OPT Director Medical Writing Jobs
Director Medical Writing roles on OPT require strong scientific credentials and are almost exclusively filled by candidates with advanced degrees in life sciences or pharmacy. Most employers will need to file an H-1B visa petition before your OPT expires, so targeting companies with active regulatory pipelines and established immigration support is essential from day one.
Find OPT Director Medical Writing JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 47+ Director Medical Writing jobs
See all 47+ Director Medical Writing Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Director Medical Writing roles.
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 Director Medical Writing Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Director Medical Writing Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Director Medical Writing
Target companies with active regulatory submissions
Pharmaceutical and biotech companies actively filing NDAs, BLAs, or IND packages with the FDA need medical writing leadership consistently. These employers are far more likely to sponsor visas because losing a Director mid-submission cycle is operationally costly.
Highlight cross-functional leadership experience
Directors manage writers and collaborate with regulatory affairs, clinical operations, and medical teams. Demonstrating that you've led teams or owned submission strategies signals the seniority sponsors expect at this level, strengthening both your hire and H-1B visa petition.
Time your job search around your OPT end date
H-1B cap-subject petitions must be filed by April 1 for October 1 start dates. If your OPT expires mid-year, identify roles at least eight months early so employers have enough runway to prepare and file your petition comfortably.
Prioritize employers with cap-exempt H-1B eligibility
Hospitals, academic medical centers, and nonprofit research institutions can file H-1B petitions outside the annual lottery. For a Director-level role at these organizations, sponsorship can happen any time of year without competing in the April cap season.
Quantify your regulatory writing output on your resume
Employers sponsoring at Director level want evidence of impact. Specify the number of regulatory submissions you've supported, therapeutic areas covered, and any first-cycle approvals your writing contributed to. Concrete output reduces sponsorship hesitation significantly.
Address sponsorship directly during initial conversations
Raise your OPT status early in the interview process, not after an offer. Most large pharmaceutical employers have immigration counsel on retainer and can confirm sponsorship feasibility quickly, saving both parties time if the answer is no.
Director Medical Writing OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Director of Medical Writing on OPT?
Yes. F-1 OPT authorizes full-time employment in roles directly related to your field of study, and Director Medical Writing qualifies under life sciences, pharmacy, or a related discipline. Your work must align with your degree field, and your employer doesn't need to do anything specific to authorize OPT employment beyond verifying your EAD.
Do Director Medical Writing employers typically sponsor H-1B visas?
Large pharmaceutical companies, contract research organizations, and biotech firms with active regulatory pipelines routinely sponsor H-1B visas at the Director level. Smaller startups may be less consistent. The key signal to look for is whether a company has an in-house immigration program or an established relationship with outside immigration counsel, which most mid-size and large sponsors do.
Does a Director Medical Writing role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes. The role requires at minimum a bachelor's degree in a specific scientific field, and most employers require an advanced degree in pharmacy, life sciences, or a related discipline. USCIS consistently approves medical writing positions as specialty occupations because the work requires theoretical and practical application of highly specialized scientific knowledge.
Where can I find Director Medical Writing jobs that support OPT and visa sponsorship?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters for employers open to sponsoring work visas. Rather than sorting through thousands of postings with no immigration context, Migrate Mate surfaces roles where sponsorship is a realistic part of the conversation, which matters a lot when you're working against an OPT expiration date.
Can I use STEM OPT extension for a Director Medical Writing role?
Yes, if your degree is in a STEM-designated field such as pharmaceutical sciences, biology, chemistry, or a related discipline, you can apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension after your initial 12-month OPT. This gives you up to three years of OPT employment total and two chances to be selected in the H-1B lottery, which significantly improves your path to long-term sponsorship.