Senior Science Writer/Advisor

Lumina Corps • Silver Spring, MD

3d • $115,000 - $135,000

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 deliverable formats and structures that align with strategic goals, timelines, budgets, and portfolio priorities. The position collaborates with federal advisory committees, program staff, leadership, writers, communications specialists, project managers, and other staff to develop guidelines, policy documents, program recommendations, manuscripts, web content, and other written materials. It also synthesizes scientific presentations and discussions into accurate deliverables, maintains quality and deadlines, and manages time and budgets responsibly.

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, and demonstrated ability to build and sustain stakeholder relationships.
• Fluency in the biomedical research and health promotion landscape, including federal research program funding structures, management, and oversight, 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/or reports.
• Ability to become proficient quickly in new health and research areas.
• Strong 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.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and keen attention to detail.
• 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.
• Positive, solutions-oriented, customer-service mindset, with flexibility to take on large or small tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of project management software.
• Advanced skills with MS Office applications, including Word, Excel, SharePoint, and Outlook.
• Knowledge of reference management software.

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.
• Experience with EndNote.

Responsibilities

• Clarify client objectives, audiences, and desired outcomes for written deliverables, and recommend formats and structures aligned with strategic goals, timelines, budgets, and 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 gaps, inconsistencies, and misalignment with project goals.
• Collaborate with health and science writers, communications specialists, project managers, and other staff to deliver written work supporting scientific progress at client agencies.
• Attend NIH and other scientific conferences, workshops, and working group meetings; synthesize presentations and discussions into accurate deliverables conveying findings, themes, and action items.
• Assist with 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 independently and ensure appropriate quality control for assignments.
• Estimate time accurately, manage hours and budgets responsibly, and meet assigned deadlines.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed