Medical Writer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the healthcare industry, the demand for medical writers has never been higher.

As medical advancements continue to evolve, the need for skilled professionals who can interpret, explain, and communicate complex medical information becomes crucial.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s exactly expected from a medical writer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to comprehend the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the world of medical writing,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable medical writer job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Medical Writer Duties and Responsibilities

Medical Writers use their understanding of scientific, medical, and pharmaceutical topics to effectively communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner.

Their role is central to the development and promotion of medical products, research findings, and health information.

The duties and responsibilities of a Medical Writer include:

• Researching, writing, and editing scientific documents, articles, and presentations
• Interpreting and presenting data and scientific information in a clear and accurate manner
• Collaborating with researchers, doctors, and pharmaceutical companies to understand and write about new research findings or drug developments
• Ensuring all written content adheres to regulatory guidelines and is clear, concise, and accurate
• Developing content for brochures, websites, manuals, and other mediums to communicate medical information to a diverse audience
• Reviewing and proofreading documents to ensure they are free from errors, and adhering to the appropriate style guide
• Maintaining current knowledge of medical advancements and changes in regulations that could impact the content produced
• Coordinating and managing multiple writing projects concurrently, ensuring deadlines are met

 

Medical Writer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Medical Writer to create well-structured and clear medical content.

In this role, you will be responsible for generating and editing manuscripts, abstracts, slide kits, and other scientific documentation.

Our ideal candidate is someone with a strong background in the medical or life sciences and has excellent writing and editing skills.

Proficiency in translating complex scientific and medical information into content that can be understood by diverse audiences is crucial.

 

Responsibilities

• Prepare, edit, and review high-quality scientific documents like manuscripts, abstracts, posters, and presentations.
• Conduct thorough literature reviews related to given topics.
• Collaborate with clinical and scientific teams to understand project requirements.
• Ensure all documents are produced following regulatory, industry, and corporate guidelines.
• Manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
• Stay up-to-date with developments and trends in the medical field.
• Work closely with the team to ensure timely delivery of all projects.
• Collaborate with graphic designers for the production of visual data.

 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, or related field.
• Proven work experience as a Medical Writer.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong ability to interpret and present clinical data and other complex information.
• Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Familiarity with the principles of clinical research.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Excellent attention to detail.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Medical Writer
• Work Environment: This job can be performed remotely or in a traditional office setting. Some travel may be required for training or conferences.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Medical Writing or Lead Medical Writer.
• Salary: The salary will be based upon the candidate’s experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $70,000 minimum to $100,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Medical Writer Do?

Medical Writers typically work for healthcare organizations, pharmaceutical companies, or clinical research organizations.

They may also work as freelancers or consultants, providing specialized writing services to multiple clients.

Their primary responsibility is to produce high-quality written content that clearly communicates medical, scientific, and health-related concepts.

This might include research papers, clinical study reports, patient education materials, drug information leaflets, or regulatory documents.

They work closely with doctors, scientists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information they present.

They may also collaborate with graphic designers and other team members to create visually engaging content.

Medical Writers are often involved in the entire publication process, from initial concept development through to final proofreading and editing.

They must ensure that all written materials comply with regulatory guidelines and ethical standards.

Additionally, Medical Writers often play a key role in developing and maintaining standard operating procedures (SOPs) for their organization, ensuring that all content is produced in a consistent and efficient manner.

They may also be involved in training new writers and providing ongoing support to their colleagues.

 

Medical Writer Qualifications and Skills

A proficient medical writer should have the qualifications and skills that align with the job description, including:

• Technical knowledge in medical science and clinical research to understand, interpret, and communicate complex medical and scientific information.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills to produce clear, concise, and accurate medical literature and documentation.
• Strong research and analytical skills to gather, evaluate, and synthesize data from a variety of sources.
• Attention to detail in order to deliver content that is accurate, comprehensive, and maintains a high level of quality.
• Knowledge of medical regulatory and compliance guidelines to ensure all written content meets necessary standards and laws.
• Proficiency in using medical databases and software tools for research, writing, and editing purposes.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously, demonstrating excellent time management and organization skills.
• Interpersonal skills to collaborate with healthcare professionals, researchers, and other stakeholders to gather information and feedback.

