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Associate Director Medical Writing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Director, Medical Writing Department: Regulatory Affairs Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time Location: Agomab US Reporting To: Senior VP/Head of Regulatory Affairs Description This is a ...

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Associate Director Medical Writing information

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$75.5K

$164.8K

$262.5K

How much do associate director medical writing jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate director medical writing in the United States is $164,797.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $121,500.00 and $200,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate director medical writing?

To thrive as an Associate Director Medical Writing, you need advanced knowledge of clinical research, regulatory requirements, and scientific writing, typically supported by a life sciences degree and extensive medical writing experience. Familiarity with document management systems, regulatory submission platforms, and guidelines such as ICH and FDA is crucial. Outstanding leadership, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help manage teams and ensure clarity in complex scientific documents. These competencies are vital for producing high-quality regulatory documents that meet industry standards and support successful drug development.

How does an associate director medical writing typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during the drug development process?

As an Associate Director of Medical Writing, you will frequently collaborate with regulatory affairs, clinical development, biostatistics, and medical affairs teams to ensure the accuracy and compliance of regulatory documents. This role often involves leading writing teams, managing timelines, and synthesizing input from subject matter experts to produce high-quality submissions. Effective communication and project management skills are crucial, as you’ll coordinate review cycles, address feedback, and ensure consistency across documents. These cross-functional interactions are essential for meeting regulatory requirements and supporting successful drug submissions.

What does an associate director medical writing do?

An Associate Director of Medical Writing leads a team of medical writers in creating and reviewing scientific documents for regulatory submissions, publications, and clinical studies. They ensure accuracy, compliance with guidelines, and high-quality content while managing timelines and collaborating with cross-functional teams such as clinical, regulatory, and biostatistics departments. This role often involves mentoring junior writers, overseeing project workflows, and providing strategic input on document development. Their work plays a critical role in the successful communication of clinical research findings and regulatory submissions.

Is there a demand for associate director medical writing?

The role of associate director medical writing is in high demand due to the growth of the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, which require skilled professionals to develop regulatory documents, clinical study reports, and scientific publications. Candidates with strong writing skills, industry knowledge, and familiarity with regulatory guidelines like ICH and FDA are sought after, especially in organizations emphasizing compliance and quality. The demand is expected to remain steady as drug development and approval processes continue to expand globally.

What is the difference between Associate Director Medical Writing vs Medical Writer?

AspectAssociate Director Medical WritingMedical Writer
QualificationsAdvanced degree (MD, PhD, PharmD), extensive experience in medical writingBachelor's or Master's degree in life sciences or related field
Work EnvironmentLeads teams, manages projects, collaborates with cross-functional teamsPrepares clinical and regulatory documents, works under supervision
ResponsibilitiesStrategic oversight, team management, high-level reviewDrafts and edits clinical/regulatory documents, supports project teams

The Associate Director Medical Writing typically holds advanced degrees and has leadership responsibilities, overseeing teams and strategic projects. Medical Writers usually have relevant scientific degrees and focus on producing high-quality documents under supervision. The roles differ mainly in scope, responsibility, and level of experience required.

More about Associate Director Medical Writing jobs
What cities are hiring for Associate Director Medical Writing jobs? Cities with the most Associate Director Medical Writing job openings:
What states have the most Associate Director Medical Writing jobs? States with the most job openings for Associate Director Medical Writing jobs include:
Infographic showing various Associate Director Medical Writing job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 36% In-person, 18% Hybrid, and 46% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $164,797 per year, or $79.2 per hour.

Associate Director, Medical Writing & Scientific Communications

VIKING THERAPEUTICS INC

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Description:

The Associate Director, Medical Writing & Scientific Communications will be a key member of the Medical Affairs organization, responsible for developing and executing strategic scientific communication initiatives that support clinical development, medical affairs priorities, and commercial launch readiness. In this role, the Associate Director will lead the creation of high-quality, scientifically rigorous medical communications across publications, congress activities, scientific platforms, advisory boards, and healthcare provider engagement initiatives.


