Medical Writer CV: How to write a CV for this role (with example)
Also known as: healthcare writer, medical information analyst, medical editor, regulatory medical writer, medical publications associate, medical technical writer, scientific writer
A Medical Writer CV is more than just a list of scientific publications. It is a strategic document that demonstrates your ability to bridge the gap between complex research and clear, actionable medical communication. Whether you are aiming for a role in regulatory affairs, medical marketing, or clinical research, your CV must prove you can collaborate with experts and translate data into structured documentation.
This guide will walk you through the process of highlighting your specialised expertise, technical proficiencies, and healthcare communication experience. We will explore how to format your background to satisfy both human recruiters and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) used by major UK pharmaceutical and MedTech firms like AstraZeneca and GSK.
What does a Medical Writer do?
Medical Writers are essential links in the healthcare value chain, responsible for creating a wide variety of documents that range from regulatory submissions to educational materials for doctors. They take raw clinical data and transform it into structured reports, clinical study protocols, and patient information leaflets. The role requires a deep understanding of medical terminology, drug development processes, and strict adherence to ethical guidelines.
Success in this field involves working closely with multidisciplinary teams, including principal investigators, clinicians, and regulatory managers. You are not just writing; you are ensuring that scientific claims are accurate, well-supported, and compliant with international standards such as those set by the EMA or MHRA. Medical Writers often specialise in specific areas such as oncology, neurology, or cardiology, providing the deep domain expertise required to explain complex mechanisms of action or clinical trial results.
Key Responsibilities:
- ➜ Authoring clinical study reports (CSRs), protocols, and Investigator Brochures (IBs).
- ➜ Drafting abstracts, posters, and manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals.
- ➜ Collaborating with clinical trial teams to interpret data and ensure scientific accuracy.
- ➜ Developing content for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and healthcare marketing.
- ➜ Ensuring all documentation complies with ABPI, ICH, and GPP guidelines.
- ➜ Managing the peer-review process for medical publications.
- ➜ Reviewing and editing scientific content for clarity, flow, and formatting consistency.
How to write a Medical Writer CV
To secure a competitive medical writing role in the UK, your CV should emphasise your scientific literacy and writing precision. You need to quickly communicate your ability to handle heavy data while maintaining readability. Focus on your therapeutic area expertise and your familiarity with the UK and European regulatory landscape.
01 CV Structure
A standard Medical Writer CV should follow a reverse-chronological format. Start with a professional header and a strong summary. Follow this with a dedicated skills section, detailed professional experience, and a specialised education/certification section. Given the nature of the role, a 'Selected Publications' or 'Project Portfolio' section is often included if you have peer-reviewed work.
02 Professional Summary
Your professional summary acts as your 'elevator pitch.' It should include your years of experience, primary therapeutic areas, and your most significant value proposition, such as experience with MHRA/EMA submissions or high impact factor publications.
Example Summary
Senior Medical Writer with over 8 years of experience in regulatory and clinical writing for oncology and immunology. Proven track record of producing high-quality CSRs and manuscripts for Top 10 pharmaceutical companies. Adept at transforming complex datasets into clear, compliant documents while meeting strict project timelines.
Example Achievement Bullets
- ➜ Led the preparation of 4 successful New Drug Applications (NDAs) submitted to the MHRA and EMA.
- ➜ Reduced manuscript turnaround time by 20% through the implementation of a new cross-functional review process.
- ➜ Co-authored 12 peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals including The Lancet and the British Medical Journal (BMJ).
- ➜ Managed a team of 3 junior writers to deliver a comprehensive suite of CPD materials for a flagship cardiovascular drug launch.
Experience Guidelines
In the work experience section, focus on outcomes rather than just tasks. Use action verbs and quantify your impact whenever possible, such as the number of successful submissions or the speed of your project delivery cycles.
Education Guidelines
List your highest degrees first. Most Medical Writer roles require at least a Master’s degree or PhD in a life science (Biology, Pharmacology, etc.) or a PharmD. Include any relevant certifications like the EMWA (European Medical Writers Association) credentials.
Key skills for a Medical Writer
Technical Writing
Soft Skills
Tools & Compliance
Medical Writer CV example
The following example illustrates how a mid-to-senior level Medical Writer should structure their experience, emphasising both regulatory competence and scientific storytelling.
Notes for adapting this example:
Tailor the 'Languages' and 'Therapeutic Areas' sections to match the specific job description. If you are applying for a regulatory role, highlight your ICH and MHRA knowledge. If applying for medical communications, highlight your manuscript and CPD experience.
Pro Tips for a Standout CV
List your therapeutic expertise (e.g., Oncology, Rare Diseases) clearly at the top of your CV.
Mention your familiarity with specific style guides like Vancouver, AMA, or internal corporate standards.
Include a link to a digital portfolio or a list of DOIs for published works if allowed by confidentiality agreements.
Use keywords like 'cross-functional', 'data interpretation', and 'regulatory compliance' to pass ATS filters.
Highlight experience with document management systems like Veeva or Documentum.
Common Medical Writer CV Mistakes
Vague descriptions of writing projects without specifying the document type (e.g., CSR vs. Marketing piece).
Grammatical or spelling errors, which are unforgivable for a role centred on writing precision.
Neglecting to mention regulatory knowledge (ICH-GCP) when applying for pharma roles.
Using overly technical jargon that an HR recruiter might not understand in the first screening.
Failure to quantify achievements, such as the number of submissions or pages authored.
FAQ about Medical Writer CVs
What is the average salary for a Medical Writer in the UK?
As of 2024, the average salary for a Medical Writer in the UK typically ranges from £40,000 to £65,000 per year. Senior-level writers or those in specialised regulatory roles at major pharmaceutical firms can often earn £75,000 to £90,000 plus bonuses. (Source: Estimated market data)
Do I need a PhD to be a Medical Writer?
While not strictly required, many UK employers prefer candidates with a PhD, PharmD, or MD due to the high level of scientific complexity involved. However, candidates with a Master's degree and significant clinical or writing experience can still be highly competitive.
Should I include my full publication list?
If your list is extensive, include only the most relevant or high-impact 'Selected Publications' on the CV. You can provide a full list as a separate addendum or via a link to your ORCID or LinkedIn profile.
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Build with VitaeLast updated: 1/5/2026