The purpose of this position is to support scientific and technical writing needs, using plain-language.

• Work products and documents related to advancing innovative strategic communication plans to communicate information and messages about HLBS research initiatives and public health issues; evolve implementation plans/strategies to communicate HLBS messages; ensure that “discoveries” in NHLBI-supported laboratories and clinical trials are disseminated to health professionals and the public; consult with the OSPEEC Engagement and Media Relations Branch to obtain recommendations on specific research projects or study results for promotion (press release, other media materials, or social media). - Daily

• Work products and documents related to preparation of a Situation Analysis document on specific research topics, consisting of narrative detailing the communications environment. Present for discussion, refine and gain consensus of Divisions, Offices, and Centers (DOC). - Daily

• Work products and documents associated with a Concept Brief, detailing key areas of communication projects, including purpose, goals, objectives, intended audiences, obstacles, core messages, message concepts, tone, openings, tactics, and creative considerations. - Daily

• Work products and documents associated with a draft communication Plan, providing creative and innovative approaches linked to goals, objectives, intended audiences, key messages, tactics, evaluation mechanisms, and resources. - Daily

• Computer-generated work including preparing biweekly reports detailing status of communications activities with the Divisions, Offices, and Centers. - Bi-Weekly

• Research, write and edit in accordance with industry, academic and publication standards book manuscripts and chapters, peer reviewed journal articles, conference and symposium proceedings and general print media articles. - 1
• Prepare summaries, reports, dashboards and presentations on results of literature reviews to researchers and staffs. - 2
• Assist data managers collect, collate, organize and upload information to advanced data repositories, and integrate local databases with enterprise software and applications such as REPORTER and IMPAC II. - 3

• Prepares scientific and technical materials for publication.

• Research, write and edit scientific and technical information in a variety of formats, including articles, blog posts, factsheets, one pagers, brochures, presentations and speeches, workshop summaries, reports, briefing materials, press releases, content for digital media in online and print format.

• Research, write and edit technical reports of original research specifications, findings and conclusions for submission to administrative, legislative and regulatory review.

• Research, write and edit policy papers featuring recommendations based on original research findings and conclusions.

• Prepare technical summaries of proposed, ongoing or concluded research projects and studies for circulation within and among scientific elements within the government.

• Conducts advanced literature reviews and prepares reports, summaries and presentations on findings.

• Perform literature reviews of scientific and technical literature to identify methodologies, findings and conclusions of significance and prepare summaries and reports for distribution among research and medical staffs.

• Develop and edit official program management reports, official correspondence and audit reports.

• Conduct advanced literature reviews and prepare reports, summaries and presentations on findings.

• Maintain credentials to standard databases, repositories, libraries, and search engines to ensure access to the most recent domestic and international publications, dissertations, research reports, etc. 

• Creates and maintains databases of all research materials, literature reviews, and publications.

• Enter references from PubMed into a Reference Manager database on a routine basis and review usage data.

• Develops and edits official program management reports, official correspondence and audit reports.

• Collect and assemble source materials into succinct response to research and operational audit requests.

• Prepare letters, memoranda, reports, agendas, abstracts, protocols and laboratory announcements for internal distribution.

• Coordinate with senior executives to prepare outlines and collect and assemble into annual reports.

• Collect and assemble source materials into succinct responses to research and operational audit requests.

• Assist program and project managers draft and edit scientific documentation related to research and operational projects.

• Review and provide comment on the scientific and technical accuracy of a variety of reports, presentations and correspondence.

• Prepare, review and provide edits to a variety of external communication and informational materials to ensure scientific and technical accuracy and completeness.

• Provide scientific and technical writing expertise to assist researchers and staff prepare documentation.

• Advise researchers and staff on the appropriate type of documentation or informational materials to create based on needs and requirements.

• Design and maintain templates and detailed usage instructions for preparing common documentation, such as posters, presentations, reports, proposals, abstracts, etc.

• Advise NHLBI staff members on communication opportunities, issues and strategies; work with staff to meet their communication needs.

• Finalizes documents and prepares materials for publication.

• Proofread all documents (drafts and final forms) for scientific and technical accuracy and completeness prior to submitting them for review and approval or acceptance.

• Assist staff with verification of publications attributed to funding sources.

• Critically review draft documents, synthesize comments, and incorporate appropriate comments from other reviewers into successive drafts to prepare final documents.

• Provides expert guidance, direction and support to executives in the development and distribution of scientific and technical written materials.

• Provide expert advice for general health and science communications activities that involve content creation for health communication and outreach projects, scientific and technical publication, promotional materials and online events.

• Design and implement a publications program that enhances development and dissemination of information about the Institute’s research programs, activities and outcomes.

• Evaluate research and publication activities, to include the collection, organization, analysis, preparation, processing and reporting of scientific and technical information and provide recommendations to improve performance and outcomes.

• Provide expert advice and consultation to staff on issues related to scientific and programmatic written articles.

• Advise executives and program managers on written materials to be developed and present strategies for maximizing impact and performance toward organizational and programmatic goas and objectives.

• Mentors, coaches and trains writers, editors and staff on scientific and technical writing and editing practices and procedures.

• Identifies external scientific and technical writing and editing training and professional development opportunities and prepares recommendations for individual members of the staff to attend.

• Researchers, repackages and shares among research and operational staff best practices, tips, and practices for improving the quality and consistency of scientific and technical writing.

Certifications & Licenses

• N/A

Field of Study

• Communications

Software

• N/A

Skills

• Knowledge and understanding of the field of communications and best practices.

• Experience in planning and supporting communications activities. Special emphasis on providing guidance in health, research or scientific areas preferred.

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in interpersonal and formal settings, including oral and written communication.

• Ability to work and interact with individuals at various levels of the organization, including senior leadership.

• Project management skills and ability to set priorities, develop work plans, and monitor progress.

• Knowledge and understanding of operational planning for an organization.

• Demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple projects, turn around projects quickly, and meet deadlines.

• Skill in monitoring relevant issues that may impact the organization and analyze and evaluate all available information and apply seasoned judgment to recommend a plan of action for communications or engagements.

• Knowledge and experience working in the areas of the research, health, and or medicine.

• Ability to work across OSPEEC fluidly as a team member (or lead when appropriate) in a collaborative capacity.