Scholar Rock - Global Scientific Communications Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Northeastern University Pharmaceutical Industry Fellowships ProgramNortheastern University Pharmaceutical Industry Fellowships Program is a two-year experiential program designed to advance lifelong learning and the education and training of Pharm.D. graduates. A key element of the program's success is preparing Fellows to meet evolving workforce needs across various sectors of the pharmaceutical industry. Fellows have the opportunity to work closely with our innovative biopharmaceutical industry partners, while engaging with Northeastern University faculty in professional and career development, teaching, service, and scholarly activities. In partnership with Northeastern University, Scholar Rock is offering a two-year Global Scientific Communications fellowship, based in Cambridge, MA.Scholar Rock is a biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops, and delivers life-changing therapies for people with serious diseases that have high unmet need.ResponsibilitiesScholar Rock's Global Scientific Communications Fellowship is a two-year program that provides PharmD graduates with comprehensive, hands-on experience in medical affairs. This fellowship offers the unique opportunity to develop deep expertise in Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a rare neuromuscular disease, as well as gain exposure to Scholar Rock's broader neuromuscular pipeline of innovative therapies. Through core areas such as medical communications, publications, medical information, and congress planning, the fellow will engage in global cross-functional collaboration, contribute to the communication of emerging science, and support the strategic dissemination of data that advances patient care worldwide. Through a phased training model, the program emphasizes both foundational knowledge and leadership development to prepare fellows for a successful career in the pharmaceutical industry.Learning Objectives:Develop deep expertise in the principles and practices of scientific and medical communications.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 ImmersionThe 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 CommunicationsContribute 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 ExecutionGain 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 InformationSupport 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 ExecutionGain 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 InnovationCollaborate 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 DevelopmentIn 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 CommunicationsLead development of scientific content and educational resources across global and regional teams.Publications Planning and ExecutionDrive components of the global publication plan and synthesize clinical data across communication channels.Medical InformationLead the development of global standard response documents and translate HCP insights into broader strategy.Congress Strategy and ExecutionIndependently manage congress planning projects, including booth strategy, content and post-congress activities.Cross-Functional Collaboration and InnovationIdentify 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 OpportunitiesFellows 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 MedicalEvidence GenerationMedical Affairs OperationsHealth Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR)Global Regulatory AffairsPatient AdvocacyQualificationsDoctor of Pharmacy degree from an ACPE-accredited institutionEligible for pharmacist licensure in the State of MassachusettsExcellent oral and written communication skills with proficiency in creating clear, data-driven scientific presentations in PowerPointStrong time management and leadership abilitiesAbility to work independently and take initiative on a variety of projects at both the industry site and NortheasternTeam-oriented with strong interpersonal skillsPrior internship experience in medical affairs or scientific communications is desirableAdditional InformationApplicants should submit the following application materials by the priority deadline of October 31, 2026:1. Curriculum vitae (CV), uploaded2. Unofficial PharmD transcripts, uploaded3. Cover letter, uploaded Letters of RecommendationThree 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 SciencesPharmaceutical Industry Fellowship Program Director360 Huntington Ave, 140 The Fenway R218Boston, MA 02115Northeastern 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