Senior Scientific Writer

With minimal supervision, the Senior Scientific Writer is responsible for working with The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) faculty/scientists to prepare grant applications and other scientific communication materials on a wide range of research topics.

Responsibilities include taking a lead role in the preparation of grant proposals, including single-investigator, multiple PI, multi-institutional and/or complex/multi-component ("Center") proposals, with a focus on NIH, DOD and NSF. This includes providing advice and writing and editing support on grantsmanship and, at times, primary writing of specific grant sections; developing standardized language for administrative sections; managing the scientific writing process, including proposal management, team building and coordination; establishing the application work plan, timeline and deliverables; and proposal draft preparation, review and revision. The Senior Scientific Writer undertakes these activities in collaboration with their RPD teammates and other research support staff within the Sponsored Research Administration (SRA) and Clinical and Translational Research Services (CTRS) teams, as appropriate, to ensure timely, accurate application submission. The Senior Scientific Writer will also participate in onboarding and mentorship activities to ensure unified process and consistency in the delivery of all proposal development and research development services.

The individual must have demonstrated experience in writing and editing scientific grants and manuscripts in the biomedical research realm; must have exceptional grantsmanship, communications, and organizational skills; and must be capable of handling both the scientific writing and project management process for complex multi-investigator and institutional grant applications. The individual must also be capable of collaborating with diverse teams of investigators, senior leadership and administrative personnel and have the ability to relate scientific and strategic goals to individual grant opportunities and other research communications vehicles.

Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions

• Proposal development. Provides end-to-end scientific writing, editing and project management support for grant applications and proposals. Support includes: establishing the application work plan, timeline and deliverables in collaboration with JAX's other sponsored research support teams; analysis of funding solicitation, funding agency and/or and past awards to advise PI on sponsor expectations and help guide responsive concept development; iterative proposal development support that includes advice on grantsmanship, conceptual formulation and editorial support; primary writing of non-research components of proposals, including administration plans, management plans, project summaries, and administrative components; and development of supportive graphics where needed and/or appropriate. For complex, multi-component and/or multi-institutional proposals, this additionally includes proposal project management duties such as managing the application timeline and writing process; monitoring progress and adjusting workplans as appropriate; and team coordination and communication, both with JAX investigators and with external collaborators and collaborating institutions .
• Funding strategy. Participates in discussions and evaluation of funding sources and funding opportunity announcements (FOAs). Participates in agency discussions regarding responsiveness to FOAs. Monitors trends in sponsor funding.
• Edits technical manuscripts, fellowship applications, clinical research protocols and other research communications materials written by faculty, scientific staff and/or trainees.
• Other Research Development activities. Communicates and collaborates with RPD staff on other projects (e.g., grant writing workshops, educational initiatives) as needed in support of the RPD mission and needs of the JAX community.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Required:

• Exceptional written communication skills to prepare and edit competitive grant applications, publications, administrative materials, other research communications and clinical protocols.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to build teams and trust among known and unfamiliar professionals in a high-pressure environment. Must possess the ability to interact positively and professionally with very senior faculty and leadership.
• Excellent organizational skills to manage the project management and writing process (draft preparation, review and revision) of complex grant proposals and deliver fundable proposals in a timely manner to meet both interim and final deadlines.
• Ability to grasp complicated technical subjects, synthesize diverse lines of evidence and apply these abilities to technical writing.
• As JAX’s appetite to pursue Center-type applications is growing, the demonstrated, proven ability to project manage large, complex, multi-institution grants to federal funding agencies including NIH, DoD, and NSF would also be a significant advantage to success in this position.
• Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Powerpoint, Excel) and Adobe Acrobat applications.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to meet hard deadlines and work well under pressure.

Preferred:

• Experience in scientific project and/or program management
• Evidence of project management training and/or certification (PMP or similar training).
• Graphics expertise using Illustrator, Photoshop, Biorender or related platforms.
• Experience using file-sharing platforms (Dropbox, Box, OneDrive).
• Experience with public grant databases including NIH RePorter and grants.gov.

Required Education: Doctorate

Experience required: 3 years

Experience preferred: 5years

Salary Range: $80,167 - $104,217

REQUIRED: ALL APPLICANTS MUST SUBMIT BOTH RESUME AND COVER LETTER FOR REVIEW

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About JAX:

The Jackson Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center and nearly 3,000 employees in locations across the United States (Maine, Connecticut, California), Japan and China. Its mission is to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health.

Founded in 1929, JAX applies over nine decades of expertise in genetics to increase understanding of human disease, advancing treatments and cures for cancer, neurological and immune disorders, diabetes, aging and heart disease. It models and interprets genomic complexity, integrates basic research with clinical application, educates current and future scientists, and provides critical data, tools and services to the global biomedical community. For more information, please visit www.jax.org​​​​​​​.

EEO Statement:

The Jackson Laboratory provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, national origin, veteran status, and other classifications protected by applicable state and local non-discrimination laws.