Scientific Writer

About the role

At Houston Methodist, the Scientific Writer position is responsible for performing a variety of tasks including preparing laboratory and clinical studies and documents for submission to journals and granting agencies. The position facilitates the gathering of noteworthy achievements in science within the department and helps translate and disseminate that information through feature articles, news releases, newsletters, social media and other communications venues. FLSA STATUS

Exempt

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field
• MS or PhD in biological science field preferred

Experience

• Three years of experience in science writing/editing

Knowledge and Abilities

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
• Ability to write in a scientific or technical field
• Knowledgeable in writing/editing biomedical manuscripts
• Knowledgeable in grant application processes

People Essential Functions

• Works with principal investigator, provides advice on grantsmanship, editorial support and standardized language for administrative sections; manages scientific writing process.
• Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team focused work unit that actively helps one other to achieve optimal department results. Collaborates with all members of the patient care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent information as it relates to assigned system(s) in a comprehensive manner.

Service Essential Functions

• Facilitates writing, editing, and preparation of high quality written scientific documents for grant applications, publications, scientific manuscripts for peer review, white papers, protocols, and other scientific or administrative reports.
• Assists with preparation of protocols (including amendments and informed consents), reports, and manuscripts for publication.
• Provides faculty with full lifecycle support from technical document development to preparation and submission.

Quality/safety Essential Functions

• Assures compliance with Houston Methodist polices, rules, and regulations to meet federal, state, and local standards.
• Interpreting data and advising sponsors as to how best to present data considering regulatory agency requirements.
• Prepares moderately complex documents and sections of regulatory submissions and contributes scientific knowledge and analytical skills to the preparation of grant proposals, manuscripts, presentations, protocols, and clinical regulatory documentation.
• Assures quality and timely preparation of technical documents.

Finance Essential Functions

• Assists with the writing of grant applications, awards, contracts, subcontracts and other agreements.
• Submits grant proposals and manuscripts for editing.
• Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies. Evaluates and reports on inventory levels. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks.

Growth/innovation Essential Functions

• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development as a writer.
• Participates in departmental projects and shared governance activities; manages and leads projects related to optimization of assigned system(s).

Supplemental Requirements

Work Attire

• Uniform: No
• Scrubs: No
• Business professional: Yes
• Other (department approved): No

On-call*

*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call* No

Travel specifications may vary by department

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

Work Shift: 1 - Day (United States of America)

Job Category

Non-clinical Houston Methodist is one of the nation's leading health systems and academic medical centers. The health system consists of eight hospitals: Houston Methodist Hospital, its flagship academic hospital in the Texas Medical Center, seven community hospitals and one long-term acute care hospital throughout the Greater Houston metropolitan area. Houston Methodist also includes a research institute; a comprehensive residency program; international patient services; freestanding comprehensive care clinics, emergency care and imaging centers; and outpatient facilities. Come lead with us!

Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.