Technical Writer

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been consistently ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

Posted Job Title

Technical Writer, Temporary Worker, Penn LDI

Job Profile Title

Temporary Employee - Non-Exempt

Job Description Summary

Wharton School Overview
Founded in 1881 as the world’s first collegiate business school, the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is shaping the future of business by incubating ideas, driving insights, and creating leaders who change the world. With campuses in both Philadelphia and San Francisco, Wharton has over 850 staff, a faculty population of more than 235 renowned professors, and 5,000 undergraduate, MBA, executive MBA, and doctoral students. Each year 13,000 professionals from around the world advance their careers through Wharton Executive Education’s individual, company-customized, and online programs. More than 104,000 Wharton alumni form a powerful global network of leaders who transform business every day. Wharton is home to a dynamic community of staff, bringing a wide range of skills, experiences, and perspectives. To learn more, visit www.wharton.upenn.edu.

The Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics (LDI), an interdisciplinary research institute that brings together researchers from across the University of Pennsylvania to improve health and health care through collaborative, multidisciplinary research that influences policy and practice, has partnered with Penn Medicine to host the Penn Policy Summit on Autonomous AI in Health Care. The summit will convene 25 national experts—including researchers, industry leaders, and state and local government officials—for facilitated discussions designed to inform a white paper that will help policymakers develop approaches to AI that foster innovation while promoting safety and equity.

To develop the white paper within the required timeframe and appropriate style, LDI requires a technical writer with demonstrated experience translating complex AI policy issues into clear, accessible, non-consensus white papers. The writer must be able to synthesize diverse expert perspectives and produce high-quality drafts on an accelerated schedule.

The writer will review relevant background materials, participate in meetings and events as needed, and collaborate with the LDI team throughout the writing and revision process. The writer will prepare timely drafts, respond to feedback from relevant stakeholders, and deliver a final document that meets the project’s objectives and agreed-upon requirements.

Job Description

The qualified candidate will: 

• attend pre-meetings 
• read the preparatory materials 
• attend the summit on Tuesday, September 29 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• deliver a first draft within one month, review and respond to feedback and comments on subseqent drafts 
• be available to consult LDI team during the writing process 
• provide a final draft

Qualifications:

A Ph.D. and 20 years of experience are required or equivalent combination of education and experience. 

• Demonstrated experience writing policy-focused white papers, reports, or similar publications for federal, state, or local policymakers.
• Substantive knowledge of artificial intelligence, including autonomous or agentic AI, and its applications, opportunities, and risks in health care.
• Familiarity with relevant policy considerations, including patient safety, privacy, security, accountability, transparency, regulatory oversight, bias, health equity, and responsible innovation.
• Proven ability to translate complex technical, clinical, legal, and policy concepts into clear, accurate, and accessible language for a nontechnical audience.
• Experience synthesizing research findings and diverse expert perspectives into a cohesive, evidence-based publication without requiring consensus among contributors.\
• Strong ability to identify key themes and policy implications from discussions with researchers, industry leaders, clinicians, and government officials.
• Excellent research, analytical, writing, editing, and fact-checking skills, with careful attention to accuracy, organization, tone, and citation practices.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with subject-matter experts and incorporate feedback from multiple stakeholders.
• Ability to produce high-quality drafts and revisions under an accelerated timeline while managing competing priorities and meeting firm deadlines.
• An advanced degree in public policy, health policy, public health, law, journalism, communications, computer science, or a related field is preferred.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Wharton School

Pay Range

$7.25 - $180.00 Hourly Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job’s level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin(including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protectedunder applicable federal, state or local law.

Special Requirements 
A background check may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

• Health and Life: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare.
• Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

Please note that benefit eligibility is determined/based on ACA guidelines.