Senior Science Writer/Advisor

Lumina Corps•Silver Spring, MD

About The Position

Senior health and science writers support high-profile federal government clients through science writing and strategic content development. The role works with clients to clarify objectives, audiences, and desired outcomes, and recommends formats and structures that fit strategic goals, timelines, budgets, and portfolio priorities. The writer collaborates with federal advisory committees, program staff, leadership, and a multidisciplinary team to develop guidelines, policy documents, program recommendations, manuscripts, web content, meeting summaries, and other deliverables. The position also attends scientific conferences, workshops, and working-group meetings and translates complex presentations and discussions into accurate written materials. The writer prepares deliverables with autonomy, maintains quality control, manages time and budgets responsibly, and meets deadlines while contributing to multiple projects.

Requirements

At least 7 years of work experience writing in the context of federal public health or science programs.
Experience working with federal health and biomedical research agencies, including program staff and leadership.
Ability to build and sustain relationships with key stakeholders.
Fluency in the biomedical research and health promotion landscape, including funding structures, management, and oversight of federal research programs and health promotion initiatives.
Understanding of public health and biomedical science concepts and ability to translate them for scientific, policy, and lay public audiences.
Experience generating written deliverables such as meeting summaries, journal articles, and reports.
Ability to become proficient quickly in new health and research areas.
Excellent oral and written communication skills and strong attention to detail.
Critical-thinking skills and ability to discern issues and troubleshoot during live events.
Experience taking notes and writing summary minutes for virtual and in-person scientific meetings.
Experience adapting health and science concepts for public audiences.
Experience with web-based meeting platforms.
Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and contribute to several projects at once.
Expertise in managing timelines, strong organizational skills, and readiness to take initiative.
A positive, solutions-oriented, customer-service mindset and flexibility to take on large or small tasks in a fast-paced environment.
Knowledge of project management software.
Advanced skills with Microsoft Word, Excel, SharePoint, and Outlook.

Nice To Haves

Research background in cancer, nutrition, physical activity, neuroscience, genetics, or public health.
Master’s degree or PhD in biomedical sciences, public health, or a related scientific discipline.
Experience with Asana.
Knowledge of reference management software, with EndNote experience as a plus.

Responsibilities

Work proactively with clients to clarify objectives, key audiences, and desired outcomes for written deliverables.
Recommend formats and structures aligned with strategic goals, timelines, budgets, and broader portfolio priorities.
Work with federal advisory committees, program staff, and leadership to develop guidelines, policy documents, program recommendations, and similar deliverables.
Identify and help resolve potential gaps, inconsistencies, and misalignment with goals.
Collaborate with health and science writers, communications specialists, project managers, and other staff to produce written deliverables.
Attend NIH and other scientific conferences, workshops, and working-group meetings, and synthesize presentations and complex discussions into accurate written deliverables conveying key findings, discussion themes, and action items.
Assist in developing and refining manuscripts for submission to scientific journals.
Develop health- and science-related content and blog posts for federal agency websites.
Prepare client deliverables autonomously and ensure appropriate quality control for assignments.
Estimate time accurately, manage hours and budgets efficiently and responsibly, and meet assigned deadlines.