Job Description

Overview

The Fischer lab at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute seeks a Scientific Writer and Communicator to assist the PI and members of the laboratory in writing and editing grant applications, manuscripts and other written material so as to effectively communicate the research arc of the team to professional and lay audiences. The candidate will work closely with the PI and the lab leadership team to support excellence in scientific communication and to help provide training to trainees and lab members on written scientific communication.

The successful candidate will work with the PI, research staff and/or grant managers on diverse writing projects.  In bringing these projects to fruition, responsibilities of the successful candidate will include reading background information, federal and foundation sponsor guidelines, request for proposal (RFP) language and internal or external policies/procedures for a specific writing assignment. In this capacity the writer may meet with faculty and research staff, conduct follow-up phone conversations, and be self-motivated to do any other necessary information gathering to develop a final product.

The scientific writer/communicator will be an integral part of our team. This individual will be expected to participate in lab meetings and pro-actively work with members of the lab to maintain an understanding of our science. The science writer/editor would play a key role in effectively communicating the work of the lab and serve as a link between dedicated researchers and donors/granting agencies. The successful candidate should be able to take complex information and communicate it clearly, concisely, and accurately to explain key concepts to sponsors and the public, thereby helping the lab to articulate the challenges in basic and translational research that the lab’s work addresses. In collaboration with the PI, lab leadership and the Content and Creative Services team within the DFCI Communications Department, the science writer/editor will also work to promote broader awareness of the lab’s mission via updates and messaging to internal and external audiences using established communication channels such as DFCI news formats or social media channels.

This position is 2-3 days remote. Only applicants living in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, or New Hampshire at the time of employment will be considered.

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

• In close coordination with the PI, work on grants and reports for external sponsors and funding agencies.
• Assist PI, staff and trainees with writing and editing of papers, grants, fellowship applications and reports.
• In close coordination with the PI work on internal and external communication to promote broader awareness of the research.
• Serve as liaison between PI or lab staff and the DFCI communications department as needed.
• Engage in training and education of lab members in all aspects of written scientific communications.
• Work effectively towards specific timeline and deadlines related to each writing project.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in a field of biology or chemical biology. Master’s/Ph.D. preferred
• Minimum of 5 years of communications or editorial experience, preferably in a science-related field, with at least 3 of those years dedicated to science writing and editing.
• A minor in communications or English would strengthen one’s candidacy.
• The candidate must be able to express ideas clearly and logically and should love to write
• Curiosity, a broad range of knowledge, and perseverance are necessary.
• A proven ability to work both collaboratively and independently, and produce high-quality work on a defined timeline is required.
• The candidate must be comfortable managing multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines with a calm professionalism.
• Experience writing or editing manuscripts and NIH-style grant applications preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Endnote.
• Ability to work closely and effectively with all levels of staff.
• High ethical standards and a sense of collegiality.

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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