Associate Director, Scientific Communications

Xenon Pharmaceuticals • Needham, MA

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking an Associate Director, Scientific Communications to support the development and execution of field medical and congress materials for our epilepsy and neuropsychiatry programs, while contributing to broader Medical Affairs priorities across the Xenon pipeline. This role plays a central part in shaping scientifically rigorous, compliant, and strategically aligned materials that engage and educate health care professionals. The Associate Director, Scientific Communications will support the development, review, and approval of scientific content, ensuring alignment with key Medical Affairs and cross-functional platforms, strategic objectives, and tactical plans.
Success in this role requires a strong scientific foundation paired with the ability to distill complex neuroscience into scientifically accurate, clear, and compelling narratives tailored for diverse audiences. In addition, you must be a highly collaborative scientific or clinical professional who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and is committed to operational excellence.
This position reports to the Director of Scientific Communications and operates within a multidisciplinary team, interfacing with cross-functional internal stakeholders and external experts. Your contributions will directly shape how Xenon communicates scientific insights, supports strategic initiatives, and advances its programs in epilepsy and neuropsychiatric disorders. This role will be based out of Boston, MA, USA in our Needham office. Hybrid positions require a minimum of two onsite days per week. On-site positions require up to five on-site days per week.

Requirements

• PhD, PharmD, MD, or other doctoral degree (or equivalent) in a scientific or healthcare-related field
• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in scientific communications within biotech/pharma and/or a medical communications agency
• Extensive experience in driving on-time development of scientific materials for HCP education/engagement and congress deliverables within a high-performing team
• Experience with KOL engagement, vendor management, and scientific content analytics
• Expertise with Veeva Vault, structured MLR/MRC workflows, and cross-functional review processes
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with ability to convey complex scientific concepts clearly and concisely
• Exceptional problem-solving skills and demonstrated success in fast-paced, high-complexity environments
• Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to build credibility and trust inside and outside the Company
• Proven ability to analyze complex data and situations to guide strategic decisions

Responsibilities

• Support the development of field medical materials and congress deliverables aligned to epilepsy and neuropsychiatry program needs.
• Translate complex data into clear, compelling narratives tailored to internal and external audiences.
• Partner closely with Medical Affairs, Commercial, Clinical Development, Regulatory, and other cross-functional stakeholders to develop materials that are scientifically rigorous, compliant, and consistent with scientific communications platforms, lexicons, therapeutic-area strategy, evidence generation plans, and launch timelines.
• Oversee end-to-end Medical–Legal–Regulatory/Medical Review Committee (MLR/MRC) processes for field medical and congress materials; serve as the Scientific Communications representative in review.
• Maintain audit readiness through appropriate Veeva metadata practices, taxonomy governance, documentation standards, and adherence to structured workflows.
• Track engagement metrics and insights across scientific communications deliverables; apply learnings to optimize future content and tactics.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal partners, external scientific experts, and vendor teams.
• Manage agency/vendor relationships to ensure high-quality work delivered on time and within budget.
• Contribute to internal briefings and help coordinate preparation for congresses, workshops, and other scientific forums.
• Contribute to team development, departmental planning, and initiatives that advance Medical Affairs excellence.
• Serve as a scientific communications subject matter expert and provide input to cross-functional strategic planning.
• 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.
• Ability to travel up to 20%, both domestically and internationally.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Our Total Rewards program includes base salary, target bonus, and stock options, as well as a full range of benefits including medical, dental, vision, short-& long-term disability, accidental death & dismemberment, and life insurance programs, Employee Assistance Program, travel insurance, and retirement savings programs with company matching contributions.
• Xenon encourages time to rest and re-charge through vacation, personal days, sick days, and an end-of-year company shutdown.
• Xenon highly values employee development and has an expanding Training, Learning & Development program, including a Tuition Assistance program for advanced degrees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree