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
At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal. Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow, and profoundly impact health for humanity.
As guided by Our Credo, Johnson & Johnson is responsible to our employees who work with us throughout the world. We provide an inclusive work environment where each person is considered as an individual. At Johnson & Johnson, we respect the diversity and dignity of our employees and recognize their merit.
Job Function: Medical Affairs Group
Job Sub Function: Medical Writing
Job Category: Professional
All Job Posting Locations: Horsham, Pennsylvania, United States of America
JOB DESCRIPTION
Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine is recruiting for an Associate Director, Medical Communications & Scientific Exchange (MCSE) Strategic Execution Lead located in Horsham, PA.
About Innovative Medicine
Our expertise in Innovative Medicine is informed and inspired by patients, whose insights fuel our science-based advancements. Visionaries like you work on teams that save lives by developing the medicines of tomorrow. Join us in developing treatments, finding cures, and pioneering the path from lab to life while championing patients every step of the way.
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Associate Director, Medical Communications & Scientific Exchange (MCSE) Strategic Execution Lead, will be responsible for maintaining seamless functionality of MCSE materials for scientific exchange in support of rheumatology, gastroenterology, dermatology, and autoantibody therapeutic areas. This role will also initiate and expand on digital medical innovation of scientific exchange materials created within MCSE, a core department in US Immunology Medical Affairs.
Key Responsibilities
MCSE Support:
- Oversee the day-to-day operations of MSL Comms team, including but not limited to the maintenance of trackers and e-mail distribution lists, communication of important software or training updates, supporting and testing iConnect/CRM functions, and acting as an SME on any of the platforms used by MSL Comms (Veeva iMedical Knowledge and CRM, CURE, etc.)
- Liaise with Janssen Scientific Affairs (including Medical Content Excellence and colleagues in MISE and JJMC) to ensure timely updates to internal systems related to the storage and approvals of MSL resources
- Troubleshoot issues, sometimes urgently, in iMK and CRM in collaboration with the MSL Comms leads
- Seek out continuous improvement and expanded capabilities of iMK and CRM, as well as other novel approaches to scientific exchange in MCSE
- Liaise with Learning & Development (L&D) teams to provide training for MSL onboarding and fill ongoing knowledge gaps regarding optimal usage of iMK and CRM; liaise with L&D to support training to other MAF staff working with MCSE
- Oversee operational support for J&J publication review tool, JPUBs
- Oversee quality assurance of MCSE deliverables
- Oversee operational support to MCSE Leadership in budgeting activities (SOWs, POs, tracking accruals)
- Work closely with MCSE Leadership to track overall team output and prepare for presentations to senior leadership
- Oversee support for other operational activities in MCSE as required
Digital Innovation:
- Spearhead digital innovation efforts on behalf of MCSE
- Gather evidence about current use of digital innovation across US and Global MAF networks, including creation, tracking, and impact of assets
- Create and implement a plan to trial and expand digital innovation within US IMM MAF
- Liaise across functions within US IMM MAF, Global IMM MAF, and other Disease Area Strongholds as needed to develop an approach that has broad applicability across J&J
People Leadership:
- Liaise across functions within US IMM MAF, Global IMM MAF, and other Disease Area Strongholds as needed to develop an approach that has broad applicability across J&J
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- A minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Life Sciences, Healthcare or related discipline with a minimum of 6 years of medical communications experience or 6 years of related (pharmaceutical) work experience or an advanced degree (MS, PhD, PharmD) discipline with a minimum of 4 years related (pharmaceutical) work experience is required
- Demonstrated ability to work in cross-functional environments and partner with scientists, academicians, clinicians and vendors is required
- Experience with process improvement and operations in the pharmaceutical industry
- Familiarity with Veeva Systems and the Medical/Legal/Regulatory review process
- Must be highly proficient in Microsoft PowerPoint, with outstanding slide design skills including scientific accuracy, visual appeal, creativity and innovative thinking
- Detail-orientation and highly organized
- Excellent Oral And Written Communication Skills Are Required
- Excellent time management and organizational skills are required
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience in Rheumatology, Dermatology, Gastroenterology, Immunology or related therapeutic areas
- Experience in IT, software, engineering, or related field
- Experience in pharmaceutical health care compliance environment for external communication of scientific materials, with knowledge of compliant display of scientific data
- Familiarity with digital medical strategy & communications
- People management experience is highly preferred, including vendor management experience.
