Science Writer/Editor III-Substance Use/Mental Illness

The Senior Science Writer and Editor develops evidence-based content with a focus on prevention, treatment, and recovery support services related to substance use and/or mental illness. This position requires an ability to translate highly technical and scientific material into concise, engaging content. This position will conduct structured reviews of the scientific and academic literature, vet the quality of research presented to select strong sources, and synthesize findings by outlining and then writing drafts that result in well-organized, accurately cited publications that provide actionable content aligned with the information needs of target audiences including health professionals, patients and families, researchers, policy makers, and more.

This position conducts literature reviews and environmental scans, develops literature summaries, and creates annotated bibliographies and content outlines to support development of communications products. The Senior Science Writer and Editor will be required to fact-check scientific content when necessary. The Senior Science Writer and Editor will also prepare materials for and lead meetings that bring together federal planning teams as well as consulting subject matter experts on selected topics; facilitate consensus-based, iterative creation of draft outlines and chapters that reflect the input of these participants in the content development process; and document how and to what extent specific points of feedback were incorporated into drafts or provide a clear rationale for why certain suggestions were not incorporated.

***Please note that if you are within 50 miles of the North Bethesda or San Mateo offices, that this position will require a hybrid work.***

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Research, write, edit, and update evidence-based content for products such as toolkits, manuals, evidence-based guides, and fact sheets. Audiences include health professionals (including medical, behavioral health, and allied professionals), health program administrators, researchers, social service providers, public health grantees, and patients, families, and other interested consumers.
• Contribute to the full range of product development activities, including:
  • Conducting literature reviews and environmental scans; developing literature summaries and annotated bibliographies to support content development.
  • Developing substantive content outlines.
  • Writing evidence-based, research-informed content that reflects input from federal reviewers and consulting subject matter experts.
  • Providing a range of support across the content development cycle, including substantive reviews, copyediting and fact-checking.
  • Updating existing content to conform with changes such as research advances, guidance and recommendations, and legislative and regulatory changes.
  • Collaborating with in-house and consulting subject matter experts.
  • Writing, reviewing, and editing content to align with the needs of audiences with diverse racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, gender, and other cultural characteristics.
• Engage with the client and lead product development planning meetings.
• Assisting with proposal development; supporting other corporate projects as needed.

MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: MA degree or higher in public health, psychology, psychiatry, or health program administration, preferably with a focus on substance misuse treatment, prevention, and recovery. Other science- and communications-related degrees and advanced licensures/certifications will be considered.

Language: English fluency (oral and written)

Experience:

• 10+ years of experience writing evidence-based content, preferably for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services or other federal agencies or contracting organizations involved in the health and human services field.
• Strong history of translating highly technical findings into concise, engaging, and actionable content tailored for specialist as well as non-specialist audiences.
• Experience writing and editing according to plain-language principles.
• Experience facilitating field reviews, expert reviews, stakeholder meetings, and similar consensus-based content development exercises.
• Experience developing substantive literature reviews, annotated bibliographies, and other exercises summarizing and synthesizing a range of research-based publications.
• Experience documenting and incorporating expert reviewer feedback into draft content.
• Experience adhering to professional style manuals (e.g., APA, GPO, Chicago).

Knowledge:

• Familiarity with mental health and/or substance use, as well as substance use and mental disorder research, prevention, treatment, and recovery support services-preferably from both clinical and program administration perspectives.
• Knowledge of public health and/or medical/scientific communications and information dissemination.
• Proven ability to identify, review, and critique topic-specific research literature; grade quality of evidence and strength of recommendations; and synthesize independently, with minimal guidance from content experts.

Skills:

• Excellent written and editorial skills as applied to scientific and health-related content.
• Ability to handle multiple projects at once while maintaining attention to detail; strong organizational skills.
• Excellent oral communication skills.
• Collaborative skills-can engage with a team of talented in-house staff and external consultants in the development of consensus-based publications.

Software Proficiency:

• High degree of proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience using MS Word styles in document development.
• Proficiency with Adobe Acrobat.

Location: North Bethesda

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit for prolonged periods at a desk or computer workstation.
• Regularly uses a computer, keyboard, and mouse.
• Normal or corrected vision to read documents, view computer screens, and perform tasks that require visual accuracy.
• Ability to hear and understand spoken information in person and over the phone.
• Minimal lifting and carrying may be required, typically light office supplies or documents.
• Ability to move within the office environment to access equipment, files, and interact with colleagues.
• Ability to handle occasional stress related to deadlines, workloads, or challenging tasks.

PREFERRED JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: PhD or advanced licensure in public health, psychology, psychiatry, counseling-focused social work, or behavioral health program administration, preferably with a focus on mental health or substance misuse treatment, prevention, and recovery. Other science- and communications-related degrees and licensures will be considered as appropriate.

Language: Working knowledge of Spanish preferred.

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED: This position description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position nor will it be the sole basis for any subsequent employee evaluations. Incumbents will follow any other instructions and perform any other related duties as may be required by their supervisor.

This position is subject to availability of funds and to any and all restrictions contained in the contract or contracts that provide funding for this position.

APPLICATION INFORMATION:
If you meet the minimum requirements for this position, please click on the "Apply" link posted below and complete the application. Please include a cover letter, resume, and at least three (3) professional references.

Our company is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Applicants can learn more about the company's status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the federal "EEO is the Law" poster at

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.