Scientific Advisor

General role description

Scientific Advisors provide expert scientific input across product development, clinical research, and medical affairs in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or medical device sectors. They interpret and communicate scientific data, support internal teams, and engage with external stakeholders to inform strategic decisions.

This role suits someone with advanced scientific training, excellent communication skills, and a strong understanding of product development processes.

Key responsibilities

  • Provide scientific input across R&D, clinical trials, and regulatory processes
  • Translate complex data into actionable insights for internal and external use
  • Review study protocols, publications, and medical content
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams (medical, clinical, regulatory, commercial)
  • Engage with or provide scientific input to communication with healthcare professionals and key opinion leaders, including preparing materials, reviewing content, and participating in meetings or advisory boards.
  • Monitor developments in scientific literature and competitor activity
  • Contribute to medical education, training, and promotional material review.

Workplace settings

  • Pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device companies.

Required qualifications

  • PhD, PharmD, or equivalent in biomedical science, pharmacy, or a related discipline

Other notable requirements

Scientific advisors often require:

  • Strong understanding of clinical development and regulatory pathways
  • Ability to communicate scientific information clearly across audiences
  • Familiarity with industry compliance standards (e.g. ICH-GCP, TGA, Medicines Australia Code)
  • Experience working in cross-functional teams
  • Excellent writing, presentation, and stakeholder engagement skills.

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