Scientific Writer Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Master's degree in a related discipline such as Communications, Communication Technologies, a life-science or biomedical field, health and medical services, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in executive communications, including the development of presentations, briefings, communications plans, and executive-level correspondence.
• Strong scientific and technical writing and editing ability, with a portfolio of published or disseminated work appropriate to the level of the position.
• Ability to work independently as a self-starter with minimal direction.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience with presentation and graphic design tools for developing executive-level visual materials.
• Familiarity with web content management and wiki platforms.
• Familiarity with enterprise research information systems such as NIH REPORTER and IMPAC II.
• Expertise in executive communications.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently as a self-starter.
• Scientific and technical writing and editing skills.
• Knowledge of Section 508 accessibility compliance for digital deliverables.

Responsibilities

• Prepare scientific and technical materials for publication, including articles, blog posts, factsheets, brochures, presentations, speeches, workshop summaries, reports, briefing materials, press releases, and digital content.
• Research, write, and edit technical reports of original research specifications, findings, and conclusions for administrative, legislative, and regulatory review.
• Research, write, and edit policy papers with recommendations based on original research.
• Prepare technical summaries of research projects and studies for government circulation.
• Perform literature reviews to identify significant methodologies, findings, and conclusions, and prepare summaries and reports.
• Assess proposed and ongoing programs, projects, and studies, conducting literature reviews to inform, guide, validate, or refute findings.
• Assist in managing content on the NLM OD wiki, including updates, organization, maintenance, and usability improvements.
• Develop and maintain SOPs, toolkits, templates, style aids, checklists, and other reusable resources for strategic communications.
• Assist data managers in collecting, collating, organizing, and uploading information to data repositories and integrating local databases with enterprise applications.
• Draft communications and engagement plans, executive-level emails, talking points, briefing materials, reports, directives, and NLM news items.
• Draft and revise leadership correspondence for internal and external audiences.
• Prepare executive messaging in support of organizational priorities, initiatives, decisions, events, and stakeholder engagement.
• Support leadership communications for NLM working groups and cross-NLM initiatives.
• Develop presentations, scripts, speaker notes, remarks, talking points, Q&A documents, briefing books, and presentation support materials.
• Prepare letters, memoranda, reports, agendas, abstracts, protocols, and announcements for internal distribution.
• Coordinate with senior executives to outline, collect, and assemble annual reports and source materials for audit requests.
• Assist program and project managers in drafting and editing scientific documentation.
• Review and comment on the scientific and technical accuracy of reports, presentations, correspondence, and external informational materials.
• Coordinate with internal NLM points of contact for externally facing communications.
• Assist in gathering leadership priorities and translating them into actionable communications requirements.
• Provide copywriting, editing, proofreading, and graphic design for executive communications products.
• Develop concise, visually effective presentation materials for meetings, speaking engagements, town halls, lectures, and external events.
• Assist with the development of reports and summaries explaining technical and programmatic topics for non-technical audiences.
• Ensure presentations and digital deliverables meet Section 508 accessibility requirements.
• Proofread all draft and final documents for scientific and technical accuracy and completeness.
• Cross-check original and referenced data, verify cited content against source documents, and perform originality reviews.
• Critically review draft documents, synthesize comments, and incorporate feedback from reviewers into successive drafts.
• Coordinate content strategy and development in consultation with NLM leadership and subject matter experts.
• Assist the NLM liaison to NIH OCPL by preparing background materials, coordinating reviews, and facilitating internal communication flows.
• Provide expert advice for general health and science communications activities.
• Serve as senior subject matter expert for editorial operations of written content.
• Design and implement a publications program to enhance development and dissemination of information about the Institute's research programs.
• Evaluate research and publication activities and recommend improvements.
• Advise executives and program managers on written materials and present strategies for maximizing impact.
• Prepare training materials and job aids for staff to support writing and editing.
• Research, repackage, and share best practices, tips, and techniques for improving scientific and technical writing quality and consistency.