COMPENSATION
- The expected base pay range for this position is $137,000 to $235,750. The Company maintains highly competitive, performance-based compensation programs. Under current guidelines, this position is eligible for an annual performance bonus in accordance with the terms of the applicable plan. The annual performance bonus is a cash bonus intended to provide an incentive to achieve annual targeted results by rewarding for individual and the corporation’s performance over a calendar/performance year. Bonuses are awarded at the Company’s discretion on an individual basis.
Subject to the terms of their respective plans, employees and/or eligible dependents are eligible to participate in the following Company sponsored employee benefit programs: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, business accident insurance, and group legal insurance. Subject to the terms of their respective plans, employees are eligible to participate in the Company’s consolidated retirement plan (pension) and savings plan (401(k)).
Subject To The Terms Of Their Respective Policies And Date Of Hire, Employees Are Eligible For The Following Time Off Benefits:
- Vacation – 120 hours per calendar year
- Sick time – 40 hours per calendar year; for employees who reside in the State of Washington – 56 hours per calendar year
- Holiday pay, including Floating Holidays – 13 days per calendar year
- Work, Personal and Family Time – up to 40 hours per calendar year
- Parental Leave – 480 hours within one year of the birth/adoption/foster care of a child
- Condolence Leave – 30 days for an immediate family member; 5 days for an extended family member
- Caregiver Leave – 10 days
- Volunteer Leave – 4 days
- Military Spouse Time-Off – 80 hours
EEO STATEMENT
Johnson & Johnson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by federal, state or local law. We actively seek qualified candidates who are protected veterans and individuals with disabilities as defined under VEVRAA and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. Johnson and Johnson is committed to providing an interview process that is inclusive of our applicants’ needs. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation, please email the Employee Health Support Center (ra-employeehealthsup@its.jnj.com) or contact AskGS to be directed to your accommodation resource.
Required Skills:
- Business Writing
- Clinical Research and Regulations
- Clinical Trials Operations
- Coaching
- Collaborating
- Copy Editing
- Data Synthesis
- Industry Analysis
- Medical Affairs
- Medical Communications
- Organizing
- Proofreading
- Quality Validation
- Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
- Tactical Planning
- Technical Credibility
The anticipated base pay range for this position is: $137,000.00 - $235,750.00
INTRODUCTION
At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal. Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow, and profoundly impact health for humanity.
As guided by Our Credo, Johnson & Johnson is responsible to our employees who work with us throughout the world. We provide an inclusive work environment where each person is considered as an individual. At Johnson & Johnson, we respect the diversity and dignity of our employees and recognize their merit.
Job Function: Medical Affairs Group
Job Sub Function: Medical Writing
Job Category: Professional
All Job Posting Locations: Horsham, Pennsylvania, United States of America
JOB DESCRIPTION
Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine is recruiting for an Associate Director, Medical Communications & Scientific Exchange (MCSE) Strategic Execution Lead located in Horsham, PA.
About Innovative Medicine
Our expertise in Innovative Medicine is informed and inspired by patients, whose insights fuel our science-based advancements. Visionaries like you work on teams that save lives by developing the medicines of tomorrow. Join us in developing treatments, finding cures, and pioneering the path from lab to life while championing patients every step of the way.
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Associate Director, Medical Communications & Scientific Exchange (MCSE) Strategic Execution Lead, will be responsible for maintaining seamless functionality of MCSE materials for scientific exchange in support of rheumatology, gastroenterology, dermatology, and autoantibody therapeutic areas. This role will also initiate and expand on digital medical innovation of scientific exchange materials created within MCSE, a core department in US Immunology Medical Affairs.
Key Responsibilities
MCSE Support:
- Oversee the day-to-day operations of MSL Comms team, including but not limited to the maintenance of trackers and e-mail distribution lists, communication of important software or training updates, supporting and testing iConnect/CRM functions, and acting as an SME on any of the platforms used by MSL Comms (Veeva iMedical Knowledge and CRM, CURE, etc.)
