ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Medical Science Writer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Amplity Health

$200K - $230K/yr

Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to present medical/scientific information clearly * Relationship-building and networking skills * Excellent organization and results ...

Merck & Co.

... Science Liaison) is a credentialed (i.e., PhD, PharmD, DNP, MD) Director Level Medical Affairs ... written communicationsAbility to conduct doctoral-level discussions with key external ...

Merck & Co.

... Science Liaison) is a credentialed (i.e., PhD, PharmD, DNP, MD) Director Level Medical Affairs ... written communicationsAbility to conduct doctoral-level discussions with key external ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsMedical Science Writer JobsMedical Science Writer Jobs in California

Medical Science Writer information

See California salary details

$13

$38

$57

How much do medical science writer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for medical science writer in California is $38.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.87 and $48.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a medical science writer typically collaborate with subject matter experts and project teams?

Medical Science Writers frequently work with physicians, researchers, and regulatory professionals to create accurate and clear scientific documents. Collaboration often involves conducting interviews, reviewing complex data, and ensuring all materials meet industry and regulatory standards. Writers may participate in team meetings, provide content drafts for review, and incorporate feedback from multiple stakeholders. This collaborative environment helps ensure the final documents are scientifically rigorous and tailored to the intended audience, whether that be regulatory agencies, healthcare professionals, or the public.

Is there a demand for medical science writers?

Medical science writers are in high demand due to the growing need for clear communication of complex scientific and medical information. They are employed in pharmaceutical companies, healthcare organizations, and research institutions, often requiring strong writing skills and knowledge of scientific tools and regulations. The field is expected to grow as medical research and healthcare industries expand globally.

Do medical science writers make good money?

Medical science writers typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start around $60,000 annually, while experienced writers with specialized knowledge can earn over $100,000. The role often requires strong writing skills, scientific knowledge, and familiarity with industry tools like reference management software.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a medical science writer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Medical Science Writer, you need a solid background in life sciences or medicine (often with an advanced degree), strong writing skills, and the ability to interpret complex scientific data. Familiarity with referencing software, medical databases, and style guides such as AMA or ICMJE is typically required. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and the ability to communicate clearly with both scientific and non-scientific audiences are essential soft skills. These competencies ensure accurate, credible, and accessible medical content that supports both regulatory compliance and effective information dissemination.

How to become a medical science writer?

To become a medical science writer, typically a bachelor's degree in life sciences, health sciences, or a related field is required, often complemented by strong writing skills and knowledge of scientific concepts. Gaining experience through internships, developing expertise in medical terminology, and familiarizing oneself with scientific publishing tools can enhance prospects. Advanced degrees or certifications in science communication can also be beneficial.

What is a medical science writer?

Medical Science Writers are professionals who create scientific documents related to medicine, healthcare, and clinical research. They translate complex scientific and clinical information into clear, accurate, and accessible content for various audiences, such as healthcare professionals, regulatory agencies, or the general public. Their work includes writing research articles, regulatory documents, educational materials, and marketing content. Medical Science Writers often work for pharmaceutical companies, medical communication agencies, academic institutions, or as freelancers.
What are popular job titles related to Medical Science Writer jobs in California? For Medical Science Writer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Medical Science Writer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Medical Science Writer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Medical Science Writer jobs? Cities in California with the most Medical Science Writer job openings:
Medical Science Writer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Medical Science Writer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,311 per year, or $38.1 per hour.

Medical Writer

BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc.

San Rafael, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

BioMarin Pharmaceutical rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

50th of 86 rated pharmaceutical

Job description

Who We Are
BioMarin is a global biotechnology company that relentlessly pursues bold science to translate genetic discoveries into new medicines that advance the future of human health.
Since our founding in 1997, we have applied our scientific expertise in understanding the underlying causes of genetic conditions to create transformative medicines, using a number of treatment modalities.
Using our unparalleled expertise in genetics and molecular biology, we develop medicines for patients with significant unmet medical need. We enlist the best of the best – people with the right technical expertise and a relentless drive to solve real problems – and create an environment that empowers our teams to pursue bold, innovative science. With this distinctive approach to drug discovery, we’ve produced a diverse pipeline of commercial, clinical and preclinical candidates that have well-understood biology and provide an opportunity to be first-to-market or offer a substantial benefit over existing therapeutic options.
About Worldwide Research and Development
From research and discovery to post-market clinical development, our WWRD engine involves all bench and clinical research and the associated groups that support those endeavors. Our teams work on developing first-in-class and best-in-class therapeutics that provide meaningful advances to patients who live with genetic diseases.
The Medical Writer 1 applies basic to intermediate documentation preparation and document project management skills to assist in the development, drafting, review, editing, and finalization of documents used in conducting clinical studies and reporting clinical study results for regulatory submissions and publications.

