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Senior Scientific Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Novo Nordisk

Scientific Director

Lexington, MA

Reporting to the Senior Director of Obesity Research US, the Scientific Director will help define and execute the scientific strategy for address obesity, quality of weight loss and associated co ...

Novo Nordisk

Scientific Director

Lexington, MA · On-site

Reporting to the Senior Director of Obesity Research US, the Scientific Director will help define and execute the scientific strategy for address obesity, quality of weight loss and associated co ...

Novo Nordisk

Scientific Director

Lexington, MA · On-site

Reporting to the Senior Director of Obesity Research US, the Scientific Director will help define and execute the scientific strategy for address obesity, quality of weight loss and associated co ...

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How much do senior scientific director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior scientific director in the United States is $156,723.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $149,500.00 and $169,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior scientific director do?

A Senior Scientific Director is responsible for overseeing scientific research and development activities within an organization. They lead teams of scientists, set research priorities, and ensure that projects align with the organization's strategic goals. Additionally, they often collaborate with other departments, manage budgets, and communicate scientific findings to stakeholders. Their role is crucial in driving innovation and maintaining scientific integrity throughout the organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior scientific director?

To thrive as a Senior Scientific Director, you need an advanced degree (often a PhD or MD), extensive research experience, and a track record of scientific leadership and publication. Familiarity with data analysis tools, laboratory management systems, and regulatory compliance standards such as GLP or GCP is typically required. Strong strategic thinking, leadership, and communication skills help foster team collaboration and drive scientific innovation. These competencies are essential for ensuring high-quality research, guiding scientific direction, and meeting organizational goals in a competitive environment.

What are the main challenges senior scientific directors face when leading cross-functional research teams?

Senior Scientific Directors often encounter the challenge of aligning diverse teams, such as scientists, clinicians, and regulatory experts, around common research goals while balancing scientific rigor with business objectives. Effective communication and conflict resolution skills are essential, as team members may have differing priorities or perspectives. Additionally, Senior Scientific Directors must stay abreast of industry trends and regulatory changes, ensuring projects meet both scientific standards and compliance requirements. Navigating these complexities requires strong leadership, adaptability, and a collaborative mindset.

What is the difference between Senior Scientific Director vs Principal Scientist?

AspectSenior Scientific DirectorPrincipal Scientist
Required CredentialsAdvanced degrees (PhD or MD), extensive research experiencePhD or equivalent, strong research background
Work EnvironmentLeadership roles in R&D teams, strategic planningHands-on research, experimental design
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceutical, biotech, and healthcare companiesResearch institutions, biotech firms, pharma
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Senior Scientific Director typically oversees research strategies and manages teams, focusing on leadership and project direction. In contrast, the Principal Scientist is more involved in direct research activities and experimental work. Both roles require advanced degrees and extensive experience, but the Senior Scientific Director emphasizes strategic oversight, while the Principal Scientist concentrates on scientific innovation and experimentation.

What cities are hiring for Senior Scientific Director jobs?

Cities with the most Senior Scientific Director job openings:

What states have the most Senior Scientific Director jobs?

States with the most job openings for Senior Scientific Director jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Scientific Director jobs?

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Infographic showing various Senior Scientific Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $156,723 per year, or $75.3 per hour.

Senior Scientific Director

Avenel, NJ • On-site

Cactus Communications Services Pte. Ltd.
See more jobs at Cactus Communications Services Pte. Ltd.external

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 19 hours ago

Job description

Overview
Cactus Life Sciences partners with the global biopharma industry to drive innovation and elevate patient outcomes through agile, science-driven medical communications. We transform complex data into actionable insights, bridging the critical gaps between research, decision-making, and real-world healthcare impact. As a growing scientific communications agency, we are seeking a self-motivated, strategy-oriented Senior Scientific Director to add to our scientific services team.
Please note: This is a fully remote position within the US, with a preference for candidates who can align with East Coast working hours. The role also involves periodic travel to client locations and meetings as required.
Responsibilities
Scientific Strategy & Organic Growth (35% of the role)
  • Partner with the Account Director to shape and drive organic growth plans for key accounts, translating scientific insight and evolving client priorities into forward-looking growth opportunities.
  • Bring strategic thinking to account planning - anticipating client and therapeutic-area needs and proactively identifying where Cactus Life Sciences can add scientific value.
  • Develop and execute scientific communications strategy, including scientific communications platforms, communications plans, KOL engagement plans, and integrated evidence generation and publication planning approaches aligned to client medical affairs objectives.
  • Serve as the scientific lead on client pitches and business development activities, including RFPs/RFIs and new opportunity development.
  • Drive the integration of AI and emerging approaches into scientific strategy and delivery for client accounts.

