A medical writer creates the scientific and regulatory documents that pharmaceutical, biotechnology and healthcare organizations rely on, from clinical study reports to patient facing education materials. This medical writer job description template can be posted to job boards and career pages to help you find the right candidate quickly.

Medical Writer Job Description

Are you passionate about translating complex medical and scientific information into clear, accurate writing? We are looking for a medical writer to join our healthcare communications team and create content for healthcare professionals, patients and regulatory agencies. The ideal candidate has a strong background in life sciences, excellent writing skills and the ability to turn complex information into accessible, engaging content.

What a Medical Writer Does

• Research and synthesize scientific literature, clinical trial data and regulatory guidelines to produce accurate, evidence based content for manuscripts, clinical study reports and regulatory submissions.
• Write and edit content according to project specifications, audience needs and publication standards.
• Prepare and format documents to meet industry, journal and client requirements, including manuscript and reference formatting.
• Review and revise drafts for accuracy, clarity and consistency, incorporating feedback from subject matter experts and reviewers.
• Manage multiple projects at once, prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a fast paced environment.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and publication standards such as Good Publication Practice and ICMJE guidelines.

What We Are Looking For

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in life sciences, medicine, pharmacy or a related field.
• Strong writing and editing skills with the ability to explain complex medical topics clearly.
• Solid research and analytical skills for interpreting clinical and scientific data.
• Excellent attention to detail and command of publication and regulatory standards.
• Strong project management skills and comfort coordinating with cross functional teams.

How Much Do Medical Writers Make?

Medical writer pay varies by experience level, specialization and geography, so it is worth benchmarking against current national and regional salary data rather than relying on a single fixed figure. Entry level writers typically earn less than experienced writers with regulatory or scientific publication expertise, and specialized skills such as regulatory writing or medical communications can command a premium.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a medical writer and a copywriter?
A medical writer specializes in scientific and regulatory content that requires subject matter accuracy and compliance with publication standards, while a copywriter typically focuses on marketing and promotional writing without the same regulatory requirements.

Do medical writers need a science background?
Most employers prefer candidates with a background in life sciences, medicine or a related field, since the role requires understanding complex clinical and scientific concepts well enough to communicate them accurately.

What are common KPIs for a medical writer?
Typical KPIs include document quality and accuracy, project timeliness, and client or stakeholder satisfaction with the writer’s responsiveness and output.

How Glider AI Can Help You Hire a Medical Writer

Glider’s recruitment platform is built on the principle of competency over credentials, helping you evaluate candidates through a structured, data driven process. With access to a large library of pre built assessments covering writing, research and regulatory knowledge skills, validated by subject matter experts, you can screen candidates for this role using our skill assessment platform rather than relying on resume claims alone.