Scientific Writer - Massey

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Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center Mission

To improve the lives of all Virginians by delivering cutting-edge cancer care through patient-centered prevention and treatment; high-impact, innovative research; community input and engagement; and education and training of the next generation of researchers and healthcare professionals.

VCU is committed to hiring veterans! VCU will include a veteran’s period(s) of military service in the calculation of their annual leave accrual rate. This may provide veterans with an increased leave accrual!

Summary

Scientific Writers assist faculty and research staff in the development of scientific documents, including clinical research documents (e.g., clinical protocols, informed consent forms, IND/IDE applications), 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). They ensure that the documents are readable, clear, and consistent and conform to any applicable style and regulatory requirements specified by the applicable agency, journal, scientific society, or meeting sponsor. Scientific Writers also manage document control and versioning among one or more authors. They work under general supervision, resolving most standard issues independently and referring complex issues to an upper-level manager. Scientific Writers typically report to a manager or director.

Senior Statement

Senior Scientific Writers maintain expert knowledge of current applicable regulations, guidelines, policies, instructions, etc., relating to clinical/translational and/or basic research, grants management, and data reporting. They are further distinguished from Scientific Writers by increased complexity of assigned tasks or projects; an ability to identify options and develop solutions for increasingly complex situations; greater decision-making authority; and the judgment, resourcefulness, and ability to identify issues and/or areas that should be addressed differently. Senior Scientific Writers manage the scientific writing team and staff workload to ensure that priorities are met and that high-quality work is produced for deadlines. They are resources for others, participating in mentoring, coaching, and training.

Typical Duties

•          Plan and prepare major departmental grant initiatives.
•          Edit and proofread articles, book chapters, grants, abstracts, posters, oral and visual presentations for style, grammar, and content
•          Assist with editing and formatting annual reports and progress reports. 
• Serves 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
•         Work in close collaboration with different teams on the development of grants and manuscripts.
•          Responsible for developing and submitting various scientific materials for peer-reviewed journals and internal and external print and website communications.
•         Adhere to established style guidelines and consistently meet the internal and external deadlines for the submission of grants and publications.
•        Assist in the development and delivery of research education training materials and workshops.

Typical Education Experience

Master’s degree or equivalent in a scientific, health care, or communications field. 5-10 years of related scientific/health care communication experience.

Typical Licensure

Certification in clinical research administration or AMWA Essential Skills certificate within twelve months.

Typical Expertise

• Demonstrated ability to write original content, edit, and proofread medical and scientific documents.
• Demonstrable experience with grant applications and scientific publication.
• Knowledge of NIH grant funding mechanisms, requirements, and submission platforms (e.g., SF424).
• 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.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, both oral and written.
• Basic 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.

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Preferred Qualifications 

• PhD in biological sciences or other related/relevant field is preferred.
• Knowledge of basic, translational, and/or clinical research processes.
• Oncology experience.
• Proficient with reference management software (EndNote preferred).
• Project management experience.

Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action university providing access to education and employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, political affiliation, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or disability.

Massey Cancer Center
Masseyhr@vcu.edu