Job Description

Overview

Since its inception, Dana-Farber has placed a unique emphasis on all forms of research relevant to the eradication of cancer while, at the same time, providing both cutting-edge and highly compassionate comprehensive patient care. 

The Department of Pediatric Oncology seeks a scientific writer and editor to assist various members of the Pediatric Oncology Department in writing and editing grant applications, manuscripts and other written material for clarity and impact.  The writer/editor will report to the Pediatric Oncology Department Chair, and work with the Chair, faculty, trainees, and staff on various writing projects, including progress reports, grant support letters, online content, and the design and formatting of visual materials to support written work . The scientific writer/editor may also collaborate with a variety of individuals throughout the Institute. In this capacity the writer/editor may meet in person or by Zoom with faculty and research staff and follow up with other methods of communication to establish a final product.

The ideal candidate has a strong scientific research background, understanding basic biomedical science and clinical medicine, and a passion for contributing knowledge and experience to promote better scientific communication. They have the ability to research and obtain scientific background material from a wide variety of sources and to understand and translate scientific content into reports and manuscripts. They will also possess exceptional editing and proofreading skills and the capacity to revise researchers’ copy, improving readability while ensuring accuracy. They will remain current on cancer research via reading research articles and attending seminars in which members of the department conduct research. And finally, they will have a demonstrated ability to build relationships and work with senior scientists, clinical investigators, and junior scientists on developing and writing research manuscripts and grants.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

Responsibilities

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assistance with grant writing and grant progress reports as needed.
• Deliver comprehensive writing and editing for scientific content, proofreading and fact checking as needed.
• Assist with pediatric oncology on-line communications, such as intranet page updates and related scheduled communications (all-faculty emails, etc.).
• Serve as a liaison between Communications Department and Pediatric Oncology administration as needed.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position currently has no full time direct supervisory duties.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• The Science Writer/Editor must be able to express ideas clearly and logically and should love to write
• Curiosity, a broad range of knowledge, and perseverance also are necessary
• The Science Writer must understand the science, and then translate that knowledge accurately into a form that is both interesting and intelligible
• A proven ability to work both collaboratively and independently, and produce high-quality work on a defined timeline is required
• The Science Writer/Editor must be comfortable managing multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines with a calm professionalism
• Strong customer-service orientation to understand and assist a wide range of internal stakeholders is required
• The Science Writer/Editor must commit to the highest standards of customer service and professionalism
• General knowledge of up-to-date cancer research – both internal and external to DFCI
• Basic understanding of basic science methods and technology, clinical research, translational medicine, and current cancer care treatments and therapies
• Experience writing or editing NIH, NCI, DOD and Foundation grant applications preferred
• Strong project management skills and attention to detail
• Facility with software systems and Internet-based project management programs
• Proficiency in e-Emma and/or other e-newsletter software and website functionality preferred, though not required
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint
• Ability to work closely and effectively with all levels of staff especially faculty with diverse research portfolios and our grant managers
• High ethical standards and a sense of collegiality

PATIENT CONTACT:

There may be patient contact from time to time. This position may include interviews and meetings with patients, including members of DFCI’s Patient and Family Advisory Council, undergoing select therapies as needed.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Works in office or cubicle and in meetings, forums, internal and external to hospital, with a significant amount of time on a computer. This work will often take place in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. This arrangement may vary according to the priorities of the Division and that time.

DISCLAIMER:

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.  Requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities.  This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship.

Qualifications

A Master’s degree in a related wet-lab or dry lab science is required; PhD preferred. A minor in Communications or English would strengthen one’s candidacy along with communications experience, preferably in a science related field. Experience in grant and manuscript writing.

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong.  As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are equally committed to diversifying our faculty and staff.  Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and diverse professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

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