Senior Medical Writer - UK based (remote)

ICON plc is a world-leading healthcare intelligence and clinical research organization. We’re proud to foster an inclusive environment driving innovation and excellence, and we welcome you to join us on our mission to shape the future of clinical development.

Senior Medical Writer - Remote or Office Based - UK

We are seeking conscientious, resilient, and inspiring individuals to join our team!

As a Senior Medical Writer (SMW), your primary responsibility will be to provide scientific and medical/clinical writing support as part of a dedicated team servicing an assigned client. While the ability to work independently is essential, the SMW will also collaborate closely with the Scientific Manager (Scientific Director) and other members of the client account team to ensure timely delivery of high-quality, scientifically and medically accurate projects.

In this role, reviewing the work of junior writers and contributing to internal initiatives will offer additional opportunities for growth and development.

The Role

As a Senior Medical Writer, you will be expected to have prior, in-depth experience in researching, developing, and writing a variety of deliverables across medical publications and communications.

This role includes the following approximate allocation of responsibilities (subject to adjustment based on client needs):

Content Development & Writing (75%)

You will take ownership of projects from inception to delivery, with responsibilities including:

Accurate interpretation and adaptation of clinical data (e.g., study reports, safety summaries, statistical tables, and published literature) to meet project objectives.

Adherence to compliance requirements relevant to medical publications and communications (e.g., authorship criteria, journal guidelines, confidentiality).

Representation of assigned work at internal and external meetings (e.g., project updates, author meetings, publication committee meetings).

Contribution to client publication and communication plans (e.g., understanding timelines, recommending congress/journal venues, aligning with drug development plans).

Medical Writing Resource Management (20%)

You will support project and team management through:

Monitoring and helping manage writing workloads, including those of junior/other writers.

Collaborating with the Scientific Manager and account managers to ensure timelines are met and issues are proactively flagged.

Assisting in onboarding and mentoring junior or new medical writers.

Business Development Support (5%)

You may be involved in:

Conducting background research and providing writing support for new business proposals.

Supporting the growth of existing accounts by identifying and contributing to organic growth opportunities.

What You Need

• Advanced degree (PhD preferred; PharmD and MD also considered)
• 3–5 years of high-level content development experience in a medical communications or publications agency
• Preference given to those with 1–2 years of experience as a Senior Medical Writer in an agency setting

Demonstrated expertise in:

• Applying ICMJE and GPP guidelines
• Reading and interpreting scientific literature and technical journals
• Writing across varied formats and styles

Familiarity with:

• Network directories/databases
• Industry-standard research tools (e.g., PubMed/Medline, clinicaltrials.gov, market intelligence platforms)
• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills (e.g., editorial, graphics, digital services, presentation teams)
• Proficiency in software tools, including:
• MS Word, PowerPoint, Prism
• EndNote or other reference managers
• Ability to learn and adapt to new tools as needed
• Experience mentoring and supporting other writers
• Excellent command of the English language (spoken and written)
• A passion for being part of a global network that drives better outcomes for clients, colleagues, and patients

Ready to Own IT@ICON? Apply now and be part of something impactful.

#LI-SA1
#UK-REMOTE

What ICON can offer you:
Our success depends on the quality of our people. That’s why we’ve made it a priority to build a diverse culture that rewards high performance and nurtures talent.

In addition to your competitive salary, ICON offers a range of additional benefits. Our benefits are designed to be competitive within each country and are focused on well-being and work life balance opportunities for you and your family.

Our benefits examples include:

• Various annual leave entitlements
• A range of health insurance offerings to suit you and your family’s needs.
• Competitive retirement planning offerings to maximize savings and plan with confidence for the years ahead.
• Global Employee Assistance Programme, LifeWorks, offering 24-hour access to a global network of over 80,000 independent specialized professionals who are there to support you and your family’s well-being.
• Life assurance
• Flexible country-specific optional benefits, including childcare vouchers, bike purchase schemes, discounted gym memberships, subsidized travel passes, health assessments, among others.

Visit our careers site to read more about the benefits ICON offers.

At ICON, inclusion & belonging are fundamental to our culture and values. We’re dedicated to providing an inclusive and accessible environment for all candidates. ICON is committed to providing a workplace free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please let us know or submit a request here

Interested in the role, but unsure if you meet all of the requirements? We would encourage you to apply regardless – there’s every chance you’re exactly what we’re looking for here at ICON whether it is for this or other roles.

Are you a current ICON Employee? Please click here to apply