π Core Information
πΉ Job Title: Associate Medical Writer - allegro.WRITE
πΉ Company: Ashfield MedComms
πΉ Location: Glasgow, Scotland
πΉ Job Type: Full-time, On-site
πΉ Category: Medical Communications, Healthcare
πΉ Date Posted: April 6, 2025
πΉ Experience Level: Entry-level (0-2 years)
πΉ Remote Status: On-site (with potential for hybrid work)
π Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Participating in a year-long training program, allegro.WRITE, to become a Medical Writer
- Gaining real-life medical communications experience across various teams within Ashfield MedComms
- Delivering multichannel medical communications solutions to clients after completing the program
- Working in a dynamic, collaborative environment with passionate industry professionals
ASSUMPTION: This role is ideal for recent graduates with a Life Sciences degree who are eager to start a career in medical communications and have a strong passion for learning and developing their writing skills.
π Key Responsibilities
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Participating in an initial dedicated training phase to build a strong foundation in medical writing
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Working alongside experienced Medical Writers and other team members to gain varied, real-life med comms experience
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Contributing to the creation of high-quality, accurate, and engaging medical communications materials
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Developing a deep understanding of the pharmaceutical industry and the science behind the products
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Building confidence and ability by working on diverse projects and receiving mentoring and coaching
ASSUMPTION: While no previous writing experience is required, successful candidates will have strong written and verbal communication skills, a keen eye for detail, and a genuine interest in the pharmaceutical industry.
π― Required Qualifications
Education: A minimum of a 2:1 in a Life Sciences degree
Experience: No previous writing experience is required, but relevant internships or extracurricular activities showcasing strong communication skills are a plus
Required Skills:
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong attention to detail
- Awareness of the pharmaceutical industry
- Passion for knowledge and continuous learning
- Ability to work well in a team and collaborate with others
Preferred Skills:
- Previous experience in medical writing or a related field
- Familiarity with medical communications or healthcare industry
- Proficiency in using Microsoft Office Suite
ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will have a strong academic record, excellent communication skills, and a genuine interest in the pharmaceutical industry and medical communications.
π° Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: Β£25,000 - Β£30,000 per annum (based on industry standards for entry-level medical writers in the UK)
Benefits:
- Defined career path with opportunities for growth and development
- Diverse project work across various therapeutic areas and clients
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Opportunities to travel and work with global clients
- Tailored training, coaching, and mentoring through the allegro.WRITE program
Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM (with flexibility for project needs)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is an estimate based on industry standards for entry-level medical writers in the UK. The final salary will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications and experience.
π Applicant Insights
π Company Context
Industry: Ashfield MedComms operates within the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing industry, focusing on medical communications and healthcare communications
Company Size: Ashfield MedComms is a mid-sized company with 501-1,000 employees, providing a supportive and collaborative work environment for its team members
Founded: Ashfield MedComms was founded in 1997 and has since grown to become one of the world-leading medical communications agencies
Company Description:
- Ashfield MedComms is part of Inizio Medical, a strategic partner for health and life sciences with a full suite of medical, marketing, advisory, and engagement services
- The company specializes in creating medical communications that inform, educate, and motivate by making the alchemy of science, data, and creativity matter
- Ashfield MedComms partners with world-leading healthcare companies to bring clarity to the complex and create compelling communications that make a difference
Company Specialties:
- Medical communications
- Medical writing
- Publication planning
- Data analytics
- Patient engagement
- Strategy development
- Creative science
- And engaging meetings
Company Website: ashfieldmedcomms.com
ASSUMPTION: Ashfield MedComms is a well-established company with a strong reputation in the medical communications industry, offering excellent opportunities for career growth and development.
π Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is an entry-level position, serving as the starting point for a career in medical communications
Reporting Structure: Associate Medical Writers will report to the allegro.WRITE Program Manager during the training phase and will be assigned to specific account teams after completing the program
Work Arrangement: This role is primarily on-site, with the possibility of hybrid work arrangements depending on project needs and team preferences
Growth Opportunities:
- Successful completion of the allegro.WRITE program leads to a full-time Medical Writer position within Ashfield MedComms
- Opportunities to work on diverse projects and gain experience across various therapeutic areas and clients
- Potential to progress to senior scientific leadership roles through the allegro.EXCEL program
ASSUMPTION: This role offers excellent growth opportunities for candidates eager to learn and develop their skills in medical communications.
π Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Ashfield MedComms operates from various offices across the UK, with this role based in Glasgow, Scotland
Office Location(s): Glasgow, Scotland (with potential for hybrid or remote work)
Geographic Context:
- Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and the third-largest city in the United Kingdom
- The city offers a vibrant cultural scene, rich history, and numerous opportunities for outdoor activities
- Glasgow is well-connected by public transportation, making it easy to commute to the office
Work Schedule: Full-time, typically Monday to Friday, with flexibility for project needs
ASSUMPTION: The Glasgow office provides a dynamic and collaborative work environment, with easy access to public transportation and numerous amenities.
πΌ Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Submit CV and biography (β€500 words) highlighting skills, interests, and relevant experience
- Take a formal writing test for candidates who demonstrate good core writing skills
- Attend an in-person Assessment Centre in Macclesfield, comprising group activities, an onsite task, and an interview
- Receive notification of the outcome within 72 hours of the Assessment Centre
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills (written and verbal)
- Attention to detail
- Awareness of the pharmaceutical industry
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
- Teamwork and collaboration
Application Tips:
- Tailor your CV and biography to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Demonstrate your passion for knowledge and the pharmaceutical industry in your application materials
- Prepare for the writing test and Assessment Centre by reviewing industry-related materials and practicing common interview questions
ATS Keywords: Medical Writing, Pharmaceutical Industry, Life Sciences, Communication Skills, Attention to Detail, allegro.WRITE, Medical Communications, Healthcare Communications
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is competitive, and candidates should take the time to tailor their application materials and prepare for the Assessment Centre to increase their chances of success.
π οΈ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop)
- MedComms-specific software and platforms (e.g., Veeva, MedComms Manager)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite is essential, while proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and MedComms-specific software will be an asset but not required for this role.
π Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Passion for science and creativity
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Integrity and professionalism
- Innovation and continuous learning
- Accountability and results-driven approach
Work Style:
- Dynamic and fast-paced environment
- Cross-functional team collaboration
- Focus on quality and attention to detail
- Opportunities for professional development and growth
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do I have a genuine passion for the pharmaceutical industry and medical communications?
- Am I comfortable working in a dynamic, collaborative team environment?
- Do I have strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work?
- Am I eager to learn and develop my skills in medical writing and healthcare communications?
ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will be passionate about the pharmaceutical industry, eager to learn, and comfortable working in a dynamic, collaborative team environment.
β οΈ Potential Challenges
- Meeting tight deadlines and managing multiple projects simultaneously
- Adapting to a fast-paced, dynamic work environment
- Gaining a deep understanding of complex scientific concepts and therapeutic areas
- Developing strong writing skills and producing high-quality medical communications materials
ASSUMPTION: While this role presents several challenges, successful candidates will have the opportunity to overcome these obstacles with the support of their team and the structured training provided through the allegro.WRITE program.
π Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is an entry-level training program specifically designed for aspiring medical writers with limited or no previous experience
- Unlike other medical writing roles, this position offers a structured, year-long training program with dedicated coaching and mentoring
- Upon completion of the allegro.WRITE program, successful candidates will transition into a full-time Medical Writer role within Ashfield MedComms
ASSUMPTION: This role is unique in its focus on training and developing entry-level medical writers, providing a clear path for career growth and progression within the company.
π Sample Projects
- Developing patient education materials, such as brochures, websites, and videos
- Creating scientific manuscripts, abstracts, and posters for publication
- Designing and implementing medical education programs, including symposia, workshops, and webinars
- Producing sales aids, such as slide decks, brochures, and videos, to support pharmaceutical product launches
ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will have the opportunity to work on a diverse range of projects, gaining experience in various therapeutic areas and medical communications channels.
β Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What is the typical career path for a Medical Writer within Ashfield MedComms?
- How does the allegro.WRITE program prepare participants for success as a Medical Writer?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the company?
- How does Ashfield MedComms support work-life balance for its employees?
- What is the company culture like, and how does it foster collaboration and innovation?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and provides an opportunity to gain insights into the company culture and work environment.
π Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your CV and biography (β€500 words) through the provided application link
- Prepare for the writing test by reviewing industry-related materials and practicing common writing prompts
- Research Ashfield MedComms and the pharmaceutical industry to demonstrate your knowledge and interest in the role
- Follow up with the hiring manager within one week of submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about the next steps in the process
β οΈ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.