Principal Medical Writer

MSD

. Develop, author, edit, and lead the review of accurate, clear, and compliant clinical, regulatory, and/or public-facing documents .

Posted 9/18/2026full-timeNorth Wales • New Jersey • United StatesLead💰 $142,400 - $224,100 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in medical writing, including the ability to develop and review clinical and regulatory documents while applying critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Proven leadership in managing writing projects and mentoring teams within a compliance-focused environment.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Medical WritingClinical Development KnowledgeProject ManagementLeadership in Cross-Functional TeamsRegulatory Compliance

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Medical Writing Best PracticesClinical Regulatory Document PreparationCritical Evaluation of Clinical DataLean Writing PrinciplesHealth Literacy Principles

Soft Skills

Critical ThinkingProblem-SolvingNegotiation SkillsEffective LeadershipConflict Resolution

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft Office SuiteSharePointMedical Writing-Specific Tools

Industry Keywords

Clinical DevelopmentRegulatory RequirementsIndustry GuidelinesTherapeutic AreasScientific Expertise

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop, author, edit, and lead the review of accurate, clear, and compliant clinical, regulatory, and/or public-facing documents
Partner with project leads to support multiple programs and therapeutic areas across the company portfolio
Apply medical writing best practices, including lean writing and health literacy principles
Contribute scientific expertise and collaborate on cross-functional teams
Apply critical thinking, problem-solving, and negotiation skills to complex medical writing challenges
Provide program oversight and keep project leads and/or management informed of issues affecting timelines, quality, or compliance
Use medical writing-specific tools and technology platforms
Lead initiatives to improve medical writing processes and standards
Apply knowledge of clinical development, relevant regulations, disease areas, and company products
Provide scientific and operational mentorship, coaching, and/or project oversight to other medical writers
May manage direct reports, including workload, professional development, and performance management

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree or higher, preferably in a health, scientific, or relevant discipline
5+ years of relevant medical writing or industry experience
Experience managing complex writing projects in a deadline-driven environment
Experience leading teams of medical writers and/or cross-functional team members
Ability to critically evaluate and interpret clinical data clearly, objectively, and in accordance with regulatory requirements and industry guidelines
Critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities
Ability to innovate, influence, and drive change
Effective leadership across organizational levels, including conflict resolution, negotiation, navigating teams through ambiguity, and decision making
Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills
Technical expertise in Microsoft Office Suite and shared document systems such as SharePoint
Willingness to learn and adapt to emerging technology
Experience independently preparing clinical regulatory documents in accordance with regulatory requirements and industry guidelines preferred
No visa sponsorship

Benefits

Comp & perks

Annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable
Medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits for employee and family
Retirement benefits, including 401(k)
Paid holidays
Vacation
Compassionate and sick days
Relocation: No relocation
10% travel requirements