Japanese Medical Writer Lead
Roles:
1. Subject matter expertise with specific therapeutic areas/disease states and products to partner and collaborate with Client Clinical Research Physicians and Scientists to develop medical content that is aligned with the brand strategy and medical communications plan. Strong understanding of the Medical Affairs tactic types which includes but not limited to manuscript slide sets, competitive intelligence slide sets, MSL slide decks, disease state education decks, standard response questionnaires, CFAQ documents to answer HCP questions, and Educational Materials etc.
2. Interpret and analyze complex data, research findings and scientific information to create clear, concise, and accurate tactics for different audiences and channels.
3. Attend the kick-off call with advance preparedness to understand the scope of work. Communicate the minutes of the meeting and timelines clearly to the Project Owners. Provide explicit guidance and set clear expectations for the editors, graphic designers, PMC, and MCA team. Address their comments and concerns promptly to ensure smooth progress of the project.
4. Ensure the delivery of quality content with appropriate reference citations and style guide alignment
5. Effectively prioritize tasks while managing multiple projects and proactively communicate any changes or expectations to all stakeholders. Maintain familiarity with the tools, software, and processes utilized throughout the project lifecycle
6. Be open-minded and adaptable to changes in tools, software, and processes. Adjust writing practices in response to new guidelines, research findings, or feedback, and remain flexible in managing evolving project requirements
7. Mentor team members and facilitate their quick onboarding pro
Skill set:
1. Publication writing experience, with multiple articles authored and published through reputed journals. Content strategy and execution
2. Therapy area expertise
3. Well versed with MS office suite, GraphPad Prism, Veeva Vault MedComms and AEM
4. Strategic and creative mindset
5. Partnering with CRSs and CRPs and MSLs
6. Project management
7. Effective communication
8. Training and mentoring junior writers
Must-Have Skills/Experience Required for the Role:
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Advanced medical writing experience in Medical Affairs and Scientific Communications, including development of manuscripts, MSL slide decks, disease education materials, scientific presentations, FAQs, SRQs, and educational content.
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Strong publication writing experience, with authorship/contribution to peer-reviewed scientific publications in reputed journals.
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Demonstrated expertise in one or more therapeutic areas/disease states with the ability to interpret and communicate complex clinical and scientific data.
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Experience partnering with Clinical Research Scientists (CRSs), Clinical Research Physicians (CRPs), Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs), and cross-functional stakeholders.
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Proven ability to create scientifically accurate, compliant, and strategically aligned content for healthcare professionals and other scientific audiences.
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Strong understanding of Medical Affairs content development processes, publication planning, evidence communication, and reference management.
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Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously, including timeline management, stakeholder communication, and risk mitigation.
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Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly PowerPoint, Word, and Excel.
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Hands-on experience with Veeva Vault MedComms, Adobe Experience Manager (AEM), and scientific data visualization tools such as GraphPad Prism.
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills with exceptional attention to detail and quality standards.
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Experience in reviewing, coaching, mentoring, and training junior medical writers.
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Ability to lead project kick-off discussions, provide clear direction to cross-functional teams, and ensure timely delivery of high-quality content.
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Native Japanese or JLPT N1 proficiency with strong business-level English communication skills (written and verbal).
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Bachelor's, Master's, PharmD, PhD, MD, Life Sciences, Pharmacy, Biotechnology, or a related scientific discipline.
Desired Skills/Experience:
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Experience working in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, life sciences, or healthcare communications industry.
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Leadership experience managing medical writing teams or functioning as a Medical Writing Lead on global/regional programs.
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Strong understanding of medical communication strategies, publication planning, scientific engagement, and omnichannel content development.
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Experience supporting global and regional Medical Affairs initiatives across multiple therapeutic areas.
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Knowledge of regulatory and compliance requirements governing scientific and medical communications.
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Strategic mindset with the ability to translate scientific data into compelling, audience-appropriate communication materials.
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Experience in content strategy, scientific storytelling, and evidence-based communication planning.
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Familiarity with digital content management systems, publication platforms, and AI-enabled medical writing tools.
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Experience collaborating with editorial, design, project management, and quality review teams in a matrix environment.
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Ability to drive process improvements, develop best practices, and support operational excellence within Medical Writing teams.
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Prior experience working with international stakeholders and cross-cultural teams, particularly within Japanese and global pharmaceutical organizations.
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Experience conducting internal training sessions, workshops, and capability-building programs for medical writing teams.
