Publications Lead

Job Description

Job Summary:

• The Publications Lead (Contractor) supports the delivery of scientific publications across one or more therapeutic areas during a high-priority period.
• This role works alongside existing Publications Leads to provide additional leadership, executional support, and flexibility across the portfolio.
• The position is suited for an experienced publications professional who can quickly embed within the team, independently manage key deliverables, and flex across priorities as needed to ensure timely, high-quality scientific communication.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Flexible Publication Leadership:

• Partner with existing Publications Leads to support delivery of publication plans across priority programs.
• Step in to lead specific publications, workstreams, or assets as needed.
• Provide additional bandwidth during peak periods (e.g., congress timelines, key data readouts).

End-to-End Publication Execution:

• Lead development and execution of manuscripts, abstracts, posters, and presentations.
• Manage publication lifecycle from planning through submission and post-publication activities.
• Ensure timely delivery of high-quality outputs aligned with agreed timelines.
• Track publication milestones and maintain publication trackers and calendars.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Work closely with Medical Affairs, Clinical, HEOR, and other stakeholders to ensure alignment.
• Interface with authors, investigators, and external experts.
• Support publication planning discussions and decision-making as needed.

Vendor & Project Oversight:

• Provide direction to medical writing agencies and review deliverables for scientific quality.
• Manage timelines, risks, and competing priorities across multiple deliverables.
• Ensure efficient execution across internal teams and external partners.

Compliance & Quality:

• Ensure all publications adhere to ICMJE, GPP, and internal policies.
• Maintain scientific rigor and accuracy across all outputs.
• Support audit-ready documentation and adherence to publication processes.

Adaptive Support Across the Portfolio:

• Flex across therapeutic areas, assets, or deliverables based on evolving business needs.
• Pick up in-flight projects or support areas requiring additional focus.
• Help maintain continuity and momentum across publication activities.

Education and Experience:

• Advanced degree (PhD, PharmD, MD, or MSc) in life sciences.
• 5-7+ years of experience in medical publications within pharma/biotech.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of publication guidelines (ICMJE, GPP).
• Ability to operate independently with minimal onboarding.
• Strong prioritization and ability to manage parallel workstreams.
• Comfortable stepping into partially developed projects.
• Clear, pragmatic communication with stakeholders in a compliance-driven environment.
• Strong quality mindset and attention to detail.