Global Head of Scientific Communication

Merck Group • $251K — $409K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Advanced scientific degree (PharmD, MD, or PhD); Master's degree in life science with equivalent experience considered.
  • 12+ years in Medical Affairs, scientific communications, publications, or medical writing in biopharmaceuticals or regulated environments.
  • 8+ years leading global, matrixed organizations with budget and vendor responsibilities.
  • Expertise in scientific evidence interpretation, medical review, and compliant communication.
  • Familiarity with GPP 2022, ICMJE recommendations, and industry codes (IFPMA, EFPIA, PhRMA).
  • Knowledge of AI and analytics applications in Medical Affairs, including compliance implications.
  • Experience in strategic planning, governance, and performance measurement.

Responsibilities

  • Lead a global team of approximately 90 professionals in scientific communications and medical information.
  • Define and implement the global Medical Affairs scientific communication strategy across therapeutic areas.
  • Oversee the lifecycle management of scientific communication assets and streamline the medical-legal-regulatory review process.
  • Ensure adherence to global publication plans and compliance with GPP 2022 and ICMJE recommendations.
  • Champion the responsible adoption of generative AI and advanced analytics in content development.
  • Manage budgets, resources, and technology investments while delivering measurable outcomes.
  • Engage with cross-functional teams to maintain scientific communication and medical information standards.

Benefits

  • Health insurance coverage.
  • Paid time off (PTO).
  • Retirement contributions.
  • Additional perquisites.
Full Job Description
Your Role

At the intersection of science, strategy, and patient impact, this role offers a rare opportunity to shape how medical evidence reaches the people who need it most. As Global Head of Scientific Communications, you will lead a global organization of approximately 90 professionals across Scientific Communication Asset Leads, Scientific Content Creation, and Medical Information, setting the strategic direction for how scientific evidence is communicated accurately, objectively, and compliantly to healthcare professionals, patients, caregivers, field medical teams, and other Medical Affairs stakeholders.

In this pivotal role, you will define and implement the global Medical Affairs scientific communication strategy across therapeutic areas and the full product lifecycle. You will oversee the planning, development, review, approval, localization, and lifecycle management of scientific communication assets, including modular and omnichannel-ready content, while driving a streamlined medical-legal-regulatory review process. You will provide strategic oversight of global publication plans, ensuring adherence to GPP 2022 and ICMJE recommendations, and lead the global Medical Information strategy to deliver timely, accurate, balanced, and non-promotional responses to inquiries.

As a member of the Global Medical Affairs leadership team, you will partner with Clinical Development, Regulatory, Commercial, Compliance, and Communications functions while retaining Medical Affairs ownership of scientific communication and medical information standards. You will champion the responsible adoption of generative AI and advanced analytics across content development and medical information, ensuring human scientific oversight, quality control, and compliance guardrails are maintained throughout. You will protect scientific and medical integrity, manage budgets, resources, vendors, and technology investments, and deliver measurable outcomes including content utilization, medical information response service levels, and team engagement.

Who You Are

Basic/Minimum Qualifications
  • Advanced scientific degree (PharmD, MD, or PhD); a Master's degree in a life science with equivalent experience will be considered.
  • 12+ years of experience in Medical Affairs, scientific communications, publications, medical information, or medical writing within the biopharmaceutical industry or a similarly regulated environment.
  • 8+ years of experience leading global, matrixed, multi-site organizations, including budget and vendor responsibility.
  • Experienced in scientific evidence and data interpretation, medical review, scientific writing, and compliant communication.
  • Working knowledge of GPP 2022, ICMJE recommendations, and applicable industry codes (IFPMA, EFPIA, PhRMA, and local codes).
  • Working knowledge of AI and analytics applications in Medical Affairs, including compliance and quality implications.
  • Experience with strategic planning, operating model design, governance, budgets, vendors, digital platforms, and performance measurement.
  • Demonstrated ability to engage with artificial intelligence technologies, including their practical applications, limitations, ethical considerations, and governance implications, to make informed and responsible decisions in a regulated Medical Affairs environment.


Preferred Qualifications
  • CMPP certification (ISMPP).
  • Experience with content and medical-legal-regulatory platforms and omnichannel engagement strategies.
  • Experience in Oncology, Immunology, Neurology, or Fertility.
  • Medical education or accredited continuing medical education experience.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills across seniority levels, functions, and cultures.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead change management and business-process transformation, including digital and AI-enabled ways of working.
  • Patient-centric mindset, including a commitment to health literacy and plain-language communication.


Pay Range for this position: $251,000- $409,300

The offer range represents the anticipated low and high end of the base pay compensation for this position. The actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, level of experience, education, skills, and other job-related factors. Position may be eligible for sales or performance-based bonuses. Benefits offered by the Company include health insurance, paid time off (PTO), retirement contributions, and other perquisites. For more information click here.

About Merck Group

Merck Group Careers

There has never been a more opportune time to join Merck Group, a leading science and technology company in healthcare, life science, and performance materials. Merck Group offers a plethora of job opportunities that cater to a variety of skills and professional aspirations, making it an ideal environment for both seasoned experts and those at the start of their career journey.

Work You’ll Do

At Merck Group, every team member contributes to breakthrough innovations in healthcare, life sciences, and electronics. The company's commitment to diversity and innovation fuels its leadership in various sectors, driving growth and transformation globally. Merck Group’s career paths are diverse, offering positions that challenge individuals to use their skills in new ways every day, supported by robust training programs and development opportunities.

Explore Job Opportunities and Growth

Merck Group is not just about jobs; it's about building a career. With a vast array of positions, from research and development to marketing and sales, the company is keen on hiring and nurturing talent to lead industry transformation. Merck Group’s dedication to professional growth is evident in its comprehensive benefits package and performance management processes that aim to maximize individual potential.

Internship Programs

Starting with an internship at Merck Group can be a pivotal step in securing a prosperous career. Interns gain invaluable industry experience, working alongside seasoned professionals and engaging in projects that offer real-world applications of their studies. Internships often lead to full-time employment opportunities, providing a seamless transition from education to professional employment.

Inclusive Culture and Leadership

Merck Group is proud of its inclusive culture that embraces diversity and fosters an environment where all employees can thrive. The company’s leadership is committed to creating a workplace where diverse ideas lead to innovative outcomes. Merck Group also offers diversity training to ensure all team members are equipped to contribute to the company’s inclusive goals.

Networking and Professional Development

Employees at Merck Group are encouraged to engage in networking and professional development activities that enhance their career trajectories. The company hosts various networking events, workshops, and seminars that are designed to hone skills and foster connections within the industry. Leadership development programs are also a cornerstone, preparing employees for future roles of increased responsibility.

Stay Connected with Merck Group Careers

Interested candidates can explore open positions that match their skills and interests through the Merck Group careers page. The company values curious, creative, and solution-driven team players who are eager to make an impact.

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Merck Group is continuously looking for individuals who are ready to drive innovation and lead in the global marketplace. Whether through full-time positions, internships, or leadership roles, Merck Group offers a career path filled with opportunities for growth, learning, and leadership.
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