OPT Associate Director Medical Writing Jobs
Associate Director Medical Writing roles sit at the intersection of clinical science and regulatory strategy, making them a strong fit for OPT students with advanced degrees in life sciences, pharmacy, or a related field. Most employers in this space are familiar with OPT work authorization, and STEM OPT extensions are widely applicable given the technical nature of the work.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The Riccio College of Engineering at the University of Massachusetts invites applications for a full-time Lecturer (non-tenure track, 9 month academic year) two-year appointment with the possibility of renewal to begin September 1, 2027.
As a campus, college, and department with an increasingly diverse student body, we are looking for candidates who can operate effectively in a diverse faculty and student community, and who value collegiality, collaboration, achievement, and integrity. We encourage applications from individuals with a commitment to mentor under-represented demographics within engineering. We welcome candidates who have had non-traditional career paths, those who have paused their careers for family or other reasons, or who spent time outside of academia.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Essential Functions
This position will involve teaching (in person) up to seven sections per academic year of ENGIN351, our Junior Year Writing in Engineering course. Teaching responsibilities include curriculum development, office hours and preparation of web-based material. Other service for the college, such as committee work or development of new initiatives related to the Junior Year Writing in Engineering course, may be required and could result in a course release for the academic year.
Other Functions
Other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Master's degree
- Knowledge of professional and scientific writing
- Excellent communication skills
- Evidence of successful teaching experience in upper-level college-level courses
- Commitment to equitable and innovative teaching methods that address the diverse learning styles of students
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master's degree in English, Writing or relevant STEM discipline
- PhD degree in English, Composition or relevant STEM discipline
- Demonstration of innovative teaching methods to engage students
- Experience with curriculum development
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
The Daniel J. Riccio Jr. College of Engineering is recognized as one of the top 35 public engineering schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report and is the #1 public engineering program in New England. Our inclusive and dynamic community includes ~2700 undergraduate, ~650 graduate students and ~160 instructional faculty (full-time tenure stream and lecturers) across five engineering departments—biomedical, chemical and biomolecular, civil and environmental, electrical and computer, and mechanical and industrial. Our faculty members are developing life-saving medical devices and therapeutics; revolutionizing next-generation manufacturing and materials; advancing AI, robotics and autonomous systems; designing smart infrastructures; tackling climate change; and leading breakthroughs in computing and cybersecurity. They are recipients of prestigious national recognitions, including 22 CAREER Awards since 2020. With over $69 million in research expenditures and 20+ affiliated research centers and programs, we're at the forefront of discovery. Our faculty and students engage actively in innovation, transforming ideas into meaningful impact through entrepreneurship activities, patenting new discoveries, and new venture creation. Our new Sustainable Engineering Laboratories building offers immersive labs and learning spaces, enabling us to test and develop technologies that address real-world sustainability challenges. The College strives to be a leader in transformative engineering education, supporting faculty in the development of their teaching expertise through various initiatives such as our membership in the Kern Entrepreneurial Engineering Network (KEEN).
This position is subject to final budgetary and administrative approval.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.
WORK SCHEDULE AND WORK ARRANGEMENT
Full-Time, academic year Lecturer position. Schedule varies depending on teaching and service.
SALARY INFORMATION
The University expects to pay within an approximate range between $65,560 and $80,000 for this position.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICANTS
Candidates must provide the following in their application package addressed to “Jr Writing Engineering Search Committee.” Applications will be reviewed starting on December 15, 2026, and reviewed until the search is completed. All files must be provided in .pdf format. Applicants must disclose whether and to what extent AI tools were used in the preparation of their application package.
-
A letter of interest that addresses the applicant’s alignment with the minimum and preferred qualifications. This should include a clear statement of their teaching and related experience.
-
A teaching statement of applicant’s teaching philosophy and pedagogy. Candidates should describe their past teaching and mentoring experience and express their vision for educating the next generation of engineers. Candidates are specifically asked to mention existing courses in writing courses. Page limit: 2 pages
-
An overall vision statement. Candidates should describe the overall vision of what they would like to accomplish in their career, integrating across all aspects of teaching, outreach, and service, and discuss the inspiration that will sustain them in this faculty position. Applicants are encouraged to describe how their work aligns with the goals and values outlined in the university’s strategic plan. Page limit: 1 page
-
A current curriculum vitae summarizing applicant’s educational and professional backgrounds along with a list of any published works and/or samples of their writing.
-
Names and contact information for three (3) professional references. At least one reference should be from a current or former supervisor.