 

Medical Writer Experience Requirements

Entry-level medical writers typically require a Bachelor’s degree in a scientific or medical field, which provides them with a strong foundation of knowledge in medicine and health.

Many also gain initial experience through internships or part-time roles, which could involve drafting medical reports, creating patient education materials, or writing scientific articles.

Medical writers with 1 to 3 years of experience would typically have worked full-time in a relevant role, either in pharmaceutical companies, clinical research organizations, or medical communication agencies.

Their tasks usually include creating regulatory documents, writing manuscripts for scientific journals, or developing material for medical education.

Those with more than 5 years of experience often have expertise in a particular therapeutic area and may have participated in the entire life-cycle of drug development.

They are usually skilled at writing complex documents for various audiences, and may have leadership experience, managing a team of medical writers.

For senior roles, advanced degrees such as a Master’s or Ph.D. in a relevant field, along with a Certified Medical Writer (CMW) credential, are often required.

These individuals are experts in interpreting and presenting scientific data in a clear and concise manner, and they often oversee the development of a wide range of medical communications.

 

Medical Writer Education and Training Requirements

Medical Writers typically have a bachelor’s degree in a life science, medical, or pharmacy discipline, although a master’s degree or PhD in these fields is often preferred.

They must have a strong background in medical sciences and be capable of understanding and interpreting medical literature.

Experience or additional education in journalism or communication can be beneficial as medical writing involves presenting complex medical information in a clear and concise manner.

To progress in their careers or enhance their credibility, Medical Writers can pursue certification from the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA), European Medical Writers Association (EMWA), or similar professional organizations.

Some specialized roles in medical writing might also require the writer to be familiar with regulatory guidelines and procedures related to pharmaceuticals or medical devices.

It is critical for Medical Writers to stay updated with the latest developments in medical research, regulatory guidelines, and writing standards, which often involves continuing education and professional development courses.

In addition to formal education and training, excellent writing skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work under tight deadlines are essential for success in this role.

 

Medical Writer Salary Expectations

A Medical Writer can expect to earn an average salary of $70,986 (USD) per year.

However, this figure can fluctuate depending on factors such as professional experience, education level, specialization in a particular medical field, and the geographical location of the job.

 

Medical Writer Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Medical Writer need?

A Medical Writer should have excellent written and verbal communication skills to present complex medical information clearly.

They should have strong research skills, attention to detail, and the ability to meet deadlines.

A good understanding of medical terminology, clinical research processes, and regulatory guidelines is also essential.

Proficiency in using software tools for documentation is an added advantage.

 

Do Medical Writers need a specific degree?

Most Medical Writers hold a degree in life sciences, pharmacy, medicine, or related fields.

However, a degree in English or communications with a strong background in science can also be suitable.

Some medical writers also have a Master’s degree or a PhD, which can be beneficial when writing on more complex or specialized topics.

 

What should you look for in a Medical Writer’s resume?

Look for evidence of strong writing and research skills.

A Medical Writer’s resume should show a background in a scientific or medical field, along with experience in writing medical or scientific content.

Relevant certifications, such as the Medical Writing Certification from the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA), can also be a plus.

 

What qualities make a good Medical Writer?

A good Medical Writer is detail-oriented and has the ability to translate complex medical jargon into understandable information for various audiences.

They should be good at managing their time to meet deadlines and have a high degree of accuracy to ensure the information they provide is correct and up-to-date.

 

Is it challenging to hire a Medical Writer?

Finding a qualified Medical Writer can be challenging due to the specific knowledge and skills required for the role.

The candidate needs a strong background in the medical field along with excellent writing skills.

A shortage of candidates with this unique combination can make the hiring process difficult.

However, offering competitive salaries, remote working options, and opportunities for professional growth can attract more applicants.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve uncovered the intricacies of a medical writer’s role.

Surprising, isn’t it?

It’s not just about writing medical articles.

It’s about shaping the discourse in healthcare, one well-researched piece at a time.

With our handy medical writer job description template and practical examples, you’re ready to step up.

But don’t stop just yet.

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your key to crafting meticulous job listings or refining your resume to excellence.

Remember:

Every piece of writing contributes to the larger healthcare narrative.

Let’s shape that narrative. Together.

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