Director, Scientific Communications

Satsuma Pharmaceuticals

2d•$200,000 - $250,000

About The Position

Satsuma Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company preparing to launch AtzumiTM (dihydroergotamine (DHE) nasal powder), a novel therapeutic product approved in the US for the acute treatment of migraine. AtzumiTM incorporates proprietary advanced powder and device technology (SMART – Simple MucoAdhesive Release Technology™) and is designed to be easy-to-use, easy-to-carry and for quick self-administration. The Director, Scientific Communications, will lead the development and execution of scientific communication strategies supporting Satsuma Pharmaceuticals' portfolio of innovative therapies for the acute treatment of migraine. This individual will be responsible for translating complex scientific and clinical data into clear, accurate, and compelling communications for healthcare professionals, scientific audiences, payers, and internal stakeholders. Working cross-functionally with Clinical Development, Medical Affairs, Regulatory Affairs, Commercial, and Corporate Communications, the Director will drive publication planning, scientific content development, medical education initiatives, and congress strategy while ensuring all communications are scientifically rigorous, compliant, and aligned with corporate objectives. This role will play a key part in establishing Satsuma as a scientific leader in migraine treatment and intranasal drug delivery technologies. The successful candidate participates with senior management to establish strategic plans and objectives for the scientific communications function, effectively cascading functional strategy and contributing to development of organizational policies, with a master-level understanding of the function and how it fits within the company and competitive environment.

Requirements

Advanced scientific or clinical degree in a relevant discipline required. PhD, PharmD, or MD preferred in life science, pharmacy, neuroscience or related discipline.
8+ years of experience in scientific communications, publication planning, medical communications, medical affairs, or related functions within the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry.
Demonstrated success leading publication strategy and scientific communication programs supporting clinical-stage and/or commercial products.
Strong ability to critically evaluate clinical study design, endpoints, statistical analyses, and evidence limitations and translate findings into accurate, balanced scientific content.
Demonstrated experience developing manuscripts, abstracts, posters, scientific presentations, medical education materials, and core evidence resources.
Experience developing Medical Information content, scientific response documents, and scientific training materials for field medical or other Medical Affairs colleagues.
Experience supporting scientific congresses, advisory boards, author engagement, and collaboration with investigators and scientific experts.
Exceptional scientific writing, editing, and presentation skills.
Ability to synthesize complex clinical data into clear, evidence-based communications for multiple audiences.
Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Deep understanding of publication ethics, Good Publication Practice (GPP), and ICMJE guidelines.
Excellent interpersonal and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Strategic thinker with the ability to influence across functions and organizational levels.
Demonstrated leadership experience with strong attention to detail, quality, and scientific integrity.
Demonstrated mastery of the scientific communications function and how it fits within the overall company and competitive environment, with the ability to make final decisions on implementation and ensure operational effectiveness.
Proven ability to direct the activities of a functional area through lower management, accountable for actions that impact departmental budgets.

Nice To Haves

Neurology or headache experience is preferred.
Relevant experience supporting product launches and commercialization activities is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute the scientific communications strategy across the product lifecycle, supporting clinical development, regulatory milestones, product launches, and lifecycle management.
Translate business segment strategy into functional scientific communications plans and guide execution, participating in corporate development of methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for programs and people.
Lead publication planning and execution, including manuscripts, abstracts, posters, oral presentations, scientific symposia, and congress activities.
Contribute to development of strategies for the scientific communications function or multiple departments, exercising judgment on complex issues where problems are not clearly defined and fundamental principles may not fully apply.
Oversee development of high-quality scientific materials, including clinical study summaries, slide decks, FAQs, scientific platforms, medical education materials, and healthcare professional resources.
Partner closely with Clinical Development, Medical Affairs, Regulatory Affairs, Commercial, Biostatistics, and Clinical Operations to ensure scientific accuracy, consistency, and compliance across all communications.
Translate complex clinical and scientific data into compelling communications tailored to diverse audiences, including healthcare professionals, investigators, key opinion leaders (KOLs), scientific societies, and internal stakeholders.
Manage external medical writing agencies and publication vendors, ensuring high-quality deliverables, timelines, and budget adherence.
Lead publication planning committees and oversee execution of publication strategies in accordance with GPP, ICMJE, and company policies.
Support scientific exchange activities by developing medical information resources, scientific response documents, advisory board materials, and congress content.
Build and maintain strong relationships with KOLs, investigators, and scientific collaborators to support publication development and scientific engagement.
Ensure all scientific communications comply with FDA, EMA, and applicable regulatory requirements, as well as industry guidelines and company standards.
Monitor emerging scientific literature and competitive developments in migraine, headache medicine, and drug-delivery technologies to inform the communication strategy.
Serve as a scientific communications leader, mentoring team members and fostering excellence in scientific storytelling and execution.
Direct the activities of the scientific communications function through lower management, accountable for actions that impact departmental budgets.
Proactively identify, assume, and execute additional responsibilities, initiatives, and special projects as business needs evolve.