Principal Medical Writer

About Word Monster
Word Monster is an agency with a difference. An agency striving to Transform Healthcare Communications Worldwide. We do that from our core of scientific excellence and our award-winning, life-first culture. Our vision is to be the agency that healthcare companies fight to work with and people fight to work for.

Our proprietary frameworks and Friction in Pharma philosophy underpin our unique approach to medical communications, one that cuts to the core of the needs of our agency, pharmaceutical, research, tech and charity clients and solves them with an evidence-based approach.

We know that exceptional writing comes from people who feel trusted, empowered, and supported to do their best work. That's why we've built a life-first culture, one that gives you the autonomy to balance life and work in a way that suits you. As a remote-first company, you can work from anywhere, design your workspace, and manage your own schedule — all while staying connected through our collaborative virtual environment and in-person events such as our annual Monster Mash retreat.

Our standard business hours are 09:00 to 17:30 (UK time), and we offer flexibility around these hours as long as client needs, meetings, and deadlines are met. We trust our people to manage their workload responsibly, communicate clearly, and deliver exceptional work that meets our high standards.

We believe in supporting your wellbeing and growth — through quarterly wellbeing gifts, private health insurance, additional leave options, share schemes, and opportunities for progression. You'll be part of a culture that values creativity, connection, and the freedom to do your best work.

Our Evolution
Word Monster has grown from firm roots supporting healthcare agencies — delivering scientific expertise and publications — and through our training academy, which builds capability within pharma and agency teams.

Our vision is now to establish a fully-fledged Med Comms vertical, underpinned by our proprietary communications frameworks. As Principal Medical Writer, you'll play a pivotal role in bringing this vision to life — evolving our Med Comms offering, building and mentoring a high-performing team, and delivering meaningful impact for clients.

Our Values
At Word Monster, our
core values
are the root of our culture and the standard we live by. They guide how we think, behave, and collaborate — and we expect everyone who joins us to embody them.

You'll Thrive Here If You

• Strive for excellence — You care about the details, take pride in your craft, and go the extra mile to deliver work that makes an impact
• Value teamwork — You're open, honest, and supportive; you show up with enthusiasm, communicate clearly, and help create a positive, collaborative environment.
• Drive transformation — You bring ideas, challenge the status quo, and are relentless in finding better, smarter ways to do things.
• Champion inclusivity — You lead with fairness, kindness, and respect, welcoming diverse perspectives and creating space for everyone to shine.
• Show resilience — You stay cool under pressure, adapt quickly, and deliver consistent quality, even when challenges arise. You're reliable, committed, and embrace a growth mindset.

If that sounds like you, you'll fit right in — and you'll help us continue to
Write With Bite
.

About The Role
As a
Principal Medical Writer
at Word Monster, you'll lead by example — crafting clear, engaging, and scientifically accurate content for a wide range of therapy areas and audiences. You'll take ownership of complex projects, act as a trusted advisor to clients, and guide fellow writers to deliver work that truly Writes With Bite.

You'll collaborate closely with clients and internal teams to develop compelling materials across multiple formats — from medical education and communications to creative campaigns and digital assets. You'll also play a key role in maintaining quality standards, mentoring junior writers, and contributing to the continued growth and success of our agency.

This is a
full-time, permanent, remote role
(37.5 hours per week) with flexibility built in — designed for an experienced writer who thrives on variety, autonomy, and purpose-driven work in healthcare communications.

Salary And Benefits

• Salary of £51,500 to £56,500 per annum.
• Annual company performance-related bonus (pot shared equally by whole team)
• Share options (entered into company pool – we're in this together)
• Company paid private health insurance with Vitality (fully paid by us)
• Pension with 3% contribution if choose to participate in the scheme (you contribute 5%)
• Individual and team training / self-development budget
• Enhanced maternity/paternity pay (full pay for 12 weeks maternity / 4 weeks paternity)
• 25 days holiday per year (3 to be taken between the Christmas and New Year shutdown)
• Additional day off on birthday (so that makes 26 – day in lieu if falls on weekend)
• UK bank holidays
• Additional day of holiday after 2+ years of employment (from new holiday year) – every year thereafter you will receive one further additional day of holiday, up to a maximum of 5 additional days
• Purchased holiday scheme available up to 5 additional days
• Flexible, remote-working team with a virtual 2D office
• Range of virtual and in-person socials throughout the year
• Optional working together days within the UK with a contribution to travel expenses
• Quarterly well-being perk, because you deserve it
• Financial coaching with Octopus MoneyCoach
• Personalised monster character

Key Responsibilities
Writing

• As a Principal Medical Writer, you will be a scientific lead across main accounts, driving excellence in content and strategy. You'll develop high-quality, scientifically accurate materials across a range of formats — from publications and congress materials to medical education, digital content, and strategic communication plan
• Guarantee all copy adheres to ABPI and local codes of practice / guidelines, proactively communicating any concerns and proposing solutions to ensure code compliance
• Adhere to deadlines and budgets, maintaining transparency and open communication with clients to resolve challenges that may arise
• Ensure content adheres to in-house or client-specific style
• Become an extension of the pharmaceutical company's account team, supporting medics, brand leads, etc, providing strategic support and knowledge.

Leadership

• Act as an advocate for Word Monster, demonstrating assertive leadership and actively contributing to a positive, collaborative team culture
• Directly manage writers across all experience levels, providing consistent support through monthly one-on-ones, actionable feedback, and collaboratively setting quarterly development goals
• Review and edit content produced by both in-house and freelance writers, delivering constructive, timely feedback to uphold quality standards
• Play a key role in recruitment efforts, assisting with hiring processes and leading effective onboarding for new team members
• Monitor and ensure team efficiency targets are consistently met, identifying and addressing any areas for improvement
• Stay informed about emerging digital technologies and trends, ensuring your team receives relevant training and is equipped to adapt
• Regularly lead and participate in client-facing calls with pharmaceutical companies, including taking briefs, providing project updates, and presenting creative concepts and deliverables

Business development

• Play an active role in business development by contributing to strategic planning, crafting compelling proposals, participating in pitches, and identifying new growth opportunities
• Take initiative in driving innovation—proactively suggesting new services, improving internal processes, and contributing to business development efforts that support Word Monster's continued growth

Other

• Demonstrate adaptability and an open-minded approach within an entrepreneurial environment, embracing change to help keep Word Monster innovative and competitive
• Work towards and consistently achieve individual quarterly KPIs, contributing to both personal growth and wider business success
• Support the marketing team by contributing to social media channels and assisting with key campaigns and promotional activities
• Embrace feedback with a growth mindset and take proactive steps to maintain current knowledge of the medical communications industry
• Follow processes in relation to administrative and project-related tasks. To include, but not limited to, daily completion of timesheets, adherence to editorial procedures, and timely and accurate file housekeeping
• Be open to occasional domestic and international travel as required to support client work and company initiatives.

Desired Experience

• A life sciences undergraduate degree
• A life sciences PhD
• Extensive experience as a medical writer at a senior level with the ability to work independently
• Proven experience writing excellent creative/medical copy in an agency environment with demonstrable experience leading on projects and accounts
• Previously managed junior writers with proven experience managing performance, supporting engagement, setting SMART goals, and supporting employee wellbeing.
• Advanced Word and PowerPoint skills
• Excellent knowledge of the strict regulations in pharmaceuticals, with experience working to ABPI and other codes of practice

Skills And Attributes

• Strong leader, capable of motivating a team
• Demonstrates loyalty and will be an ambassador for Word Monster
• Ability to work under pressure, and multi task between multiple projects, line management and other internal tasks.
• Strong desire / self-motivated to learn and develop
• Enthusiasm for business and intrapreneurship
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills
• Sound scientific understanding and analytical skills
• Comfortable working independently and as part of a team
• Proactive thinking, constantly seeking to improve ways of working and help the agency differentiate itself from the competition
• A flexible attitude with respect to work assignments and new learning, grasp new concepts and therapy areas quickly
• Act in a diplomatic, nurturing and respectful way with colleagues
• Show sensitivity to colleagues with differing motivations and priorities