Associate Director, Medical Writing & Scientific Communications in San Diego, California at Viking Therapeutics, Inc.

The Associate Director, Medical Writing & Scientific Communications will be a key member of the Medical Affairs organization, responsible for developing and executing strategic scientific communication initiatives that support clinical development, medical affairs priorities, and commercial launch readiness. In this role, the Associate Director will lead the creation of high-quality, scientifically rigorous medical communications across publications, congress activities, scientific platforms, advisory boards, and healthcare provider engagement initiatives.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in medical writing and scientific communications within the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry, demonstrated ability to translate complex clinical data into meaningful scientific narratives, and experience collaborating cross-functionally with Medical Affairs, Clinical Development, Regulatory Affairs, and external scientific experts. This is a unique opportunity to build a foundational scientific communications capability within a growing organization and make a meaningful impact on advancing innovative therapies for patients living with chronic disease.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The main responsibilities of this role include:

• Develop and execute strategic medical writing and scientific communication plans aligned with Medical Affairs objectives and company priorities
• Lead the development of scientific communication deliverables, including peer-reviewed manuscripts, abstracts, posters, oral presentations, scientific slide decks, advisory board materials, and medical education resources
• Partner with Medical Affairs leadership and cross-functional stakeholders to establish scientific narratives, evidence communication strategies, and disease-state education platforms
• Support publication planning activities, including development and execution of publication plans in collaboration with internal stakeholders, external authors, and medical writing agencies
• Ensure scientific communications are accurate, balanced, compliant, and aligned with applicable guidelines, including Good Publication Practice (GPP) and International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) recommendations
• Translate complex clinical trial data, scientific literature, and healthcare trends into clear and compelling communications for healthcare professionals, investigators, and internal stakeholders
• Support medical affairs activities including:
  • Medical Science Liaison training and scientific preparation
  • Investigator meetings
  • Advisory boards
  • Congress planning and execution
  • Medical information resources
  • Internal scientific communications
• Collaborate closely with Clinical Development, Regulatory Affairs, Biostatistics, Commercial, Market Access, and other internal partners to ensure consistency of scientific messaging
• Manage external medical writing agencies, consultants, and scientific communication vendors
• Establish scalable medical writing processes, templates, and best practices to support a growing Medical Affairs organization
• Lead and/or contribute to cross-functional project teams supporting scientific communications strategy and execution
• Maintain and continuously enhance scientific expertise through ongoing review of clinical data, scientific literature, healthcare trends, and competitive intelligence
• Complete all required administrative duties, training, and compliance-related activities in a timely manner
• Other duties as assigned

Education and Experience

• Pharm.D., Ph.D., M.D., D.O., or other advanced scientific degree preferred
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in medical writing, scientific communications, medical affairs, or related roles within a biotechnology or pharmaceutical organization
• Demonstrated experience developing peer-reviewed publications, scientific congress materials, and clinical communication deliverables
• Current experience supporting Medical Affairs, Scientific Affairs, Clinical Development, or related functions within the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry
• Proven scientific expertise in obesity, cardiometabolic disease, metabolic disorders, or related therapeutic areas preferred
• Strong understanding of clinical trial design, interpretation of clinical data, and evidence-based scientific communication

Knowledge and Skills

• Exceptional scientific writing, editing, and communication skills with strong attention to detail
• Ability to synthesize complex scientific information and communicate actionable insights to diverse audiences
• Experience developing strategic scientific narratives and communication platforms
• Strong knowledge of publication standards, including GPP and ICMJE guidelines
• Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and timelines in a fast-paced environment
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external partners
• Self-motivated individual with an entrepreneurial mindset and ability to operate independently
• Strong interpersonal skills and professional demeanor
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), collaboration platforms, and virtual communication tools

VIKING THERAPEUTICS

Viking Therapeutics, Inc., is committed to equal opportunity in the terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability or veteran status. Viking Therapeutics also complies with all applicable national, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act and IRCA.

Notice to Agency and Search Firm Representatives

Viking Therapeutics, Inc. is not accepting unsolicited resumes from agencies and/or search firms for this job posting. Resumes submitted to any Viking employee by a third-party agency and/or search firm without a valid written & signed search agreement, and assignment of specific position, will become the sole property of Viking Therapeutics, Inc. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired for this position as a result of an unsolicited agency or search firm referral.

Salary Description

$170,000.00 - $190,000.00 annual salary