring solely for cultural fit can perpetuate bias and lead to a lack of diversity within the workplace as a result. It’s also important to take into consideration an applicant’s qualifications, work experience, career aspirations and skill set when assessing their suitability for a role in your organization.Secure Life Sciences Talent with EPM ScientificAre you looking to solve your talent challenges? EPM Scientific offers bespoke talent solutions across Life Sciences A combination of our specialist account management service, ongoing support and reporting, and hiring advice allows us to find you exactly the people you need, when you need them. Register your vacancy or request a call back today.Our Talent Expertise​​​

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medical-communications

Medical Communications Talent

​Medical Communications centers on the communication of scientific and medical data on innovations and treatment perspectives to a range of audiences, including patients, hospital staff members, nurses, doctors, and pharmacists. This type of work is performed by Medical Communications agencies, who work closely with Pharmaceutical and Biotech organizations to develop materials that keep the aforementioned audiences up to date with the latest developments in their fields.Many Medical Communications agencies also provide specialized consultancy services to Pharmaceutical and Biotech businesses, assisting them in creating strategies and campaigns that enable the optimal dissemination of medical data to relevant parties. MedComms is an essential part of the Pharmaceutical Marketing industry and uses a strategic approach and a variety of channels to convey compelling messages that support Pharmaceutical companies and their products through their brand life cycles. Medical Communications roles often involve a combination of communication planning, editorial services, opinion leader profiling and engagement, scientific meeting planning, the creation of awareness, training and development programs, the creation of interactive media for a range of audiences, translation services from clinical data to practice, and the provision of Accredited Continuing Medical Education. Medical Communication roles are crucial for building confidence and market share and can unite the industry and healthcare professionals in pursuit of mutual objectives. The Medical Communications sector offers a wide range of roles to potential candidates, including scientific services roles, client services roles, and more. Working with an executive search agency specializing in Medical Communications candidates is a proven way of ensuring that your Medical Communications organization can find skilled and talented candidates to fill roles as Medical Writers, Associate Scientific Directors, Medical Directors, VP Medical Directors, Scientific Associates, Senior VP Scientific Services, and other similar positions.As an experienced Medical Communications executive search agency, EPM Scientific assists a range of MedComms clients in attracting, securing, and retaining talent to aid them in meeting their organizational goals. Our Medical Communications professional services will help your business to find the right people for every role you offer by sourcing and screening quality medical professionals.If you’re looking for talent or would like to find out more about what we have to offer, request a call back and one of our consultants specializing in Medical Communications talent solutions will be in touch. ​

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The Benefits of using Life Sciences contractors/freelancers Image
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The Benefits of using Life Sciences contractors/freelancers

The use of life sciences contractors and freelancers is becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. Not only are they able to provide specialized expertise, but they also offer a wide range of benefits that can help a business grow and thrive. Here are 10 of the top benefits of using life sciences contractors and freelancers.1. Cost Savings: Hiring contractors and freelancers is often significantly cheaper than hiring full-time staff. This is because you only pay for the services you need, when you need them.2. Flexibility: Contractors and freelancers offer flexibility that traditional employees cannot. You can easily scale up or down your workforce as needed, allowing you to meet fluctuating demands.3. Access To Specialized Expertise: Life sciences contractors and freelancers often have specialized skills and expertise that can be invaluable to a business.4. Faster Turnaround Time: When you need something done quickly, hiring a contractor or freelancer is often the fastest way to get the job done.5. Reduced Overhead: Contractors and freelancers don’t require the investment in overhead expenses that full-time employees do, such as office space and benefits.6. Fresh Perspective: Bringing in a contractor or freelancer can bring a fresh perspective to a project and help generate new ideas.7. Lower Risk: Hiring a contractor or freelancer reduces the risk that comes with hiring full-time employees. If a project doesn’t meet expectations, you can simply end the contract and look for a better fit.8. Increased Productivity: With more specialized expertise, contractors and freelancers can often complete projects more efficiently and quickly than full-time employees.9. Focus On Core Activities: By outsourcing more specialized tasks to contractors and freelancers, businesses can focus more on their core activities and reduce distractions.10. Improved Morale: Hiring contractors and freelancers can help to improve morale among existing staff, as they don’t have to take on extra tasks they may not be qualified or comfortable with.At EPM Scientific, we are the leading provider of life sciences contract and freelance recruitment services. We understand the importance of finding the right talent for the job, and have the experience and expertise to help you find the perfect candidate for your business. Request a call back from us todayto learn more about how we can help you find the perfect contractor or freelancer for your business.

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