Job Description

We are looking for a talented and experienced medical writer to join our small bespoke medical communications and market research agency that specialises in rare and complex diseases.

This is a rare opportunity to join our unique agency that operates on a not-for-profit basis. By gifting any surplus to our parent charity, the MPS Society, we directly support vital work in research, education and advocacy for severe, life-limiting, rare diseases. Our clients include leading pharmaceutical companies, patient organisations and clinical opinion leaders.

The Principal Medical Writer will play a key role in leading and developing the medical communication function within RDRP. You will ensure high-quality scientific content for medical projects including research reports, presentations, publications, educational and patient support materials.

The ideal candidate will have a life sciences higher degree and at least six years' experience in a medical communications agency and extensive experience in the development of scientific manuscripts.

Join us and you will be working with a highly skilled, dedicated and supportive team. In addition to a competitive salary and regular in-house and external training opportunities we offer generous annual leave plus an extra company closure between Christmas and the New Year, pension contributions, life assurance (subject to the conditions of the scheme) and an Employee Assistance Programme.

Specific areas of responsibility include, but are not limited to:

Content Creation and Quality:

Develops and ensures the quality of scientific content for various medical projects which may include:

Literature searches and systematic reviews Abstracts and posters for national and international conferences Manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals Treatment guidelines Executive summaries Research reports Slide decks Patient facing materials (e.g. disease and treatment guides, lay summaries, decision aids)
Skilfully interprets quantitative and qualitative data (usually from surveys, focus groups and interviews), critically appraising the data to identify data gaps, and need for further analysis. Turn the data into impactful, well-structured narrative for publication in language suitable for the intended audience.

Leads the writing process, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and adherence to scientific standards.

Promotes excellent standards, working to the highest levels of quality and accuracy and supporting other team members by reviewing, editing and offering constructive feedback as appropriate to support the development of junior team members.

Project Management and Leadership:

Oversees the delivery of assigned projects, ensuring budgets, timelines, and objectives are met. Serves as the medical writing representative on assigned project teams, providing proactive support to project leadership for planning efficient work plans and timelines for medical writing deliverables Coaches, mentors, and provides training to junior team members. Identifies and manages freelancers including briefing, review and quality control of materials they produce. Line manages more junior medical writers.

Client and Stakeholder Management:

Leads discussions with clients and external experts. Contributes to the development of proposals and pitches. Identifies organic growth opportunities.

Other:

Proactively enhances scientific understanding and knowledge of relevant rare diseases, patient community needs and treatments. Maintains familiarity with current industry practices and regulatory requirements that govern medical writing (e.g. GPP and ICMJE guidelines, ABPI Code of Practice).

General areas of responsibility

Participate in team meetings and attend training events relevant to specific responsibilities Assist with any reasonable duty at the request of the line manager for the post Maintain Good Clinical Practice, GDPR, BHBIA, ABPI and other relevant training

Further information

This is a full time role however part time with a minimum of 28 hours per week may be offered to the right candidate. Salary will be pro-rata for part time hours.

This role is based in our Amersham office with hybrid/home working options available.

Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS)

The MPS Society is a charity that provides a range of care, support and activities for children and adults at risk throughout the UK. This is provided in a number of ways through our dedicated support and advocacy service, annual events, patient expert meetings and conferences. MPS staff, trustees and volunteers may be asked to be involved in the delivery of its regulated activities and therefore will require an enhanced DBS check during recruitment and for this to be reviewed on a regular basis.

Applications

Please provide your CV and a covering statement explaining how your previous roles and experiences make you the candidate we are looking for.

For an informal chat about the role please contact Alex Morrison.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

The following criteria are essential to this post:

Eligible to work in the UK

Education / Qualifications

Higher degree (MSc or PhD) in life sciences

Experience

At least 6 years' medical writing experience in a commercial environment including the development of manuscripts

Skills, knowledge and abilities

Proven skills in performing literature searches, data interpretation and medical writing appropriate for the audience Strong attention to detail with proven ability to critically review the writing of others Ability to run projects and deliver high quality client ready deliverables with minimal supervision and review Extensive knowledge of medical research and literature sources and search methods Excellent IT skills, including Outlook, Word, Excel, Powerpoint, referencing software Strong organisation, documentation, and communication skills with the ability to multitask Flexibility and ability to adjust to changing demands and priorities, meeting challenges with professionalism Proven ability to build professional external partnerships through their work Ability to learn quickly and identify where training is needed Superior communication skills, both verbal and written Strong initiative and ability to function with minimum supervision, identify issues and create solutions Tact, discretion and respect for confidentiality

Motivation

Passionate about MPS Society's mission and aims

The following criteria are desirable to this post:

Use of referencing software (EndNote) and Veeva Promomats

Closing Date:

Interviews will be held following receipt and assessment of suitable applications

We will only respond to applicants shortlisted to interview therefore if you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of your application, we thank you for taking the time to apply and your interest in working for us.

Job Type: Permanent

Benefits:

Additional leave Company pension Life insurance On-site parking Work from home
Application question(s):

Are you eligible to work in the UK?
Experience:

medical writing : 6 years (required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Amersham HP7

Reference ID: 2025.07/PMW