- Liaise with Janssen Scientific Affairs (including Medical Content Excellence and colleagues in MISE and JJMC) to ensure timely updates to internal systems related to the storage and approvals of MSL resources
- Troubleshoot issues, sometimes urgently, in iMK and CRM in collaboration with the MSL Comms leads
- Seek out continuous improvement and expanded capabilities of iMK and CRM, as well as other novel approaches to scientific exchange in MCSE
- Liaise with Learning & Development (L&D) teams to provide training for MSL onboarding and fill ongoing knowledge gaps regarding optimal usage of iMK and CRM; liaise with L&D to support training to other MAF staff working with MCSE
- Oversee operational support for J&J publication review tool, JPUBs
- Oversee quality assurance of MCSE deliverables
- Oversee operational support to MCSE Leadership in budgeting activities (SOWs, POs, tracking accruals)
- Work closely with MCSE Leadership to track overall team output and prepare for presentations to senior leadership
- Oversee support for other operational activities in MCSE as required
Digital Innovation:
- Spearhead digital innovation efforts on behalf of MCSE
- Gather evidence about current use of digital innovation across US and Global MAF networks, including creation, tracking, and impact of assets
- Create and implement a plan to trial and expand digital innovation within US IMM MAF
- Liaise across functions within US IMM MAF, Global IMM MAF, and other Disease Area Strongholds as needed to develop an approach that has broad applicability across J&J
People Leadership:
- Liaise across functions within US IMM MAF, Global IMM MAF, and other Disease Area Strongholds as needed to develop an approach that has broad applicability across J&J
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- A minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Life Sciences, Healthcare or related discipline with a minimum of 6 years of medical communications experience or 6 years of related (pharmaceutical) work experience or an advanced degree (MS, PhD, PharmD) discipline with a minimum of 4 years related (pharmaceutical) work experience is required
- Demonstrated ability to work in cross-functional environments and partner with scientists, academicians, clinicians and vendors is required
- Experience with process improvement and operations in the pharmaceutical industry
- Familiarity with Veeva Systems and the Medical/Legal/Regulatory review process
- Must be highly proficient in Microsoft PowerPoint, with outstanding slide design skills including scientific accuracy, visual appeal, creativity and innovative thinking
- Detail-orientation and highly organized
- Excellent Oral And Written Communication Skills Are Required
- Excellent time management and organizational skills are required
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience in Rheumatology, Dermatology, Gastroenterology, Immunology or related therapeutic areas
- Experience in IT, software, engineering, or related field
- Experience in pharmaceutical health care compliance environment for external communication of scientific materials, with knowledge of compliant display of scientific data
- Familiarity with digital medical strategy & communications
- People management experience is highly preferred, including vendor management experience.
COMPENSATION
- The expected base pay range for this position is $137,000 to $235,750. The Company maintains highly competitive, performance-based compensation programs. Under current guidelines, this position is eligible for an annual performance bonus in accordance with the terms of the applicable plan. The annual performance bonus is a cash bonus intended to provide an incentive to achieve annual targeted results by rewarding for individual and the corporation’s performance over a calendar/performance year. Bonuses are awarded at the Company’s discretion on an individual basis.
Subject to the terms of their respective plans, employees and/or eligible dependents are eligible to participate in the following Company sponsored employee benefit programs: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, business accident insurance, and group legal insurance. Subject to the terms of their respective plans, employees are eligible to participate in the Company’s consolidated retirement plan (pension) and savings plan (401(k)).
Subject To The Terms Of Their Respective Policies And Date Of Hire, Employees Are Eligible For The Following Time Off Benefits:
- Vacation – 120 hours per calendar year
- Sick time – 40 hours per calendar year; for employees who reside in the State of Washington – 56 hours per calendar year
- Holiday pay, including Floating Holidays – 13 days per calendar year
- Work, Personal and Family Time – up to 40 hours per calendar year
- Parental Leave – 480 hours within one year of the birth/adoption/foster care of a child
- Condolence Leave – 30 days for an immediate family member; 5 days for an extended family member
- Caregiver Leave – 10 days
- Volunteer Leave – 4 days
- Military Spouse Time-Off – 80 hours
EEO STATEMENT
Johnson & Johnson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by federal, state or local law. We actively seek qualified candidates who are protected veterans and individuals with disabilities as defined under VEVRAA and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. Johnson and Johnson is committed to providing an interview process that is inclusive of our applicants’ needs. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation, please email the Employee Health Support Center (ra-employeehealthsup@its.jnj.com) or contact AskGS to be directed to your accommodation resource.
Required Skills:
- Business Writing
- Clinical Research and Regulations
- Clinical Trials Operations
- Coaching
- Collaborating
- Copy Editing
- Data Synthesis
- Industry Analysis
- Medical Affairs
- Medical Communications
- Organizing
- Proofreading
- Quality Validation
- Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
- Tactical Planning
- Technical Credibility
The anticipated base pay range for this position is: $137,000.00 - $235,750.00
See all 53+ 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.