Principal Scientific Writer

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Principal Scientific Writer

🔹 Company: Sanofi

🔹 Location: Hyderabad, Telangāna, India

🔹 Job Type: Full-time

🔹 Category: Medical Communication, Scientific Writing

🔹 Date Posted: May 7, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Creating complex and specialized content without supervision
• Managing end-to-end publication/medical education content development process
• Developing and maintaining therapeutic area, process, and compliance expertise
• Coaching and reviewing content created by senior and junior scientific writers
• Collaborating effectively with stakeholders to provide strategic inputs

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of independence and expertise in medical communication, with a focus on publications and medical education. The Principal Scientific Writer will be expected to manage multiple projects across multiple franchises or therapeutic areas.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Create complex and specialized content without supervision

✅ Manage end-to-end publication/medical education content development process

✅ Develop and maintain therapeutic area, process, and compliance expertise

✅ Coach and review content created by senior and junior scientific writers

✅ Collaborate effectively with stakeholders to provide strategic inputs

✅ Define and implement stakeholder engagement strategies and tactics

✅ Partner to provide strategic inputs to the development and Medical Communication plans

✅ Work in close collaboration with peers/team to develop best practices

✅ Provide proactive recommendations on improving scientific content of the deliverables

✅ Follow the best practices in relation to processes, communications, project management, documentation, and technical requirements

ASSUMPTION: The Principal Scientific Writer will be responsible for creating high-quality content and managing projects efficiently, while also providing guidance and support to other writers.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Advanced degree in life sciences/pharmacy/similar discipline or medical degree

Experience: 10+ years of experience in content creation in particular Medical Communication (Publications, Medical Education) domain for the pharmaceutical/healthcare industry, or academia. >4 years of experience in leadership role is desirable

Required Skills:

• Excellent knowledge of English language (spoken and written)
• Therapeutic area/domain knowledge exposure
• Publication submission
• Project management

Preferred Skills:

• Stakeholder management
• Communication skills
• Ability to work independently and within a team environment

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong background in medical communication and proven experience in creating complex and specialized content. Leadership experience is highly desirable for this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: INR 20,00,000 - 30,00,000 per annum (Estimated based on industry standards for a Principal Scientific Writer with 10+ years of experience)

Benefits:

• Competitive benefits package
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• Dynamic and inclusive work environment

Working Hours: Full-time position with standard working hours (Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM IST)

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a Principal Scientific Writer with the required experience level. The actual salary may vary depending on the candidate's qualifications and the company's internal policies.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

Company Size: 10,001+ employees

Founded: 1973 (as a result of a merger between Sanofi and Aventis)

Company Description:

• Sanofi is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on human health. They research, develop, manufacture, and market therapeutic solutions to improve the lives of patients around the world.
• Sanofi is committed to providing equal opportunities to all employees regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, or gender identity.

Company Specialties:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Thrombosis
• Oncology
• Diabetes
• Central nervous system
• Internal medicine
• Vaccines

Company Website: sanofi.us

ASSUMPTION: Sanofi is a global leader in the pharmaceutical industry, with a strong focus on research and development. They offer a wide range of products and have a presence in over 100 countries worldwide.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Senior/Managerial

Reporting Structure: The Principal Scientific Writer will report directly to the Head/Group Lead of the respective therapeutic area or function.

Work Arrangement: On-site, with the possibility of occasional travel as per business needs.

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to a more senior role within the Medical Communication or Scientific Writing department
• Expansion of responsibilities to include leadership or management duties
• Opportunities to work on diverse projects and gain experience in new therapeutic areas

ASSUMPTION: The Principal Scientific Writer role offers significant opportunities for professional growth and development within the organization.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate office

Office Location(s): Hyderabad, India

Geographic Context:

• Hyderabad is the capital city of the Indian state of Telangāna and is known for its historical monuments, cultural heritage, and IT industry.
• The city has a tropical wet and dry climate, with hot summers and mild winters.
• Hyderabad is well-connected by air, rail, and road, with a modern international airport serving the city.

Work Schedule: Standard working hours, with the possibility of occasional overtime or weekend work as per project requirements.

ASSUMPTION: Hyderabad offers a vibrant and dynamic work environment, with a mix of traditional and modern culture. The city is home to several multinational corporations and provides ample opportunities for professional growth and development.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening
• In-depth technical interview focusing on medical communication and scientific writing skills
• Final round interview with the hiring manager or panel

Key Assessment Areas:

• Expertise in medical communication and scientific writing
• Project management skills
• Stakeholder management and communication skills
• Cultural fit and alignment with Sanofi's values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare for the technical interview by brushing up on your medical communication and scientific writing knowledge
• Research Sanofi's company culture and values to demonstrate your fit during the interview

ATS Keywords: Medical Communication, Scientific Writing, Content Creation, Stakeholder Management, Project Management, Therapeutic Area Knowledge, Coaching, Collaboration, Digital Transformation, Process Improvement, Publication Development, Strategic Communication, Team Leadership, Mentoring, Training Delivery, Budget Management, Compliance Expertise

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is likely to be competitive, and candidates should prepare thoroughly to demonstrate their expertise and fit for the position.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
• PubMed
• EndNote
• PromoMats/iEnvision
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, JIRA)

ASSUMPTION: The Principal Scientific Writer will be expected to be proficient in using various software tools and platforms to manage projects and create content efficiently.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Patient focus
• Integrity
• Courage
• Responsibility
• Transparency
• Innovation
• Teamwork

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Results-driven and proactive
• Adaptable and open to change
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you demonstrate patient focus in your work?
• Can you provide an example of a time when you had to be courageous in a professional setting?
• How do you approach working in a team and collaborating with others?

ASSUMPTION: Sanofi values diversity and inclusion, and candidates who can demonstrate a strong cultural fit and alignment with the company's values will be more likely to succeed in the role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Working with diverse stakeholders and balancing their expectations
• Keeping up-to-date with the latest medical and scientific developments in the assigned therapeutic areas
• Occasional travel requirements as per business needs

ASSUMPTION: The Principal Scientific Writer role may present challenges related to project management, stakeholder communication, and staying current with medical and scientific developments. Candidates should be prepared to address these challenges proactively.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to other Principal Scientific Writer roles, this position may require more leadership and mentoring responsibilities
• In the pharmaceutical industry, this role is typically found within medical affairs or scientific communications departments
• Career progression may include moving into a senior management role or specializing in a specific therapeutic area

ASSUMPTION: The Principal Scientific Writer role is a specialized position within the pharmaceutical industry, with opportunities for career growth and development.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a comprehensive publication plan for a new drug launch
• Creating a series of medical education slides and posters for a medical congress
• Managing the end-to-end development of a medical education program for healthcare professionals

ASSUMPTION: The Principal Scientific Writer will be expected to work on a variety of projects, ranging from publications and medical education to strategic communications and process improvements.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the team structure and reporting lines for this role?
• How does this role fit into the broader medical communication strategy for the assigned therapeutic areas?
• What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within the department or the organization?
• How does Sanofi support work-life balance for its employees?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview to demonstrate their interest in the role and the organization.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the Sanofi Careers portal
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare for the technical interview by brushing up on your medical communication and scientific writing knowledge
• Research Sanofi's company culture and values to demonstrate your fit during the interview
• Follow up with the hiring manager or HR representative within one week of submitting your application to confirm receipt and express your continued interest in the role

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.