Key Customer Relationships (25% of the role)
  • Develop deep, trusted relationships with key customers, acting as a senior scientific point of contact across assigned accounts.
  • Cultivate and leverage these relationships over time to build client confidence, anticipate needs, and support sustained, organic account growth.
  • Act as a trusted scientific advisor, bringing credibility and continuity to long-term client partnerships.
  • Ensure compliance and consistency with client SOPs, messaging, and scientific communications objectives, and lead the resolution of client concerns.

Scientific Delivery & Quality Oversight (25% of the role)
  • Oversee and be accountable for the scientific quality of deliverables developed across assigned accounts, including publications, medical communications tactics, congress materials, and MSL field materials.
  • Provide high-level scientific review to ensure strategic alignment, scientific accuracy, and regulatory compliance in deliverables sent to the client.
  • Develop and execute both publications and medical communication tactics - manuscripts, abstracts, posters, review articles, symposia decks, literature searches, gap analyses, and strategic publication plans - for both investigational and mature products.
  • Partner with in-house technology and creative teams to build innovative digital solutions for Medical Affairs and Scientific Communications clients.

Leadership & Team Development (15% of the role)
  • Train and mentor scientific writers and junior directors through detailed reviews and training sessions, contributing to the skill development of the wider scientific team.
  • Model scientific rigor and editorial standards across the team.
  • Build and lead a team as the role establishes, taking on direct reports and formal people-leadership responsibilities over time.

#LI-Remote
Qualifications and Prerequisites
  • MD, PhD, PharmD, or equivalent advanced degree required.
  • 7-10 years of medical communications, medical affairs, or pharmaceutical industry experience, including demonstrated success at Scientific Director level or equivalent.
  • Integrated scientific communications experience, with demonstrated success across both medical communications and publications accounts.
  • Proven strategic capability - developing scientific and account strategy and translating it into organic account growth in partnership with commercial/account leadership.
  • Demonstrated ability to build, sustain, and leverage senior client and KOL relationships over time.
  • Demonstrated expertise developing and executing deliverables for both investigational and mature products, with experience across several therapy areas preferred.
  • Experience acting as scientific lead on client pitches and business development.
  • Strong attention to detail and editorial skills, with the ability to provide quality oversight of others' work.
  • Willingness and ability to mentor and develop team members, and to build and lead a team over time.
  • Experience providing congress support and conducting/facilitating advisory board meetings a plus.
  • Understanding of AI applications in medical communications and emerging healthcare technologies.

Benefits of this Role
  • Annual leaves, public holidays, personal days, and a special day off for your birthday.
  • Supportive leave options including maternity, paternity, and sabbatical opportunities.
  • Comprehensive medical insurance for you and your family, including dental and vision care.
  • Holistic wellness supports access to medical, mental health, and specialist care.
  • Financial security through life assurance and income protection.
  • Retirement savings plan with employer contributions and flexible options.
  • Company-provided mobile phone to keep you connected.
  • Reimbursement for travel and business-related expenses.

Application Process
Before applying, please ensure you meet the role requirements listed above and have legal authorization to work in the country where this role is advertised. The selection process for this role includes an initial recruiter screening, two Technical Interviews with the Hiring Manager and peers, and a Technical Assessment, where candidates will have agreed upon timeline to complete the task. The final round will be the HR Interview. All interactions will be conducted virtually via MS Teams.
AI at Cactus Life Sciences
The life sciences industry is undergoing a fundamental shift in how scientific knowledge is created, communicated, and delivered. We are building our work around it.
AI is embedded meaningfully across everything we do, through proprietary platforms purpose-built for life sciences and generative tools that deliver measurable value to our clients. It is core to how we operate, and an expected way of working for everyone who joins us.
We believe in Human-Anchored AIâ„¢: whatever your discipline - science, communications, strategy, or operations, you will work in an environment where AI augments your expertise rather than replaces it.
You will build skills that are in genuine demand and still taking shape across the industry. If you are curious and focused on building capabilities for the world where human intelligence meets artificial intelligence, this is where you belong.
Equal Opportunity
Our hiring practices reflect our commitment to providing equal opportunities and creating an environment where everyone can thrive, develop, and succeed. We celebrate the uniqueness of our team members and prohibit discrimination of any kind, based on race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or any other protected characteristic.
About CACTUS
At Cactus Life Sciences (cactuslifesciences.com), we believe the future of medical communications lies at the intersection of science, technology, and human connection. Headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey, with teams in Switzerland, the United Kingdom, India, and Japan, we help biopharmaceutical organizations redefine scientific exchange-leveraging AI, automation, and innovation while keeping patients at the heart of everything we do.
Our expertise spans medical strategy, scientific content development, and medical education across therapeutic areas and the product lifecycle. By blending scientific rigor, agile operational models, and future-ready technologies, we partner with medical affairs teams to catalyze their transformation, adapt to a changing landscape, and drive meaningful outcomes for healthcare communities worldwide.

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