Scientific Writer

Scientific Writer

Job Summary:

The Senior Scientific Writer will provide high-level scientific and grant-writing support to the Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center Director and Senior Leadership with a research focus on translational cancer research, lung cancer, and cancer health equity. This position requires an individual with a strong background in cancer biology, clinical/translational research, and/or population sciences, as well as extensive experience in scientific writing, grant development, and manuscript preparation. Responsibilities include the development of scientific documents, including grant applications (e.g., new and competing applications, annual reports), study reports (e.g., scientific manuscripts, meeting abstracts, posters, slide sets), and related documents (e.g., internal reports, standard operating procedures, working guidelines).

The ideal candidate will hold an MD, PhD, or MD/PhD and possess a deep understanding of cancer research, including mechanistic and translational studies, clinical trials, and disparities in cancer care. The Senior Scientific Writer will work closely with the Cancer Center Director, Senior Leadership, Director of Executive Communications, and research teams to facilitate the preparation of high-impact publications, grant proposals, and strategic scientific communications.

This position is primarily remote and may require in-office days (Richmond, VA) on an as needed basis.

Key Responsibilities:

Grant and Scientific Writing:

• Lead the preparation, writing, and editing of grant proposals (NIH, NCI, DOD, foundation, and industry grants) in alignment with the research priorities of the Cancer Center Director and Senior Leadership.
• Serve as a proposal strategist and content editor for NIH and other extramural, peer-reviewing agency-sponsored grant applications (e.g., new and competing renewal applications), notably for large multi-institutional, multi-project, and multi-investigator initiatives
• Develop compelling manuscripts, review articles, book chapters, and conference abstracts for publication in high-impact journals.
• Draft, edit, and submit annual reports and progress reports for federal and private funding agencies, ensuring compliance with funding guidelines.
• Assist in crafting institutional reports, white papers, and position statements on cancer research and health equity initiatives.
• Ensure that all documents are readable, clear, and consistent, conforming to any applicable style and regulatory requirements specified by the agency, journal, scientific society, or meeting sponsor.
• Manage document control and versioning among one or more authors to maintain accuracy and consistency.
• Stay current with the latest scientific cancer research to inform ongoing and future projects, integrating new findings into the research strategy.
• Assist the Director of Executive Communications with researching and drafting cancer research-relevant content for publications, ensuring accuracy and relevance.
• Assist the Director of Executive Communications in preparing and editing research-related publications, including drafting sections, reviewing content, and ensuring clarity and coherence.
• Adhere to established style guidelines and consistently meet the internal and external deadlines for the submission of grants and publications
• Maintain and update biosketches.

Scientific Strategy & Communication:

• Synthesize complex scientific findings into concise, impactful narratives for diverse audiences, including researchers, clinicians, funding agencies, and policymakers.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including cancer center leadership, members, staff, and community partners to refine research ideas; enhance the clarity and impact of proposals and manuscripts; and ensure the successful execution of research projects.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in translational cancer research, lung cancer, and cancer health equity, incorporating new knowledge into writing projects.
• Collaborate with the Director of Executive Communications to develop research-related presentations and communication materials for the Cancer Center Director for national and international conferences, board meetings, and institutional briefings.
• Maintain expert knowledge of current applicable regulations, guidelines, policies, and instructions relating to clinical/translational and/or basic cancer research, grants management, and data reporting.
• Provide comprehensive support in the design, implementation, and coordination of research communication to various stakeholders, including medical and scientific professionals, medical associations, government entities, and community organizations.
• Assist in the development and delivery of research education training materials and workshops, as needed.

Project and Editorial Management:

• Coordinate and manage the grant-writing and manuscript publication processes, including timelines, team communications, and submission requirements.
• Draft and provide critical review and feedback on research proposals and manuscripts.
• Ensure all written materials align with journal/funding agency requirements and institutional policies.
• Conduct literature reviews, staying up to date with the latest scientific cancer research, and assist Cancer Center Director and Senior Leadership in developing publications and research-related content for presentations.
• Assist the Director of Executive Communications with the creation of research-relevant talking points for presentations and public speaking engagements.
• Coordinate and manage health equity research projects, including project planning, timeline management, and ensuring adherence to research protocols.

Data Collection and Analysis:

• Oversee data collection processes, ensuring data integrity and compliance with ethical standards.
• Utilize research-related software (e.g., SPSS, SAS, R, Tableau) to analyze and visualize data and contribute to presentations and publications.
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative data analysis to support research objectives.

Minimum Hiring Standards

• MD, PhD, or MD/PhD in a relevant biomedical field (e.g., hematology/oncology, cancer biology, molecular oncology, epidemiology, public health, or related disciplines) with 5-10 years of related scientific/health care communication experience.
• Strong background in cancer research, with an emphasis on translational oncology, lung cancer, and/or cancer health equity.
• Extensive experience in scientific writing and editing, with a proven track record of high-impact publications and successful grant applications.
• Exceptional ability to translate complex scientific concepts into clear, compelling narratives.
• Familiarity with funding mechanisms such as NIH (R01, P01, U01, P50, SPORE, etc.), DOD, and foundation grants.
• Outstanding organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines; project management experience.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with a multidisciplinary team of researchers and clinicians.
• Understanding of NIH grant compliance, IRB submissions, and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to write original content, edit, and proofread medical and scientific documents.
• Demonstrable experience with successful grant applications and scientific publication.
• High proficiency with Microsoft Word; proficient with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe Acrobat.
• Ability to identify issues and generate solutions or request appropriate intervention by management.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, both oral and written.
• Extensive understanding of medical and scientific terminology, especially as it relates to biomedical basic and clinical research.
• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced, demanding environment and adapt to changing priorities without supervision.
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.
• Independent, creative, and detail-oriented, able to coordinate and manage multiple projects simultaneously, and enjoys working on a variety of research-related tasks.
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of biostatistics, clinical trials methodology, and health disparities research.
• Experience in creating and managing large, multi-investigator grant applications (e.g., NIH P-series, U-series, SPORE).

Please note VCU is not able to provide ongoing visa sponsorship for this position.