Please Note
- An estimate based on public data for similar roles. Not provided by the employer.
Senior Director, Portfolio Scientific Communications
Role summary
Written by MyIslandJob from the job title and employer. See the employer's page for the full description.
The Senior Director, Portfolio Scientific Communications leads strategic scientific communication across Novartis's portfolio, translating complex clinical and pharmaceutical evidence into clear, credible materials for healthcare professionals, scientific audiences, patients and internal stakeholders. Requirements typically include an advanced scientific, medical or communications qualification, substantial experience in biopharmaceutical communications, strong understanding of clinical development and evidence generation, and proven leadership of global, cross-functional teams. The successful candidate is expected to set communication strategy, ensure scientific accuracy and compliance, manage senior stakeholders and agencies, and communicate confidently with diverse audiences. Excellent writing, presentation, influencing and project-management skills are essential, along with a collaborative, evidence-based approach and the ability to work effectively in a regulated international environment.
Can I work in the UK?
Never pay anyone for a visa or a job offer. A real employer pays the permit costs and never asks you for money.
How it works
How it works: NHS nurses, doctors and allied health get a Health and Care Worker visa (about 3 weeks, no health surcharge); care workers lost this route on 22 July 2025.
Before you apply: Nurses, doctors and most allied health staff must be registered or licensed locally before they start: expect checks on your degree and licence, often an English test, and often an exam or an assessment. Ask the employer who handles it and how long it takes. Most pharma and device office jobs do not need it.
Watch for: Pay follows the NHS pay bands and is usually at least GBP 25,000. Nurses and allied health also need UK professional registration; care workers cannot be sponsored from abroad.
Official source: GOV.UK: Health and Care Worker visa, your job. Checked November 2026.
What the job usually comes with in the UK
Usual for Healthcare jobs in the UK, varies by employer. Checked November 2026.
| Registration | Join the Nursing and Midwifery Council register: English language rules and a Test of Competence |
|---|---|
| Relocation | Visa fee GBP 324 (up to 3 years) or GBP 628 (longer); no health surcharge on this visa |
| Housing | Not usually provided; you rent privately |
| Flights | Not standard; varies by employer and seniority |
| Contract | Permanent is usual; sponsored work visas last up to 5 years at a time |
| Leave | At least 28 days for a 5-day week (by law); employers may count bank holidays in it |
| Income tax | 0% to GBP 12,570, 20% to GBP 50,270, then 40%; plus 8% National Insurance (Scotland differs) |
Senior staff often get more than line staff, for example a single room or a yearly home flight. Ask the employer what the job includes before you accept.
Guidance, not legal advice. Rules change; your employer confirms the details for your case.
Working in the UK
Who can work there by passport, what a job usually includes, and island life.
About Novartis
Novartis is a global medicines company headquartered in Switzerland, focused on discovering and developing innovative treatments for major diseases. Its work spans areas including oncology, immunology, neuroscience, cardiovascular and renal conditions, and other high-need therapeutic fields. The company combines biomedical research, advanced technology and data-driven development to bring new medicines to patients worldwide. Novartis employs people across research, clinical development, manufacturing, medical affairs, commercial operations and corporate functions. In the United Kingdom, it operates through research, medical, commercial and support teams and works closely with the National Health Service, healthcare professionals, patient organisations and academic partners. The company promotes an inclusive, science-led culture and offers career opportunities for specialists and leaders who can work across disciplines, countries and complex regulatory environments.