Scientific Manager

The Scientific Manager (SM) is responsible for being the clinical lead on one or more product accounts and has management responsibilities for one or more medical writers and/or ASM staff member working directly on the same products/accounts as the SM. The SM is delegated the responsibility and authority for content quality oversight of the product team and is responsible for reviewing all project- or client-related content for message accuracy and consistency. The SM will work closely with other members of the product team to develop and maintain strong client relationships and have an active role in the management of the team and its support of client-related work and interactions. The SM is responsible for providing leadership within that product team and for providing strategic input within the team. Travel to professional meetings, client locations, and other project-related travel is required.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Team Building

Team focused. Encourages and sets an example for cooperation, creating trust and working toward common goals and values. Creates interdependence of effort rather than building walls.

Multitasking

Able to adapt to changes in plans and priorities and exercises good judgment about what is important. Consistently manages tasks to completion within deadlines.

Crisis Management

Able to identify important and critical issues in the context of overall priorities. Balances poise and a sense of urgency. Within the context of the business strategy and objectives, works to identify and eliminate factors creating the crisis and to minimize recurrence.

Collaborative Problem Solver

Listens first and seeks to understand others. Values differing views and opinions as a potential source of better decisions and solutions. Focuses on solutions rather than placing blame. Where necessary, seeks consensus and offers compromise solutions.

Driving Continuous Improvement

Seeks ways to work smarter and is willing to offer and accept alternatives. Thinks innovatively and facilitates learning from successes and failures.

Work Ethic/Accountability

Maintains a strong work ethic. Accepts responsibility and accountability for all areas of the job function. Manages work schedule to facilitate successful and timely completion of all job tasks.

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

Management 10% Supervise and direct writers to produce optimal efficiency and professionalism in all contacts with staff, visitors, clients, and vendorsComplete all annual employee performance evaluations on a timely basisEvaluate timesheetsAdminister company editorial procedures in a thorough and consistent mannerWork with manager staff to further develop technical competencies as necessaryContribute to the management of the product-level team and its support and oversight of client interactions relating to client projects. Manage staff and work with other departments to achieve company productivity, recoverability, and other business measures as definedApprove requests for absentee time

Quality Control 40% Responsible for overall client satisfaction and the quality of all editorial work deliveredAssume the role of central resource for product information pertinent to his/her clientEnforce review procedures within product teamDevelop content standards relative to his/her product and work with manager to enforceFunction as the last quality-assurance sign-off in his/her product area

Editorial Management 30% Responsible for establishing project lead times and acquiring/confirming resources to initiate projects (data, study reports, client input, resource contacts, etc)Establish and maintain a working relationship with the client concerning content issuesContribute to/review project specifications (eg, timelines and costs) at proposal stageMake editorial assignments within product team and participate in selection of pooled and/or freelance writers when neededFollow editorial and traffic proceduresEnsure content objectives and specifications are metServe as bridge between strategic product plan and application/use of clinical and preclinical data to mesh with marketing strategy where necessary and requested by the clientRecommend/develop project opportunities with the account manager where appropriateResponsible for maintaining a working knowledge of all aspects of project development from initiation to completionUltimate responsibility for all editorial projects within the product teamResponsible for timely and appropriate reporting to appropriate staff concerning communications with clients and authorsResponsible for attendance at project meetings and for providing status reports at these meetings regarding projects in progressAttend off-site meetings as required

Writer/Liaison for Assigned Projects 15% Research assigned projects (conduct MEDLINE searches, obtain reprints of articles, read background material, including books, journal articles, study reports, etc)Write specific projects as assigned (outlines, manuscripts, abstracts, slide presentations, posters, meeting reports, training materials, etc)Prepare draft of graphics (tables, hand-drawn figures, charts)Work with staff, clients, and authors to incorporate changes to written materialsResponsible for knowledge of AMA and company styles of writingResponsible for obtaining background material sufficient to complete projects successfully (eg, obtaining data and client/author input and reviews)Responsible for fact checking (including references) and spell checking manuscripts and project materialsResponsible and accountable for producing manuscripts and other project materials at a higher level of writing and greater technical accuracy (eg, organization, syntax, grammar, clarity, focus, "messaging") that require a minimum level of editing/rewritingResponsible for accomplishing tasks within allotted time frameResponsible for budget awareness and meeting budgetResponsible for maintaining project folders and project file network directories (including copies of all research/background materials used, copies of communications with authors/clients, and copies of all significant drafts prepared) in a fashion that will facilitate others being able to easily track the progress of projectsResponsible for assisting and working with graphics staff and editorial support staff to provide necessary background and technical information required to complete tasks for review and approval of this work

General Duties 5% Record all client project time and absentee time on a weekly basisComplete other administrative tasks (such as travel expense forms) in a timely and efficient mannerPerform other duties as required or assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Advanced degree in a science or health science discipline

Experience: 3 to 6 years' writing and editing experience as a senior medical writer in a medical education/communications agency and 1 to 2 years as the clinical lead on one or more product teams. Excellent verbal and written communications. Ability to prioritize and organize work, meet deadlines, multitask, and successfully function within a team setting. Must have excellent problem-solving skills. Must be detail oriented. Should have leadership experience and ability to function as a mentor for medical writers. Familiarity with several therapeutic areas preferred.

Computer Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, e-mail, the Internet, intranet, and word processing