Vice President, Scientific Services

Vice President, MedicalHealthcare Communications Agency | Medical Affairs FocusHybrid in Boston, Massachusetts POSITION OVERVIEWWe are partnering with a growing, independent healthcare communications agency to identify a Vice President, Medical to lead and grow their Medical Affairs practice. This is a senior scientific leadership role for a strategic, client-facing medical expert who can guide the scientific direction of Medical Affairs programs, mentor multidisciplinary teams, and serve as a trusted partner to pharmaceutical and biotech clients across the product lifecycle.The VP, Medical will serve as the scientific anchor for Medical Affairs engagements spanning advisory board development, MSL tools and training, scientific platform development, publication planning support, and evidence communication initiatives. This individual will bring deep therapeutic area expertise, a command of the Medical Affairs function within pharma, and a passion for translating complex science into strategic, high-impact programs.KEY RESPONSIBILITIESScientific Leadership & StrategyServe as the senior medical lead on Medical Affairs accounts, providing scientific oversight and strategic direction across programsDevelop and evolve scientific platforms, value narratives, and evidence gap analyses to support client Medical Affairs objectivesLead medical content strategy for advisory boards, scientific exchange tools, congress deliverables, and MSL resourcesPartner with clients to understand pipeline priorities, lifecycle stage, and field medical needs to shape program designStay current with the published literature, treatment landscape, and regulatory environment across assigned therapeutic areasClient Partnership & Account LeadershipServe as a senior scientific partner to VP/Director-level Medical Affairs clients, contributing to strategic planning and program reviewsContribute to organic account growth by identifying new Medical Affairs opportunities within existing client relationshipsParticipate in new business development including pitches, credentials presentations, and scientific capability discussionsAct as a quality assurance authority on medical content, ensuring scientific accuracy, balance, and compliance with industry standardsTeam Leadership & MentorshipLead, mentor, and develop a team of Medical Directors, Associate Medical Directors, and Senior Medical Writers embedded in Medical Affairs accountsEstablish scientific standards and content review processes to drive quality and consistency across the practiceCollaborate cross-functionally with Editorial, Account Management, Creative, and Strategy leads to deliver integrated programsContribute to agency-wide scientific training, capability building, and medical excellence initiativesOperational & Financial OversightManage resourcing, capacity, and team structure across assigned Medical Affairs accountsPartner with account leadership to ensure projects are scoped, staffed, and delivered on time and within budgetContribute to forecasting, staffing models, and practice-level financial targets in collaboration with senior leadershipQUALIFICATIONSRequiredAdvanced degree required: MD, PhD, PharmD, or equivalent in a life sciences discipline8+ years of experience in medical communications, medical education, or a related healthcare agency environmentDemonstrated expertise in Medical Affairs programs including advisory boards, MSL tools, field medical resources, and scientific exchange initiativesDeep understanding of the pharmaceutical Medical Affairs function, including field medical strategy, KOL engagement, and evidence communicationStrong therapeutic area knowledge; experience in Oncology, Immunology, Rare Disease, Neuroscience, Cardiovascular, or Respiratory preferredProven track record of client-facing scientific leadership with the ability to translate clinical data into strategic Medical Affairs programsExperience leading, developing, and mentoring scientific teams in an agency or consultancy settingPreferredExperience in pharmaceutical Medical Affairs, clinical development, or MSL roles prior to agency careerFamiliarity with ISMPP guidelines, AdvaMed, PhRMA code, and FDA promotional and scientific exchange regulationsExperience contributing to new business development and RFP responsesPublication planning or evidence communication experience a plusCORE COMPETENCIESScientific credibility and authority with the ability to engage peer-to-peer with KOLs and client medical teamsStrategic thinking: able to connect data to Medical Affairs goals, field needs, and commercial contextExceptional written and verbal communication with strong medical writing oversight capabilitiesExecutive presence and client relationship skills; comfortable leading senior-level conversationsPeople leadership: invested in developing talent and building a high-performing, collaborative scientific cultureOperational discipline: able to manage multiple programs, competing timelines, and complex team structuresCOMPENSATION & BENEFITSBase salary commensurate with experience. This role includes a performance-based bonus structure, comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision, 401(k) with employer match, generous PTO, professional development support, and flexibility for remote or hybrid work depending on location.