Associate Director, Publication Writer

Role Summary

Associate Director Publication Writer at Moderna to lead end-to-end publication management across multiple therapeutic areas. Collaborates with internal and external authors and cross-functional teams to lead writing activities for medical publications, abstracts, and posters aligned to medical affairs strategy, and to meet publication dates for product reference information. Requires strong medical writing expertise, ability to integrate scientific messages, and compliance with industry standards, plus experience managing external vendors.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the publication process, including development of manuscripts, abstracts, posters, and presentations, ensuring accuracy and clear communication of complex data while adhering to global ethical standards.
• Manage cross-functional collaborations with clinical, regulatory, and commercial teams to align with medical goals and ensure timely publication deliverables.
• Develop visual representations of scientific data (graphs, figures, infographics) to enhance publication clarity and impact.
• Create and implement strategic approaches to abstracts and posters for external audiences at medical congresses.
• Develop and implement global publication strategies aligned with Medical Affairs objectives to disseminate key data.
• Lead internal stakeholder meetings to communicate publication plans and coordinate activities across functions and obtain data availability for key therapeutic areas.
• Ensure compliance with industry guidelines (ICMJE, GPP, CONSORT) and internal SOPs, maintaining ethical standards and transparency.
• Track and report publication metrics and progress to Medical Affairs leadership, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
• Monitor industry trends and best practices in medical writing and publication planning to continuously improve quality and impact.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in Medical Affairs Publications, supporting internal teams and aligning with broader medical and business strategies.
• Work with global and regional stakeholders on journal identification, medical congress planning, and tactic implementation.
• Collaborate with Scientific Communications teams to integrate scientific messages and align with cross-functional teams.
• Support annual publication planning meetings to ensure strategic alignment and progress.

Qualifications

• Minimum: 5-8 years of pharmaceutical industry experience
• Advanced degree in life sciences or related field (PhD, PharmD, MD, MSc) required
• 5+ years of experience in medical writing, publication planning, and medical affairs publications within the pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical device industry
• Proven experience with publication strategy development and execution
• In-depth knowledge of publication guidelines (ICMJE, GPP) and experience ensuring compliance with industry standards
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with internal stakeholders and external authors

Skills

• Datavision or equivalent publication management tools (preferred)
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; ability to plan, prioritize, and execute multiple projects
• Knowledge of best practices in Publications and understanding of the clinical development process and clinical study data
• Negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills with awareness of global cultural differences

Education

• Advanced degree in life sciences or related field (PhD, PharmD, MD, MSc) is required

Additional Requirements

• Experience in infectious diseases and vaccines is an advantage
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Willingness to align with Moderna’s 70/30 in-office working model