Director, Publications Lead

KalVista Pharmaceuticals•Framingham, MA

About The Position

The Publications Lead is a critical role within the broader Scientific Communications Team, which is made up of Publications, Medical Communications, Medical Congresses & Training, and Medical Information Teams. This role will report to the Head of Scientific Communications and is responsible for the development and execution of publication strategy and tactics across pipeline and marketed assets and for leading the Publications Team. This role requires working collaboratively with Evidence Generation, HEOR, Clinical Development, R&D, Regulatory, and Regional and Global Medical and Commercial Teams to ensure high-quality, strategically aligned, and impactful scientific communication. The ideal candidate is an experienced publications professional, effective writer, strategic and forward-thinking scientific leader who has deep knowledge of good publications practices with substantial experience supporting both marketed and pipeline assets. This individual must excel at medical writing, publication processes, cross-functional alignment, communication skills, and team management.

Requirements

Advanced degree required: MD, PharmD, PhD, or equivalent
10+ years of experience in medical writing, publication planning, or medical communications within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, agency, or academic environments
Minimum 5 years of progressive leadership experience in Medical Affairs

Nice To Haves

Strong understanding of EMA, FDA, OIG, GPP, ICMJE and medical publication and communication compliance standards
Experience using publication and content management systems (e.g., Pubstrat, Veeva) and biomedical databases (PubMed, Ovid)
Strong publication record in peer‑reviewed journals and experience presenting scientific data at major conferences
Experience in immunology and rare diseases
Expertise in developing and executing global publication strategy
Experience supporting both pipeline and marketed assets, including launch and lifecycle planning
Proven success leading cross‑disciplinary scientific collaborations and managing publication initiatives

Responsibilities

Develop an impactful Publication Plan for pipeline and marketed assets
Plan, coordinate, and execute all aspects of the Publication Plan with internal and external stakeholders
Pull through communication objectives beyond publications by collaborating with the broader Scientific Communications Team
Lead the Publications Team to ensure timely delivery of high‑quality publications
Lead the development and successful execution of the annual Publication Plan, translating strategic priorities and action‑oriented objectives into publication deliverables
Establish and maintain strategic alignment across cross‑functional partners, ensuring harmonized and compliant publication planning aligned with SOPs, GPP, and ICMJE guidelines
Drive cross‑functional publication planning meetings, including the annual Publication Strategy Workshop and monthly Publication Strategy & Planning Meetings
Integrate emerging clinical data, trial milestones, regulatory updates, and scientific insights to adjust publication priorities in real time
Identify opportunities to enhance scientific impact through digital, omnichannel, and innovative communication strategies
Write, review, and approve publications in accordance with Publication SOPs
Oversee execution of Publication Plan to ensure quality, accuracy, and compliance
Cultivate strong relationships with key opinion leaders (academic institutions, professional societies, patient advocacy groups) to support scientific exchange
Provide presenting‑author training for congress deliverables
Lead, mentor, and develop a high‑performing Publications Team
Oversee publication‑related vendor partnerships, budget, and contracts
Support publication‑related training for the broader Medical Affairs organization
Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) tied to publication timelines, quality, compliance, stakeholder satisfaction, and scientific impact
Contribute to the broader Scientific Communication Plan
Maintain expertise in industry trends, best practices, and emerging innovations in scientific publications