Early Careers in Medical and Marketing: Medical Writer

Medical Writer

The Role

You will be responsible for articulating scientific data in a concise, accurate, and engaging manner in line with Avalere Health’s pharmaceutical client needs. Your primary focus will be to research and write a range of high-quality medical and scientific content across different therapeutic areas. You should have the ability to understand underlying themes within a given area and present them appropriately to the broad audience who will benefit from having this information, across a range of communication channels.

The Candidate

A bachelor’s degree in the Life or Biological Sciences is required. A postgraduate qualification such as an MSc, MPhil, or PhD is highly advantageous. You will have a clear passion for communicating science alongside the natural ability to write and tell a concise and engaging story.

 

Meet Ana, Medical Writer in Medical & Marketing

What prompted you to pursue an opportunity in medical writing?

In short, my passion for science and improving people’s lives. I was drawn to this career path because of the diversity of the projects and the ongoing education offered. As a Medical Writer, I not only get to learn about new therapy areas, but I develop new content, work closely with clients, and apply strategic thinking to all the projects we deliver as a team. A day in the life of a Medical Writer is never the same. I could be writing a manuscript, jumping on a client call, reviewing a slide deck for a symposium, researching a key topic or therapy area, making new figures or infographics, and more!

Describe your role as a Medical Writer in three words.

Accurate, strategic, creative.

Describe your academic background and which transferable skills you have leveraged the most in your role.

During my PhD studies, I learned about scientific accuracy, data interpretation, and the ability to understand complex scientific concepts that I can now apply when learning about a new therapy area or when receiving new study data from a client. After obtaining my PhD, I spent a few years as an editor at a medical journal, which helped me to develop project management skills, the ability to communicate effectively with clients and authors, and manage competing deadlines.

What are your top three tips for someone who may be looking to start a career as a medical writer in a healthcare communications agency?

1. I would advise prospective medical writers to not get discouraged during the recruitment process. It can be daunting applying for these roles and not getting through the “test” part. It’s important to remember tests vary between agencies and practice is the key to success.
2. When interviewing for a medical writer role, make sure to highlight all the skills that you have learned throughout your academic and professional career.
3. Medical communications is a fast-paced industry, and I find that staying positive and being proactive have enabled me to settle into the job more easily.

How would you describe your career experience at Avalere Health so far?

Since joining the company in August 2021, I have been amazed at the opportunities offered in terms of professional training and career pathways. As a new medical writer, I joined the Foundation program, which provided me with basic medical writing skills to deliver high-quality projects, introduced me to the pharmaceutical industry, and demonstrated the various ways in which I would be working across the company. Avalere Health also offers on-demand training for any skills that you might want to expand on or feel you could use a refresher on. Another aspect I love about Avalere Health is the people. Regardless of where you are based or if you work remotely, teams really make an effort to get to know you so that you feel supported and empowered in your work.

 

Other entry-level roles in our Medical team include: Editorial Assistant and Project Coordinator.