RESPONSIBILITIES 
List the major responsibilities of the job. 
 
  • Drafts and edits documents used in conducting and reporting the results of clinical studies, including protocols, protocol amendments, informed consent forms, and clinical study reports
  • Drafts and edits documents used in reporting aggregate safety and efficacy information for a molecule, such as investigator’s brochures and periodic safety reports (PBRERs, DSURs, etc.)
  • Aids in managing study team participation in the preparation of such documents, including calling/running meetings, developing and managing timelines, and managing the document review and comment adjudication processes
  • Provides peer review and editing support for other regulatory documents, such as statistical analysis plans, CRFs, and other study materials
  • Adheres to departmental procedures and practices and technical and industry standards during all aspects of work.
  • Assists in developing and reviewing standard processes and templates within Global Medical Writing
  • Works effectively with cross-functional groups within BioMarin
  • Other tasks as assigned.
 
SCOPE 
Quantify the scope or impact of the job in terms of revenue, expenses, capital investment, headcount, etc. 
 
This position progressively develops the medical writing function in alignment with the requirements of clinical development and organizational goals. Filling this need with a regular full-time employee will enable BioMarin to reduce writing-related CRO and contractor costs, increase Medical Writing productivity to meet development needs, and realize efficiencies and consistent documentation quality across programs through repeatable processes and continuity of knowledge of programs, investigational products, and indications.
 
EDUCATION 
State both the minimum and the preferred educational attainment (or equivalent experience), and describe essential and desired subject matter, certifications, special training, etc. 
Bachelor’s or higher degree preferred; scientific focus desirable.
 
Minimum requirement: University-level medical or technical writing course(s) or equivalent experience in science/technical writing.
 
Evidence of medical writing career development desirable, eg, American Medical Writers Association certificate, Editor in Life Sciences certificate, or relevant training through Drug Information Association.
 
EXPERIENCE 
State both the minimum and the preferred number of years of relevant experience, and describe the essential functions of the job. 
Relevant Experience
Fulfills one of the following:
·       Up to 2 years as a medical writer in the pharmaceutical industry
·       At least 5 years of medical or scientific writing experience as a primary job responsibility
 
Clinical Studies
·       Familiar with drug development process (discovery to market).
·       Basic understanding of biostatistical and clinical research concepts.
·       Basic applied knowledge of:
o   documentation required for the conduct of clinical studies
o   protocol design (including objectives, efficacy and safety endpoints, and procedures for collecting and reporting AEs and SAEs)
o   study results reporting
 
Medical Writing
·       Writing high-quality documents that support corporate goals and objectives.
·       Experience writing, reviewing, or editing protocols and clinical study reports preferred.
·       Basic applied knowledge of routine document content preparation, including the use of style guides (internal, AMA, CBE, Chicago), medical dictionaries, and guidance documents that prescribe content.
·       Ability to interpret basic tabular and graphical clinical data presentations.
·       Ability to create basic tables using AMA style (eg, Schedule of Events).
·       Basic to intermediate applied knowledge of basic clinical laboratory tests.
·       Basic understanding of the concepts of coding dictionaries (MedDRA, WHO Drug).
 
Computer/office equipment Skills
  • Proficient in Microsoft Word (including the use of templates), Excel, Adobe Acrobat, and PowerPoint.
  • Familiar with document management software (eg, LiveLink, SharePoint, Veeva)
  • Experienced with scanners, printers, and copiers.
 
Regulatory
  • Basic knowledge of regulatory requirements and guidances associated with standalone regulatory documents (eg, protocols, investigator brochures, and clinical study reports).
 
Project Management
  • Capable of working on multiple tasks and shifting priorities.
  • Good conflict management skills.
  • Motivated and shows initiative.
  • Detail oriented.
 
Communication
  • Capable of well organized, concise and clear written and verbal communication.
  • Capable of comprehending complex scientific concepts and translating them into clear, concise, appropriately referenced text that meets regulatory requirements.
  • Effective at explaining writing principles to a varied audience both in individual and group settings; basic presentation skills.


Note: This description is not intended to be all-inclusive, or a limitation of the duties of the position. It is intended to describe the general nature of the job that may include other duties as assumed or assigned.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

What BioMarin Pharmaceutical employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom