Medical Writer Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Medical writers in the U.S. typically qualify for H-1B visa or O-1 visa sponsorship, as the role meets the specialty occupation standard through its requirement for a bachelor's degree or higher in a life science, pharmacy, or related field. Employers in pharma, biotech, and CROs sponsor regularly. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom, and belonging makes it a special place for students, faculty, and staff, who are among the most talented and accomplished anywhere, including Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and MacArthur Fellows. Since our founding in 1868, we have been an engine for innovation - driving intellectual, economic, and social progress that benefits California, the U.S., and beyond. Together, we change the world.
At Berkeley, the best careers are built on a foundation of continuous learning and growth. We actively support professional development by providing all full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours of paid time per year and providing space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups.
We invite applicants who are inspired by our Principles of Community and who are eager to be part of our exciting Strategic Plan, which charts Berkeley's next era of excellence.
DEPARTMENTAL OVERVIEW
University Development and Alumni Relations (UDAR) increases support for and enhances knowledge of UC Berkeley through communications, public outreach, and fundraising. The department is responsible for fundraising and donor engagement, and works to strengthen unit development offices by consulting and partnering with campus fundraisers. UDAR also handles a range of central activities and services encompassing events, communications, stewardship, prospect development, gift management, and database management.
The College of Letters & Science (L&S) is the largest of Berkeley's colleges, comprising 38 departments and 79 majors; and encompasses nearly half of the campus faculty, almost two-thirds of its undergraduate students, and almost half of its Ph.D. candidates.
UDAR's Constituent Programs team works closely with L&S deans and development leaders on strategy setting and organizational performance to optimize fundraising strategies and help the College reach its philanthropy goals; and provides stewardship, communications, and advisory board support to the College.
Position Summary
The Donor Engagement and Stewardship Writer provides stewardship reporting, donor engagement communications, and proposal development support for all five divisions of the College of Letters & Science (L&S). With input from divisional development teams and college leadership and guidance from the Associate Director for Stewardship & Strategy, this position conceives, researches, writes, edits, and publishes written materials and strategic communications including feature stories, interviews, proposals, short videos, event scripts, and decanal presentations. The Donor Engagement and Stewardship Writer is also responsible for producing stewardship reports of varying lengths that are required by gift agreements to ensure donors and prospects are engaged and stewarded effectively to maintain and increase fundraising levels.
APPLICATION REVIEW DATE
The First Review Date for this job is: September 12, 2026. For full consideration, please apply on or before the first review date.
Responsibilities
- Research, write, and edit high-level donor engagement materials - 40%
Research, write, and edit high-level donor engagement materials for all five divisions in the College of Letters & Science that communicate complex or sensitive subject matter, such as research outcomes, program activities, and student success stories, to a highly influential audience of major donors and philanthropic partners to UC Berkeley. Collateral may include feature stories, interviews, proposals, briefing materials, talking points, decanal outreach communications to prospects and donors, and web site content. Develop new donor engagement tools, including digital and print communications and collateral around key divisional and campaign priorities.
- Research, write, and edit impact reports and other stewardship materials - 30%
Research, write, and edit impact reports and other stewardship materials for all five divisions in the College of Letters & Science as part of the approximately 125 stewardship moves for programmatic support or fund donors the Constituent Programs team produces annually.
- Collaborate with divisional fundraising teams - 15%
Meet regularly with divisional fundraising teams in the Arts & Humanities, Biological Sciences, Mathematical & Physical Sciences, and Social Sciences divisions to understand priorities and recent program successes and advise on donor outreach and engagement strategies.
- Provide donor engagement support for digital fundraising efforts - 5%
Work with UDAR and L&S leaders to develop strategies for digital outreach campaigns for the College of Letters & Science Leadership Fund; and produce donor engagement content for fundraising efforts.
- Provide support for other L&S advancement communications - 5%
May collaborate with L&S College Relations and university staff on additional advancement communications projects, including campaign documents, website articles, proposals, event invitations, press releases, and miscellaneous donor reports.
- Provides editing and proofreading support - 5%
Provides editing and proofreading support for L&S fundraisers and Constituent Programs team.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
-
Minimum of 4 years of experience demonstrating advanced skills and experience as a writer, able to clearly, engagingly, and persuasively convey complex messages in long form and short form, in a variety of media including electronic and print, and in tone and style at levels of detail and technical depth for diverse audiences.
-
Minimum of 4 years of experience with content development, research and fact verification, adherence to appropriate editorial style guidelines; copyediting, and proofreading.
-
Minimum of 4 years of experience with demonstrated ability to maintain good working relationships with internal and external partners, as well as ability to work collaboratively with partners and facilitate collaborations with teams/colleagues from varying fields and at all levels.
-
Advanced knowledge of the fundamentals of writing, grammar, syntax, style, and punctuation.
-
Excellent team collaboration and interpersonal communications skills, including active listening, facilitation, conflict resolution, and political acumen.
-
Advanced research and fact verification skills.
-
Advanced interpersonal communications skills, including active listening and effective collaboration.
-
Advanced analytical and critical thinking skills.
-
Skill to maintain absolute confidentiality.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
-
Knowledge of the campus, including its mission, goals, achievements, infrastructure, programs, and policies and/or the ability to learn.
-
Knowledge of Microsoft Suite, Google Suite, and marketing applications, such as Salesforce Marketing Cloud and Adobe Creative Suite and/or the ability to learn.
-
Knowledge of issues in higher education, development and/or a specialized academic discipline or field.
EDUCATION / TRAINING
Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
SALARY & BENEFITS
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.
Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.
The budgeted annual range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $103,000 to $118,000.
This is an exempt, monthly-paid position. This is a full-time (40 hours/week) Career position eligible for UC benefits.
INTRODUCTION
At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom, and belonging makes it a special place for students, faculty, and staff, who are among the most talented and accomplished anywhere, including Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and MacArthur Fellows. Since our founding in 1868, we have been an engine for innovation - driving intellectual, economic, and social progress that benefits California, the U.S., and beyond. Together, we change the world.
At Berkeley, the best careers are built on a foundation of continuous learning and growth. We actively support professional development by providing all full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours of paid time per year and providing space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups.
We invite applicants who are inspired by our Principles of Community and who are eager to be part of our exciting Strategic Plan, which charts Berkeley's next era of excellence.
DEPARTMENTAL OVERVIEW
University Development and Alumni Relations (UDAR) increases support for and enhances knowledge of UC Berkeley through communications, public outreach, and fundraising. The department is responsible for fundraising and donor engagement, and works to strengthen unit development offices by consulting and partnering with campus fundraisers. UDAR also handles a range of central activities and services encompassing events, communications, stewardship, prospect development, gift management, and database management.
The College of Letters & Science (L&S) is the largest of Berkeley's colleges, comprising 38 departments and 79 majors; and encompasses nearly half of the campus faculty, almost two-thirds of its undergraduate students, and almost half of its Ph.D. candidates.
UDAR's Constituent Programs team works closely with L&S deans and development leaders on strategy setting and organizational performance to optimize fundraising strategies and help the College reach its philanthropy goals; and provides stewardship, communications, and advisory board support to the College.
Position Summary
The Donor Engagement and Stewardship Writer provides stewardship reporting, donor engagement communications, and proposal development support for all five divisions of the College of Letters & Science (L&S). With input from divisional development teams and college leadership and guidance from the Associate Director for Stewardship & Strategy, this position conceives, researches, writes, edits, and publishes written materials and strategic communications including feature stories, interviews, proposals, short videos, event scripts, and decanal presentations. The Donor Engagement and Stewardship Writer is also responsible for producing stewardship reports of varying lengths that are required by gift agreements to ensure donors and prospects are engaged and stewarded effectively to maintain and increase fundraising levels.
APPLICATION REVIEW DATE
The First Review Date for this job is: September 12, 2026. For full consideration, please apply on or before the first review date.
Responsibilities
- Research, write, and edit high-level donor engagement materials - 40%
Research, write, and edit high-level donor engagement materials for all five divisions in the College of Letters & Science that communicate complex or sensitive subject matter, such as research outcomes, program activities, and student success stories, to a highly influential audience of major donors and philanthropic partners to UC Berkeley. Collateral may include feature stories, interviews, proposals, briefing materials, talking points, decanal outreach communications to prospects and donors, and web site content. Develop new donor engagement tools, including digital and print communications and collateral around key divisional and campaign priorities.
- Research, write, and edit impact reports and other stewardship materials - 30%
Research, write, and edit impact reports and other stewardship materials for all five divisions in the College of Letters & Science as part of the approximately 125 stewardship moves for programmatic support or fund donors the Constituent Programs team produces annually.
- Collaborate with divisional fundraising teams - 15%
Meet regularly with divisional fundraising teams in the Arts & Humanities, Biological Sciences, Mathematical & Physical Sciences, and Social Sciences divisions to understand priorities and recent program successes and advise on donor outreach and engagement strategies.
- Provide donor engagement support for digital fundraising efforts - 5%
Work with UDAR and L&S leaders to develop strategies for digital outreach campaigns for the College of Letters & Science Leadership Fund; and produce donor engagement content for fundraising efforts.
- Provide support for other L&S advancement communications - 5%
May collaborate with L&S College Relations and university staff on additional advancement communications projects, including campaign documents, website articles, proposals, event invitations, press releases, and miscellaneous donor reports.
- Provides editing and proofreading support - 5%
Provides editing and proofreading support for L&S fundraisers and Constituent Programs team.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
-
Minimum of 4 years of experience demonstrating advanced skills and experience as a writer, able to clearly, engagingly, and persuasively convey complex messages in long form and short form, in a variety of media including electronic and print, and in tone and style at levels of detail and technical depth for diverse audiences.
-
Minimum of 4 years of experience with content development, research and fact verification, adherence to appropriate editorial style guidelines; copyediting, and proofreading.
