Academic Writer/Editor

Academic Writer/Editor I

This position's work location is fully remote with the occasional time onsite as needed. The selected candidate may only work remotely from a New England state (ME, VT, NH, MA, CT, RI). The Academic Writer/Editor I manages the organization and execution of content, timelines, and resources for faculty promotions in Medical Oncology. They work closely with faculty, administrators, and institutional leaders to ensure that CVs and promotion documents meet the high standards of the Department of Medical Oncology, the Department of Medicine, and Harvard Medical School. The role involves handling appointments for Instructor, Assistant Professor, and eventually Associate Professor positions. It requires exceptional skills in scientific writing, editing, and document management to support faculty appointments and enhance the institution's reputation. Key responsibilities include synthesizing complex scientific data, ensuring compliance with guidelines, and contributing to innovative editorial practices.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Liaison and Coordination: The Academic Writer/Editor acts as the primary point of contact between faculty members and the Department of Medicine, ensuring that CVs, annotated bibliographies, and candidate summaries meet the requirements for faculty promotions. This role is essential for maintaining clear communication and alignment with institutional standards.
• Content Creation and Verification: This role involves writing, formatting, and editing faculty CVs and promotion documents according to specific style guidelines. The writer/editor must have a thorough understanding of the Harvard Medical School CV format and use critical thinking to verify and accurately represent information.
• Research and Data Collection: The Academic Writer/Editor is tasked with researching and verifying CV entries, such as grants and presentations, using resources like NIH/NCI sites and PubMed. This requires expertise in grants and clinical trials and collaboration with faculty to identify potential CV content.
• Simplifying Scientific Information: The role requires the ability to summarize and simplify complex clinical and research data, ensuring that scientific and medical information is communicated clearly. This includes topics related to clinical trials, treatments, and research, making them accessible to a broader audience.
• Quality Assurance: Ensuring that all documents meet or exceed the standards set by the Department of Medicine and Medical Oncology is a key responsibility. The Academic Writer/Editor maintains high-quality outputs, which are crucial for successful faculty promotions.
• Process Optimization: The role involves developing strategies to streamline the editorial process, such as creating templates and guidelines. This includes training faculty and administrative staff to improve efficiency and consistency in document preparation.
• Document Management and Faculty Support: The writer/editor stays updated with revisions to CV templates and promotion documents, adapting to new policies. They draft sections of nominating letters and organize meetings with faculty to refine CVs, supporting their academic and professional development.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

• Medical and Scientific Terminology: Essential familiarity with medical and scientific terms for accurate interpretation and communication of complex information, supported by relevant courses or certifications.
• Grants and Clinical Trials Knowledge: Understanding the components of grants and clinical trials to accurately represent research activities in academic documents.
• Writing and Communication Skills: Exemplary skills in writing, communication, and proofreading to produce clear, concise, and error-free documents, with strong grammatical abilities.
• Professionalism and Deadline Management: High professionalism and ability to meet deadlines, ensuring quality and timeliness in work that reflects institutional standards.
• Simplifying Complex Information: Ability to organize and translate complex clinical information for lay audiences, making scientific content accessible and understandable.
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced skills with editorial tools and software, such as Microsoft Office Suite, PubMed, and CV generators, to enhance efficiency and document quality.
• Customer Service and Communication: Excellent customer service skills and effective communication with faculty and staff at all levels to foster positive relationships.
• Understanding of Academic Processes: Knowledge of academic promotion processes and scientific communication principles to align documents with institutional priorities.
• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical abilities to assess and improve the quality of promotion documents, ensuring alignment with institutional goals.
• Attention to Detail and Organizational Skills: Great attention to detail and competence in organizing tasks and managing multiple projects to maintain productivity and meet deadlines.

Minimum Job Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, English, or life sciences.
• Minimum of 1-3 years of experience in writing or editorial work, preferably in an academic setting.
• Master's degree in life sciences, biology, medical science, or a related medical field is preferred.
• Experience in the healthcare or pharmaceutical industry is advantageous.
• Experience with grants management platforms is a plus.

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are committed to having faculty and staff who offer multifaceted experiences. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and compassionate professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.