Scientific Writer

We are seeking a candidate to lead drafting, editing, and finalization of all written materials from the research team of Dr. Bissan Al-Lazikani. As part of the new, ambitious, Therapeutics Data Science initiative at MDACC, we are developing an innovative AI-augmented, Adaptive, Drug Discovery and Development (A3D3a) computational Platform to accelerate the discovery and impact of novel therapies for cancer. The Platform will enable novel opportunities for optimized therapies for patients with focus on rare and hard-to-treat cancers through development of novel machine learning and AI technologies. The A3D3a team is highly multidisciplinary with members spanning computational biology, chemistry data science and computer science.

This role will be essential for disseminating our research and securing competitive funding, thus positively impacting team research for our group. In-depth experiences in scientific and technical writing for technical reviewers, funding agencies, and the public are a requirement.

Ideal candidate: Understands the role of scientific research and grant funding in a major university setting and adapts accordingly to research changes and advancements. Experience in Adobe Creative Cloud or similar products highly desirable.

KEY FUNCTIONS

• Writes, edits and coordinates production of highly technical biomedical material including scientific papers, grant applications, technical and lay reports.

• Retrieves data from databases and other internal and external data and information sources.

• Provides proofreading, copyediting, line editing and minor reorganization of manuscripts and other documents.

• Coordinates planning, information gathering and logistics for the writing of grants/articles/technical reports.

• Coordinates production, graphics, and photos. Assists with posting, editing, and proofreading.

• Writes and submits successful grant applications, particularly large collaborative science grants.

• Maintains excellent organizational skills and the ability to prioritize multiple projects.

• Possesses the ability to meet established deadlines in an accurate and timely manner, and to manage short and competing deadlines.

• Utilizes current tools and technology to maximize efficiency and clarity of written materials.

• Supports leadership with identification, preparation, coordination, and submission/tracking of grants and manuscripts.

COMPETENCIES

Analytical Thinking - Gathers relevant information systematically; break down problems into simple components; make sound decisions.

Inspire Trust - Shows consistency among principles, values, and behavior; gain the confidence and trust of others.

Oral Communication - Expresses ideas clearly and concisely in groups and one-to-one conversations; create an environment with open channels of communication.

Strategic Thinking - Defines strategic goals and issues clearly; apply broad knowledge and experience when addressing strategic issues; foresee obstacles and opportunities relating to change or improvement.

Written Communication - Conveys information clearly and concisely through both formal and informal documents; adapt writing style to fit the audience.

Service Orientation

Provide service to our customers, including patients, patient caregivers, referring physicians and each other, in a reliable, responsive, safe, friendly, and courteous manner.

Promotes respect and professionalism to others at all times.

Models safe, ethical behavior, mitigating risk to the institution through sound business practices, and adherence to MD Anderson's Standards of Conduct, institutional policies, and procedures.

Meets time and attendance expectations and responds to requests in a timely manner, communicating expectations for procedures, service arrival, or project deliverables to patients and coworkers.

Admits when wrong, apologize and take steps to resolve a situation to help to patients and coworkers before being asked.

Working Conditions

This position requires

Working in Office Environment

______ No

x Yes

Working in Patient Care Unit (e.g., Nursing unit; outpatient clinic)

x No

______ Yes

Exposure to human/animal blood, body fluids, or tissues

x No

______ Yes

Exposure to harmful chemicals

x No

______ Yes

Exposure to radiation

__x No

______ Yes

Exposure to animals

_x No

___ __ Yes

Physical Demands

Indicate the time required to do each of the following physical demands

Time Spent

Never

0%

Occasionally

1-33%

Frequently

34-66%

Continuously

67-100%

Standing

x

Walking

x

Sitting

x

Reaching

x

Lifting/Carrying

Up to 10 lbs.

x

10lbs to 50 lbs.

x

More than 50 lbs.

x

Pushing/Pulling

Up to 10 lbs.

x

10lbs to 50 lbs.

x

More than 50 lbs.

x

Use computer/keyboard

x

EDUCATION

Required: Bachelor's degree in a related field.

EXPERIENCE

Required: Four years experience in communications, writing and editing technical/scientific material in a medical, academic or research setting. With preferred degree, two years of required experience.

Preferred: Ideal candidate: Understands the role of scientific research and grant funding in a major university setting and adapts accordingly to research changes and advancements. Experience in Adobe Creative Cloud or similar products highly desirable.

It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. ~~~

Additional Information

• Requisition ID: 167728

• Employment Status: Full-Time

• Employee Status: Regular

• Work Week: Days

• Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 66,000

• Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 82,500

• Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 99,000

• FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay

• Fund Type: Soft

• Work Location: Hybrid Onsite/Remote

• Pivotal Position: Yes

• Referral Bonus Available?: Yes

• Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes

• Science Jobs: Yes

#LI-Hybrid