-
Minimum of 4 years of experience with demonstrated ability to maintain good working relationships with internal and external partners, as well as ability to work collaboratively with partners and facilitate collaborations with teams/colleagues from varying fields and at all levels.
-
Advanced knowledge of the fundamentals of writing, grammar, syntax, style, and punctuation.
-
Excellent team collaboration and interpersonal communications skills, including active listening, facilitation, conflict resolution, and political acumen.
-
Advanced research and fact verification skills.
-
Advanced interpersonal communications skills, including active listening and effective collaboration.
-
Advanced analytical and critical thinking skills.
-
Skill to maintain absolute confidentiality.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
-
Knowledge of the campus, including its mission, goals, achievements, infrastructure, programs, and policies and/or the ability to learn.
-
Knowledge of Microsoft Suite, Google Suite, and marketing applications, such as Salesforce Marketing Cloud and Adobe Creative Suite and/or the ability to learn.
-
Knowledge of issues in higher education, development and/or a specialized academic discipline or field.
EDUCATION / TRAINING
Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
SALARY & BENEFITS
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.
Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.
The budgeted annual range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $103,000 to $118,000.
This is an exempt, monthly-paid position. This is a full-time (40 hours/week) Career position eligible for UC benefits.
See all 389+ Medical Writer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Medical Writer roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Medical Writer
Target pharma, biotech, and CRO employers
Contract research organizations, pharmaceutical companies, and biotechnology firms are the most consistent sponsors for medical writers. These employers file H-1B petitions regularly and have established immigration infrastructure, making the sponsorship process faster and more predictable for candidates.
Confirm your degree field satisfies specialty occupation
USCIS requires a direct relationship between your degree field and the medical writing role. Degrees in life sciences, pharmacy, nursing, or biomedical science are strong fits. A general science or unrelated degree may require additional documentation to establish the specialty occupation connection.
Highlight regulatory writing experience in your application
Employers sponsoring medical writers are often motivated by specialized skills in regulatory submissions, clinical study reports, or FDA documentation. Candidates with this background are harder to replace locally, which strengthens the business justification employers need to pursue sponsorship.
Ask about sponsorship policy before the offer stage
Some employers support H-1B sponsorship but restrict it to direct hires rather than contractors. Clarifying this early prevents wasted time on roles that look promising but won't result in visa support. Filter for roles explicitly listing sponsorship on Migrate Mate to avoid this problem.
Understand the H-1B lottery timeline before you apply
H-1B registration opens each March for an October start date. If you need status by a specific date due to OPT expiration or a grace period, work backwards from that deadline and communicate your timeline to potential employers during the interview process.
Consider O-1A if your publication record is strong
Medical writers with peer-reviewed publications, editorial board roles, or recognized contributions to clinical guidelines may qualify for the O-1A visa. It has no annual cap or lottery, making it a viable alternative when H-1B timing or selection odds are a concern.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do medical writer jobs in the U.S. qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship?
Yes, medical writing qualifies as a specialty occupation because the role typically requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field such as life sciences, pharmacy, or a related discipline. USCIS has approved H-1B visa petitions for medical writers at pharmaceutical companies, CROs, and medical communications agencies. The strength of your petition depends on how clearly the job description establishes that a specific degree is a minimum requirement, not merely preferred.
What degree do I need to get a medical writing job sponsored in the U.S.?
Most employers require at least a bachelor's degree in a life science field, pharmacy, nursing, biomedical science, or a closely related discipline. Advanced degrees, such as a master's or Ph.D. in pharmacology or a clinical field, are common in regulatory medical writing roles and strengthen both your candidacy and the H-1B petition. A general science or humanities degree may still qualify if you can demonstrate field-specific coursework or equivalent experience, but expect more scrutiny from USCIS.
Which types of employers sponsor medical writers for U.S. visas?
Pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, and AstraZeneca, large contract research organizations, and medical communications agencies are the most active sponsors. Biotech startups also sponsor but vary widely in their immigration experience and resources. Browsing open roles on Migrate Mate lets you filter specifically for positions that offer visa sponsorship, so you can focus your applications on employers already open to the process.
Can a medical writer on OPT get sponsored before it expires?
Yes, but timing is critical. H-1B registration opens in March each year, with an October 1 start date if selected. If your OPT expires before October 1, you'll need a STEM OPT extension to bridge the gap, which requires a STEM-eligible degree. Start conversations with employers about sponsorship at least four to six months before your OPT ends to allow enough runway for the process.
Is it possible to get sponsored as a freelance or contract medical writer?
It's uncommon. H-1B sponsorship requires an employer-employee relationship, which typically means a direct hire arrangement with a single employer who controls your work. Contract or freelance arrangements through staffing agencies can qualify if the agency holds the H-1B, but many agencies don't sponsor. Independent freelancing is generally not compatible with H-1B requirements. If contract work is your model, exploring the O-1 visa may be more practical depending on your credentials.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Medical Writer jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.