Principal Medical Writer - Medical Communications
Possible
Sponsorship likelihood
This job is eligible only on a shortage list
Not disclosed
Salary
Not disclosed by employer
£41,700
Going rate
Skilled Worker going rate
This role likely qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 3412 (94% match) is an eligible occupation, with a going rate of £41,700, and Obsidian is a licensed sponsor. That is our reading of the rules. Whether they issue a Certificate of Sponsorship is still their call.
New graduate or PhD holder? Pick one of the lower rates.
What each route needs for this job
| Occupation code | New entrant 70% of going rate | STEM PhD 80% of going rate | Relevant PhD 90% of going rate | Standard rate 100% of going rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
3412 Authors, writers and translators Most likely code | £33,400 | £41,700 | £41,700 | £41,700 |
We use the lowest threshold across the plausible codes. Likelihood is Possible at most when the pay clears only a lower rate, or only under a less likely code. How the Home Office picks the code
About the role
About Us
At Obsidian, we’re passionate about transforming scientific communications to improve healthcare outcomes for everyone. As a specialist healthcare agency, dedicated to medical & scientific communications, we partner with global healthcare organisations to share knowledge that truly makes a difference.
Our team of >70 academic scientists, strategists, and communications experts deliver cutting-edge solutions across:
- Medical Affairs
- Strategic Consultancy
- Scientific Meetings and Events
- Medical Education
- Publications Planning and Delivery
- Creative and Digital Services
- Commercial Strategy
The Opportunity
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Principal Medical Writer to step into a pivotal role, shaping high-impact scientific and commercial projects while mentoring the next generation of talent. As a Principal Medical Writer (PMW), you will:
- Lead editorial direction for a diverse portfolio of scientific and commercial projects, including complex multi-component deliverables across a range of therapy areas such as: oncology, biosimilars, rare diseases, cardiology, infectious diseases/vaccines, neurology and haematology.
- Own project delivery across your accounts, ensuring the highest editorial, scientific, and strategic standards.
- Mentor and develop junior writers, offering coaching, training, and guidance to maintain exceptional quality and support career progression.
- Drive resource planning and workflow discussions for assigned accounts, ensuring efficiency and timely delivery.
- Support team time management, helping junior colleagues prioritize effectively and work collaboratively.
Our expertise will directly influence the success of client projects and strengthen our reputation for scientific excellence—making a real impact on healthcare communications worldwide
What You’ll Do
- Lead the charge on projects, driving timelines, resources, and flawless delivery.
- Shape strategy as the go-to therapy area expert, ensuring scientific precision and impact.
- Craft compelling content that challenges briefs and elevates client expectations.
- Inspire and mentor junior writers, building a culture of excellence.
- Own client relationships, instilling confidence and creating long-term partnerships.
- Champion compliance and editorial quality at every stage.
- Master budgets and resources, keeping projects on track and profitable.
- Spot growth opportunities and help win new business with standout proposals.
- Drive innovation, sharing ideas that improve processes and strengthen the team.
What We’re Looking For
- Ideally a degree in biological sciences (BSc/MSc/PhD or equivalent).
- Proven experience within medical communications agencies, ideally as a Principal Medical Writer or equivalent
- Strong leadership and mentoring skills with a track record of managing editorial team members.
- Ability to deliver high-quality scientific content and strategic counsel
- Strong commercial acumen
What We Offer
- Flexible and hybrid working environment, with opportunities to collaborate from our London office.
- 25 days’ holiday + bank holidays, plus gifted days at Christmas and your birthday off.
- AXA Private Healthcare (with family options), Aviva pension scheme, income protection, life assurance.
- Enhanced parental leave, cycle-to-work scheme, season ticket loan.
- Bonus schemes and employee referral rewards.
- Learning and Development: Comprehensive training programmes, annual performance reviews, and opportunities to join working groups.
- Wellbeing Support: EAP, mental health first aiders, AXA wellbeing calendar, and a dedicated wellbeing room.
- Social Connection: Regular social events, and a friendly, collaborative culture.
Ready to lead, inspire, and make an impact?
Join us at Obsidian and help shape the future of scientific communications.
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with Obsidian, so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
Authors, writers and translators (SOC 3412) · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · basic pay · ~19k in sample- Middle half £32,500–45,864
- Median £38,480
- Going rate £41,700
- Threshold £41,700
- New entrant £33,400–37,530
Similar sponsored roles
See all UK visa jobsNo close matches live right now.
Browse more sponsored jobs at ObsidianAbout sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. Obsidian holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 3412 going rate of £41,700. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.