Understand the strategic role of communications in product
lifecycle management.
Gain experience working in a global cross-functional matrix
environment.
Enhance project management, critical thinking, and scientific
writing skills, while strengthening leadership, team building, and
a sense of ownership and accountability.
Build a professional network within the pharmaceutical and
biotechnology industry.
Develop a broad understanding of the biotechnology industry
landscape, including drug development processes and organizational
dynamics.
Program Overview:
Year 1: Foundational Training and Cross-Functional
Immersion
The Fellow will focus on building a strong foundation in scientific
communications by working across key functional areas: medical
communications, publications planning and execution, medical
information, and congress strategy and execution.
Please Note: The following are examples of responsibilities
associated with this fellowship and are not limited to the items
listed. Specific projects and deliverables may evolve based on
organizational priorities, fellow interest, and business
needs.
Medical Communications
- Contribute to the development of scientifically accurate,
balanced, and engaging content to support effective communication
for healthcare professionals across the therapeutic area.
- Assist in the creation of medical education initiatives such as
scientific symposia, field medical decks, infographics, and other
educational materials designed for external engagement.
Publications Planning and Execution
- Gain experience in strategic publication planning by
participating in publication team meetings, helping define
timelines, and ensuring alignment with broader medical
communication objectives.
- Collaborate with internal and external authors on the
development of manuscripts, abstracts, and posters for submission
to peer-reviewed journals and major medical congresses.
Medical Information
- Support the development, review and maintenance of global
standard response documents and FAQs collaborating with regional
affiliates to ensure scientific messaging.
- Participate in medical information call center operations to
gain insight into how healthcare professional inquiries are triaged
and addressed. Assist in responding to unsolicited requests for
information in a compliant and scientifically accurate manner.
- Capture and analyze insights from healthcare professional
inquiry trends to help inform medical affairs strategy and identify
educational needs.
Congress Strategy and Execution
- Gain hands on experience in supporting medical affairs presence
at global scientific conferences through the planning and execution
of congress activities, including medical booth planning and
staffing, scientific communication and engagement activities, and
participation in internal post-congress debriefs.
Cross-Functional Collaboration and Innovation
- Collaborate cross-functionally with medical affairs, clinical
development, regulatory, and commercial teams.
- Contribute to continuous process improvements and innovation in
scientific communications practices.
Year 2: Strategic Ownership and Leadership
Development
In the second year, the fellow will take on increased strategic
responsibilities, drive independent projects with full ownership,
and continue building leadership and scientific communication
skills while contributing to key global initiatives.
Please Note: The following are examples of responsibilities
associated with this fellowship and are not limited to the items
listed. Specific projects and deliverables may evolve based on
organizational priorities, fellow interest, and business
needs.
Medical Communications
- Lead development of scientific content and educational
resources across global and regional teams.
Publications Planning and Execution
- Drive components of the global publication plan and synthesize
clinical data across communication channels.
Medical Information
- Lead the development of global standard response documents and
translate HCP insights into broader strategy.
Congress Strategy and Execution
- Independently manage congress planning projects, including
booth strategy, content and post-congress activities.
Cross-Functional Collaboration and Innovation
- Identify opportunities for process optimization and implement
innovative solutions in medical communications practices.
- Provide mentorship to incoming fellows or interns and lead a
fellowship legacy project.
Other Opportunities
- Fellows will also have the opportunity to tailor their
experience by engaging in optional cross-functional projects or
short-term rotations across key departments based on individual
interest and organizational need. These may include areas such as:
- Field Medical
- Evidence Generation
- Medical Affairs Operations
- Health Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR)
- Global Regulatory Affairs
- Patient Advocacy
Qualifications
- Doctor of Pharmacy degree from an ACPE-accredited
institution
- Eligible for pharmacist licensure in the State of
Massachusetts
- Excellent oral and written communication skills with
proficiency in creating clear, data-driven scientific presentations
in PowerPoint
- Strong time management and leadership abilities
- Ability to work independently and take initiative on a variety
of projects at both the industry site and Northeastern
- Team-oriented with strong interpersonal skills
- Prior internship experience in medical affairs or scientific
communications is desirable
Additional Information
Applicants should submit the following application materials by the
priority deadline of October 31, 2026:
1. Curriculum vitae (CV), uploaded
2. Unofficial PharmD transcripts, uploaded
3. Cover letter, uploaded
Letters of Recommendation
Three formal Letters of Recommendation (LORs) must be submitted
directly by the letter writers no later than
November 23,
2026.
Each letter writer must include:
• The candidate's full name
• The fellowship program(s) to which the candidate is applying
(e.g.,
Smith, John - Alnylam, GSK)
Please ask your letter writers to complete and submit the
Letter
of Recommendation Form along with their recommendation.
Click
here to access the form and share it with your letter
writers.
Recommendations must be submitted directly by the recommender and
cannot be submitted by the applicant.
Address cover letter and letters of recommendation to:
J. Andrew Orr-Skirvin, PharmD, BCOP
Clinical Professor, Department of Pharmacy & Health Systems
Sciences
Pharmaceutical Industry Fellowship Program Director
360 Huntington Ave, 140 The Fenway R218
Boston, MA 02115
Northeastern University will not provide H-1B, TN, O-1, E-3, or any
other type of employment visa sponsorship for the successful
applicant to this position, now or in the future. STEM OPT is not
compatible for this position. The successful applicant must be able
to maintain valid work authorization in the United States
throughout the entire appointment without Northeastern University's
sponsorship for a visa.
Position Type
Research
Additional Information
Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work
experience, education and skills when extending an offer.
Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit
eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid
time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as
well as commuting & transportation. Visit
https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for
more information.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive
consideration for employment without regard to race, religion,
color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability
status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable
law.
Compensation Grade/Pay Type:
108S
Expected Hiring Range:
$60,315.00 - $85,192.50
With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend
on several factors, which may include your education, experience,
location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay
comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role.
Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to
change.
To apply, visit https://northeastern.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/careers/job/Boston-MA-Main-Campus/Scholar-Rock---Global-Scientific-Communications-Postdoctoral-Research-Fellow_R142365
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