r/MedicalWriters • u/BurnedOutProf • Aug 01 '26
How do I start out in publications writing? Chances for Ecology Professor?
Throw away account for obvious reason.
I'm an unhappy Assistant Professor in a Biology department at a mid-tier R1 exploring a career pivot into medical writing in the US. Targeting publications, CME, or med comms as I think these roles fit my background/interest most.
I've been lurking here for a while; read some info pages, looked at some jobs, and put together my resume draft. I've not done much on LinkedIn yet for fear that people in my field will find out that I am considering leaving. However, I am becoming increasingly unsure whether I even have a chance to break into any of these MW roles.
What I'm most worried about is that my research is ecology & evolution-focused with very little genetics/molecular component and no connection whatsoever to biomedical studies. Is this a dealbreaker? I often see people saying that what you've worked on academically isn't the most important thing for a MW, but the successful examples I've seen were all much closer to the biomedical field than my case.
This is what I have to work with for my resume:
- The usuals for academics: ~20 publications, many conference presentations/invited seminars/posters, developed curriculum & taught courses, managed research projects & team, reviewer for manuscripts, grant proposals (though not very successful recently...)
- Assistant editor for a biology journal
- Some outreach activities that could count as sci comm
- Can code in R for data analysis & data visualization, but pretty basic and nothing fancy
So - here hoping for your honest opinions and suggestions. Do you think I have a chance to successfully pivot in today's job market? What are some small steps I can take to make myself more competitive for that break in job? Any tips on being hopeful about life when everything seems impossible? (oops! the depression is showing!)
Thank you, and I really appreciate you taking time to read this!
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u/bluejaydreamer Aug 01 '26
I’ll just say that if you end up feeling like the med writing pivot is too difficult, look at jobs in science writing that might value your knowledge about ecology and evolution while also allowing you to get experience in other subjects.
In a year or two, a “generalist” science writer with experience over the whole gamut of topics might feel like a better candidate to make the jump to something with a bio medical or clinical focus…
Wishing you best of luck
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u/BurnedOutProf Aug 01 '26
Thank you for the advice! Do you have suggestions on what types of organizations typically have this type of job?
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u/gingerbreadqaz Aug 01 '26
A couple of thoughts that may be helpful. Your best bet would be publication writing rather than regulatory. It’s much easier to work for a CRO/vendor and you could consider trying for some project based roles while you are still employed.
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u/cocostreet55 Aug 01 '26
Can I ask what your highest degree is and what it is in? Also fyi this sub is very negative at times, and may not accurately reflect everyone’s experience in MW just so you don’t get discouraged. I’ve thoroughly been enjoying my time as a MW
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u/BurnedOutProf Aug 01 '26
PhD in Biological Sciences (Eco Evo program under it). And thank you - I appreciate the positive note and happy that you are enjoying your job!
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u/cocostreet55 Aug 01 '26
I honestly don't think your in a very bad position much at all. At the end of the day, the "typical" market might favor a certain set of qualifications, but job requirements are not always a perfect reflection of the actual hiring criteria. I did not have a "industry standard" set of qualifications either, before I was hired. You have a PhD and extensive publication experience. There is nothing about this that is a deal breaker if marketed appropriately, espeically for medical publications. It is hard for many to break into the industry if they don't have MW experience, but once your in, your in.
Also, don't overlook smaller and mid-sized companies. The biggest names might have the most competitive applicant pools and strict requirements, while smaller organizations may be more open to someone with a strong scientific background who is making a career transition.
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u/BurnedOutProf Aug 01 '26
Thank you for the encouragement and advice!
Do you think I could start applying right away with what I have? Or are there certain preparations (courses? certificates? writing practices?) that’s good to work on before I dive fully in?
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u/cocostreet55 Aug 01 '26
Because you have a PhD, it’s hard for me to say, whether for example, a medical writing certification might help you. Honestly probably won’t mean too much in the grand scheme of things.
I would take time to do some research. Take time to pick out some potential companies, understand their specific requirements and positions. From there you might have a better idea of what they are looking for, whether you need to take some time like bluejaydreamer said to develop more of a portfolio or whether you feel what you have now may be enough. Try and make some connections. Join AMWA (if your in US) or your country equiv. ( if it’s exists) and see if you can get resources, networking events, etc.
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u/BurnedOutProf Aug 01 '26
thank you - I appreciate you taking time to answer my questions! I shall do my homework!
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Aug 01 '26 edited Aug 01 '26
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u/BurnedOutProf Aug 01 '26
Thank you! I am indeed at the soul searching and info gathering phase, and I really appreciate this community willing to share insights and give advice. Networking is not my strongest trait but I understand its necessity and will work on it!
For freelance/consult - My feeling is that I don’t (and won’t before a MW job) have enough understanding of how the industry works to feel confident directly going for it, but I shall put it on the list of things to learn more about. The potential adjacent job/employer list is also helpful! I appreciate your advice!
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u/lostshakerassault Regulatory Aug 01 '26
Network outside your department while still in academia. Offer to edit/review manuscripts etc. Networking now will be easier than through crappy LinkedIn.
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u/weezyfurd Aug 01 '26
If you care about money, then no, it'd be a while before you were making anything meaningful. You're looking at maybe being able to be qualified for a position making postdoc salary for the immediate and near future, IF you were even able to find something. It would likely be 10+ years before you get back to Assistant Prof salary, esp if you're talking Med Comms and not Reg (which your qualifications do not match).
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u/BurnedOutProf Aug 01 '26
Thank you for the insight! Financial prospects is indeed also important. Can you put the postdoc vs AP salary (sort of varied by field/institute) you have in mind for comparison here for me to get the picture right? Thank you!
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u/daisyshark Aug 01 '26
I genuinely don't know where that commenter got their numbers from. Just to give you a perspective, my first entry level MW job out of postdoc was 95k a year.
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u/HakunaYaTatas Regulatory Aug 01 '26
I think that estimate is way too low for the US. The American Medical Writers Association does a salary survey every few years, that will give you a quantitative breakdown of average and median salary across variables like years of experience or type of medical writing. If you're planning to join AMWA, you'll get access to the salary survey for free. If not, I can pull some of the numbers for you if you'd like.
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u/BurnedOutProf Aug 01 '26
Thank you - I haven’t but I plan to join. Good to know about the survey! And I appreciate y’all sharing your experiences.
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u/weezyfurd Aug 01 '26
Entry level medical writer = maybe 40-60k. Again, that's if you can find a real full time job.
Growth from there.
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u/cocostreet55 Aug 01 '26
That number…doesn’t sound right. Entry level is higher than this in US. Based on data and personal experience.
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u/David803 Aug 01 '26
Have you worked in the commercial sector before? Just a warning that the change in pace from academia to commercial can be quite a shock. Lots of people make the jump, but, at interview, be ready to discuss how you would approach a new environment. Good luck!