The search committee will begin reviewing applications on December 15, 2026. The search will remain open until the position is filled.
PROCESS
The steps of the process are as follows:
-
A minimally qualified pool is identified from the applicants, ideally by the end of December 2026.
-
All remaining candidates are evaluated and a “long list” is identified, which will be interviewed via video conference. Candidates invited to these interviews will be emailed at least one week before the scheduled date approximately mid-January 2027.
-
A “shortlist” is developed from the long list, and these candidates will be invited to interview on campus. While we anticipate interviews on campus starting February 2027.
-
For candidates advancing to the on campus interview stage: references will be contacted.
This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.
INTRODUCTION
The Riccio College of Engineering at the University of Massachusetts invites applications for a full-time Lecturer (non-tenure track, 9 month academic year) two-year appointment with the possibility of renewal to begin September 1, 2027.
As a campus, college, and department with an increasingly diverse student body, we are looking for candidates who can operate effectively in a diverse faculty and student community, and who value collegiality, collaboration, achievement, and integrity. We encourage applications from individuals with a commitment to mentor under-represented demographics within engineering. We welcome candidates who have had non-traditional career paths, those who have paused their careers for family or other reasons, or who spent time outside of academia.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Essential Functions
This position will involve teaching (in person) up to seven sections per academic year of ENGIN351, our Junior Year Writing in Engineering course. Teaching responsibilities include curriculum development, office hours and preparation of web-based material. Other service for the college, such as committee work or development of new initiatives related to the Junior Year Writing in Engineering course, may be required and could result in a course release for the academic year.
Other Functions
Other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Master's degree
- Knowledge of professional and scientific writing
- Excellent communication skills
- Evidence of successful teaching experience in upper-level college-level courses
- Commitment to equitable and innovative teaching methods that address the diverse learning styles of students
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master's degree in English, Writing or relevant STEM discipline
- PhD degree in English, Composition or relevant STEM discipline
- Demonstration of innovative teaching methods to engage students
- Experience with curriculum development
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
The Daniel J. Riccio Jr. College of Engineering is recognized as one of the top 35 public engineering schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report and is the #1 public engineering program in New England. Our inclusive and dynamic community includes ~2700 undergraduate, ~650 graduate students and ~160 instructional faculty (full-time tenure stream and lecturers) across five engineering departments—biomedical, chemical and biomolecular, civil and environmental, electrical and computer, and mechanical and industrial. Our faculty members are developing life-saving medical devices and therapeutics; revolutionizing next-generation manufacturing and materials; advancing AI, robotics and autonomous systems; designing smart infrastructures; tackling climate change; and leading breakthroughs in computing and cybersecurity. They are recipients of prestigious national recognitions, including 22 CAREER Awards since 2020. With over $69 million in research expenditures and 20+ affiliated research centers and programs, we're at the forefront of discovery. Our faculty and students engage actively in innovation, transforming ideas into meaningful impact through entrepreneurship activities, patenting new discoveries, and new venture creation. Our new Sustainable Engineering Laboratories building offers immersive labs and learning spaces, enabling us to test and develop technologies that address real-world sustainability challenges. The College strives to be a leader in transformative engineering education, supporting faculty in the development of their teaching expertise through various initiatives such as our membership in the Kern Entrepreneurial Engineering Network (KEEN).
This position is subject to final budgetary and administrative approval.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.
WORK SCHEDULE AND WORK ARRANGEMENT
Full-Time, academic year Lecturer position. Schedule varies depending on teaching and service.
SALARY INFORMATION
The University expects to pay within an approximate range between $65,560 and $80,000 for this position.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICANTS
Candidates must provide the following in their application package addressed to “Jr Writing Engineering Search Committee.” Applications will be reviewed starting on December 15, 2026, and reviewed until the search is completed. All files must be provided in .pdf format. Applicants must disclose whether and to what extent AI tools were used in the preparation of their application package.
-
A letter of interest that addresses the applicant’s alignment with the minimum and preferred qualifications. This should include a clear statement of their teaching and related experience.
-
A teaching statement of applicant’s teaching philosophy and pedagogy. Candidates should describe their past teaching and mentoring experience and express their vision for educating the next generation of engineers. Candidates are specifically asked to mention existing courses in writing courses. Page limit: 2 pages
-
An overall vision statement. Candidates should describe the overall vision of what they would like to accomplish in their career, integrating across all aspects of teaching, outreach, and service, and discuss the inspiration that will sustain them in this faculty position. Applicants are encouraged to describe how their work aligns with the goals and values outlined in the university’s strategic plan. Page limit: 1 page
-
A current curriculum vitae summarizing applicant’s educational and professional backgrounds along with a list of any published works and/or samples of their writing.
