Director, Scientific Publications

Role Summary

Director, Scientific Publications is responsible for leading the strategic planning, development, and execution of high-quality, compliant publications that support the scientific and medical objectives of Xenon Pharmaceuticals. This role provides strategic direction, cross-functional collaboration, and operational oversight to ensure timely, ethical dissemination of scientific and clinical data through peer-reviewed journals and scientific congresses. The Director will serve as a subject matter expert in publication strategy, lead external agency partnerships, and oversee execution across therapeutic areas in alignment with Medical Affairs, Clinical Development, and Commercial priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of strategic publication plans across therapeutic areas in alignment with medical, clinical, HEOR, and commercial strategies.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to internal stakeholders on publication planning, authorship, and scientific data dissemination.
• Partner with Medical Affairs, Clinical Development, HEOR, and Commercial teams to identify and prioritize data for publication.
• Represent the publications function on interdepartmental teams and strategic initiatives.
• Facilitate and lead Publication Steering Committees and author working groups.
• Oversee the development and delivery of scientific publications (e.g., manuscripts, abstracts, posters, and presentations) from concept through submission.
• Apply strong project management skills to ensure timely, high-quality deliverables in accordance with internal review processes and external standards.
• Organize and lead cross-functional publication planning and review meetings.
• Build and maintain detailed publication timelines, proactively identify risks, and implement mitigation plans.
• Identify, select, and manage relationships with publication agencies and freelance medical writers.
• Provide scientific oversight and editorial guidance to ensure consistency, accuracy, and alignment with company messaging.
• Ensure compliance with industry guidelines including Good Publication Practice (GPP) and ICMJE standards.
• Provide internal training and guidance on publication policy, authorship criteria, and ethical standards.
• Oversee the use of publication management systems, driving effective integration into workflows for enhanced planning, tracking, and compliance.
• Track and report publication metrics, timelines, and performance indicators to Medical Affairs leadership.
• Develop and propose short- and long-term objectives for the function in accordance with overall Company strategies and plans.
• Plan and manage budget proposals and approved budgets in accordance with the Company‚Äôs strategic and operating plans and Finance policies.
• Recruit, lead, direct, develop, coach and evaluate direct reports, if any, in accordance with the Company‚Äôs Human Resource policies and practices.
• Act in accordance with Company policies, including, for example, the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and ensure policies are understood and followed by direct reports, if any.
• Domestic and international travel up to 25%.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree is required: PhD, PharmD, MD, or equivalent in a scientific or healthcare-related field.
• Minimum 7 years of relevant work experience, including a minimum of 5 years management level experience, in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or scientific communications agency environment.
• Certified Medical Publication Professional (CMPP) preferred.
• Demonstrated expertise in publication planning, authorship management, and congress strategy.
• Strong understanding of GPP, ICMJE, and scientific communication compliance requirements.
• Proven experience leading cross-functional teams and external partners, including agencies and authors.
• Track record of successful scientific publication delivery and operational excellence in fast-paced settings.
• Strong scientific acumen; therapeutic area experience in neurology and/or psychiatry preferred.
• Excellent writing, editing, and communication skills.
• Effective project and time management skills; ability to manage competing priorities and complex deliverables.
• Proficiency with publication planning software and digital tools.
• Highly collaborative, self-motivated, and able to work autonomously.