The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in medical writing and scientific communications within the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry, demonstrated ability to translate complex clinical data into meaningful scientific narratives, and experience collaborating cross-functionally with Medical Affairs, Clinical Development, Regulatory Affairs, and external scientific experts. This is a unique opportunity to build a foundational scientific communications capability within a growing organization and make a meaningful impact on advancing innovative therapies for patients living with chronic disease.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The main responsibilities of this role include:

  • Develop and execute strategic medical writing and scientific communication plans aligned with Medical Affairs objectives and company priorities
  • Lead the development of scientific communication deliverables, including peer-reviewed manuscripts, abstracts, posters, oral presentations, scientific slide decks, advisory board materials, and medical education resources
  • Partner with Medical Affairs leadership and cross-functional stakeholders to establish scientific narratives, evidence communication strategies, and disease-state education platforms
  • Support publication planning activities, including development and execution of publication plans in collaboration with internal stakeholders, external authors, and medical writing agencies
  • Ensure scientific communications are accurate, balanced, compliant, and aligned with applicable guidelines, including Good Publication Practice (GPP) and International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) recommendations
  • Translate complex clinical trial data, scientific literature, and healthcare trends into clear and compelling communications for healthcare professionals, investigators, and internal stakeholders
  • Support medical affairs activities including:
    • Medical Science Liaison training and scientific preparation
    • Investigator meetings
    • Advisory boards
    • Congress planning and execution
    • Medical information resources
    • Internal scientific communications
  • Collaborate closely with Clinical Development, Regulatory Affairs, Biostatistics, Commercial, Market Access, and other internal partners to ensure consistency of scientific messaging
  • Manage external medical writing agencies, consultants, and scientific communication vendors
  • Establish scalable medical writing processes, templates, and best practices to support a growing Medical Affairs organization
  • Lead and/or contribute to cross-functional project teams supporting scientific communications strategy and execution
  • Maintain and continuously enhance scientific expertise through ongoing review of clinical data, scientific literature, healthcare trends, and competitive intelligence
  • Complete all required administrative duties, training, and compliance-related activities in a timely manner
  • Other duties as assigned


Requirements:

Education and Experience

  • Pharm.D., Ph.D., M.D., D.O., or other advanced scientific degree preferred
  • Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in medical writing, scientific communications, medical affairs, or related roles within a biotechnology or pharmaceutical organization
  • Demonstrated experience developing peer-reviewed publications, scientific congress materials, and clinical communication deliverables
  • Current experience supporting Medical Affairs, Scientific Affairs, Clinical Development, or related functions within the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry
  • Proven scientific expertise in obesity, cardiometabolic disease, metabolic disorders, or related therapeutic areas preferred
  • Strong understanding of clinical trial design, interpretation of clinical data, and evidence-based scientific communication

Knowledge and Skills

  • Exceptional scientific writing, editing, and communication skills with strong attention to detail
  • Ability to synthesize complex scientific information and communicate actionable insights to diverse audiences
  • Experience developing strategic scientific narratives and communication platforms
  • Strong knowledge of publication standards, including GPP and ICMJE guidelines
  • Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and timelines in a fast-paced environment
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external partners
  • Self-motivated individual with an entrepreneurial mindset and ability to operate independently
  • Strong interpersonal skills and professional demeanor
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), collaboration platforms, and virtual communication tools

VIKING THERAPEUTICS

Viking Therapeutics, Inc., is committed to equal opportunity in the terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability or veteran status. Viking Therapeutics also complies with all applicable national, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act and IRCA.


Notice to Agency and Search Firm Representatives

Viking Therapeutics, Inc. is not accepting unsolicited resumes from agencies and/or search firms for this job posting. Resumes submitted to any Viking employee by a third-party agency and/or search firm without a valid written & signed search agreement, and assignment of specific position, will become the sole property of Viking Therapeutics, Inc. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired for this position as a result of an unsolicited agency or search firm referral.


Salary Description

$170,000.00 - $190,000.00 annual salary