-
Names and contact information for three (3) professional references. At least one reference should be from a current or former supervisor.
The search committee will begin reviewing applications on December 15, 2026. The search will remain open until the position is filled.
PROCESS
The steps of the process are as follows:
-
A minimally qualified pool is identified from the applicants, ideally by the end of December 2026.
-
All remaining candidates are evaluated and a “long list” is identified, which will be interviewed via video conference. Candidates invited to these interviews will be emailed at least one week before the scheduled date approximately mid-January 2027.
-
A “shortlist” is developed from the long list, and these candidates will be invited to interview on campus. While we anticipate interviews on campus starting February 2027.
-
For candidates advancing to the on campus interview stage: references will be contacted.
This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.
See all 47+ OPT Associate Director Medical Writing Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Associate Director Medical Writing Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Associate Director Medical Writing
Lead with your regulatory writing experience
Employers hiring at the Associate Director level want evidence you can own complex documents like CSRs, IBs, or NDA submissions independently. Highlight any direct authorship of regulatory documents during graduate research, internships, or previous roles to stand out immediately.
Clarify your STEM OPT eligibility early
Most life sciences and pharmaceutical degrees qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving employers up to three years of work authorization before H-1B visa is needed. Confirming this upfront removes a common hesitation hiring managers have about OPT candidates at senior levels.
Target companies with established OPT hiring patterns
Large pharmaceutical companies, CROs, and biotech firms with dedicated medical writing departments hire OPT candidates far more consistently than smaller organizations. Focus your search on employers with formal onboarding infrastructure and prior experience sponsoring international employees in writing roles.
Emphasize therapeutic area depth, not breadth
Associate Director roles are senior enough that generalist profiles rarely advance past screening. Identifying one or two therapeutic areas where your experience is deepest, such as oncology or rare disease, and positioning around those specializations will resonate more with hiring committees than a broad portfolio.
Demonstrate cross-functional collaboration skills
At the Associate Director level, medical writers are expected to align regulatory, clinical, and biostatistics teams on document strategy. In interviews and your resume, give specific examples of leading document review meetings or resolving cross-functional disagreements to signal you operate beyond pure writing execution.
Address H-1B sponsorship during the offer stage, not earlier
Raising long-term visa sponsorship needs too early in the process can create friction before an employer has seen your full value. Establish fit and credibility first, then discuss sponsorship requirements professionally once an offer is in progress or a strong interest is signaled.
Associate Director Medical Writing OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students work as an Associate Director Medical Writing in the United States?
Yes. F-1 OPT authorizes you to work in roles directly related to your field of study, and Associate Director Medical Writing qualifies for graduates in life sciences, pharmacy, biomedical sciences, or related disciplines. If your degree is STEM-designated, you can also apply for a 24-month extension, giving you up to three years of total OPT work authorization.
Does Associate Director Medical Writing qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title itself. If you hold a qualifying STEM degree, such as a PhD in pharmacology, a master's in biomedical engineering, or an equivalent life sciences field, and the role falls within your area of study, the STEM OPT extension applies. Your DSO confirms eligibility based on your CIP code, so verify with your international student office before applying.
Do pharmaceutical and biotech companies sponsor H-1B visas for medical writing roles at the Associate Director level?
Many large pharmaceutical companies and contract research organizations do sponsor H-1B visas for Associate Director Medical Writing positions. These employers have established immigration processes and regularly hire senior-level international employees. Smaller companies and startups are less consistent. Migrate Mate surfaces OPT-friendly employers in this space so you can focus your applications on companies with a real sponsorship track record.
What degree is typically required for Associate Director Medical Writing roles on OPT?
Most employers require at least a master's degree in a life sciences, pharmaceutical, or health-related field, with many preferring a PharmD or PhD. Some positions accept a bachelor's degree with significant regulatory writing experience, but at the Associate Director level, an advanced degree is the norm. Your degree must also directly relate to the role to satisfy OPT's field-of-study requirement.
How should I explain my OPT status to employers when applying for senior medical writing roles?
Be straightforward and factual. State your current OPT end date, confirm whether you qualify for the STEM extension, and briefly explain what that means in terms of total authorized work duration. Framing it as a three-year window before any further sponsorship is needed tends to land better than leading with the shorter initial OPT period. Employers hiring at the Associate Director level expect professionalism around these details.