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Scientific writer job description

Updated March 14, 2024
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Example scientific writer requirements on a job description

Scientific writer requirements can be divided into technical requirements and required soft skills. The lists below show the most common requirements included in scientific writer job postings.
Sample scientific writer requirements
  • Bachelor's Degree in Science, Biology, Chemistry or other related Science field.
  • Minimum of 2 years of experience in scientific writing.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Word and Excel.
  • Strong understanding of scientific terminology and concepts.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Sample required scientific writer soft skills
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Highly organized with excellent attention to detail.
  • Capable of meeting tight deadlines.
  • Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.

Scientific writer job description example 1

Genentech scientific writer job description

  • Doctoral degree (e.g., Ph.D., MD, PharmD) in the life sciences or other relevant scientific or clinical discipline
  • Minimum of 2 years of medical writing in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry
  • Graphic design and layout abilities with proficiencies in Adobe Illustrator and MS PowerPoint required; experience in Adobe InDesign and Photoshop preferred
  • Must demonstrate a high-quality writing style in the English language and have the ability to independently analyze and synthesize data from a broad range of disciplines
  • Proficient in scientific and clinical, peer reviewed writing, editing, reviewing and submission of abstracts, posters, oral presentations, manuscripts and reviews with different audiences
  • Exceptional organizational and project planning skills with particular attention to detail
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to relate and work in a cross-functional environment with a wide range of people to achieve results
  • Dynamic, self-starter with strong influential skills and adaptable to change

Relocation is not available for this position.

#LI-RB1

Genentech is an equal opportunity employer, and we embrace the increasingly diverse world around us. Genentech prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, age, disability, marital status and veteran status.

Genentech requires all new hires to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of their start date. This requirement is a condition of employment at Genentech, and it applies regardless of whether the position is located at a Genentech campus or is fully remote. If you are unable to receive the vaccine due to a disability or serious medical condition, or because it is prohibited as a result of your sincerely held religious beliefs, you will have an opportunity to request a reasonable accommodation.

Job Facts JOB FUNCTION
COMPANY/DIVISION
Genentech SCHEDULE
JOB TYPE
Full time
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Scientific writer job description example 2

Thorlabs scientific writer job description

Thorlabs, a leading manufacturer of equipment for the photonics industry, is currently seeking applications from highly motivated individuals to inform and educate the photonics community about Thorlabs' products and their applications. The ideal candidate will hold an advanced degree in physics, optics, lasers, or a closely related field and have significant hands-on laboratory experience. As a member of our Newton, NJ-based Technical Marketing Department, you will join a team of highly motivated individuals who have built an industry-leading online resource for our customers and participate in defining and developing Thorlabs' next generation of products and services. In support of that mission, the successful candidate should be highly familiar with a wide range of photonics equipment, be able to see linkages between Thorlabs' product lines, and be able to make significant recommendations for improvement to our digital content. In addition to extensive laboratory experience, the candidate should also have strong writing and presentation skills in English, excellent organizational skills, the ability to work under time constraints, and a desire to learn about new technologies. Scientific Writers work closely with in-house graphic artists to create marketing collateral. Hence, this position requires strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a team environment.

The Scientific Writer, Product Line Generalist position will work out of our Columbia, SC facility, with opportunities to travel to tradeshows or other Thorlabs manufacturing locations, including our headquarters in Newton, NJ.
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Essential Job Functions - include the following, but are not limited to:
Develops effective technical content and optimizes web presentations and website organization, all with an eye towards enhancing the buying experience for customers, ensuring they can find what they are looking for amidst a portfolio of 20,000+ items and make informed decisions on which product(s) will best serve their needs.
In crafting presentations, aims to make customers efficient when it comes to making a buying decision
Oversees end-of-life obsolescence of items from the portfolio
Builds application examples that help customers understand how products are utilized within a lab environment
Ability to guide graphics staff, clearly and effectively communicating desired outcomes to obtain the necessary images, videos, and animations for a successful presentation
Proposes and implements plans for website reorganization and improvements
Develops effective content for use at Trade Shows, within advertisements, or for other purposes
Participates in defining new products and/or product enhancements
Identifies or invents new web tools and features that improve customers' experiences when interacting with our website
Develops, implements, and tracks search engine optimization projects for various product lines
Additional responsibilities may include participating in and leading marketing projects and attending tradeshows
Structures and organizes the job in close cooperation with business units, both domestically and abroad
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Qualifications
Experience:
Extensive Laboratory Experience
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Education:
Advanced degree in Physics, Optics, Lasers, Engineering, or a closely related field or equivalent work experience
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Specialized Knowledge and Skills:
Native Language Writing Skills in English
Strong Organizational and Planning Skills
Ability to Multitask, Be Detail Oriented, and to Solve Problems, All While Under Tight Time Constraints
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Thorlabs values its diverse environment and is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified individuals will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status. Job descriptions are not intended as and do not create employment contracts. The organization maintains its status as an at-will employer. Employees can be terminated for any reason not prohibited by law.
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Scientific writer job description example 3

Vanderbilt University Medical Center scientific writer job description

The Research Scientific Writer is a part of the Engineering Deans Office at Vanderbilt University School of Engineering. The position is responsible for scientific writing for manuscripts and grant applications (to non-profit funding organizations, foundations, government agencies, etc.). Writes, edits, and reviews grant proposals, award nominations, and research manuscripts for peer review and publication. The incumbent is responsible for increasing research funding and productivity by stimulating and facilitating communication on new grant applications, and research publications. The writing for manuscripts and grants applications will be coordinated with input from the PI, as well as researchers in the lab.
Duties and Responsibilities

+ Grant preparation and writing, including research sections: This position assists the PI and collaborators with the development of scientific and administrative sections of grants

+ Preparation and writing of research abstracts and journal articles: This position assists the PI and collaborators with drafting, writing, editing, and proofing of abstracts and articles for publication

+ Preparation and writing of award nominations: This position assists the school and collaborators with drafting, writing, editing, and proofing award nominations

+ Develop, analyze, and carry out program and project objectives and work with others in achieving organizational goals

+ Research, gather and organize information to produce clear and concise reports and presentations using various resources as needed

+ Effectively communicate, collaborate, establish, and maintain good working relationships with a diverse population encompassing multi-disciplinary researchers, faculty and staff about complex research issues. Ability to communicate with tact, diplomacy, flexibility, professionalism, and discretion

+ Ability to make independent decisions, analyze situations, solve problems, and initiate actions for the effective management of a large and complex department. Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to identify problems and develop innovative solutions

+ Other tasks as assigned

Qualifications

+ Bachelor's degree in a relevant field is necessary

+ Master's degree is preferred

+ Sound understanding of the role of research in a major research university and its links with campus, national and international constituencies, and industry

+ Demonstrated ability to identify potential sources for grant applications as well as the ability to prepare appropriate proposals

+ Experience in contract and grant proposal formats, preparation, submission, and administration, as well as federal, state, and private granting agency regulations

+ Demonstrated ability to convey scientific content for written communications intended for the general public. Experience writing about science for both technical reviewers and the public

+ Strong skill in written communications including excellent English grammar and punctuation, syntax skills; detailed-oriented proofreading skill (using appropriate proofreading marks); strong skill to edit for content, spelling, punctuation, grammar, consistency, and style

+ Experience in writing manuscripts, as well as the grants application process, and editing of grants prior to submission

+ Two years of experience in science writing/editing is necessary

+ Experience in technical writing in a scientific or technical field is preferred

+ Experience with research; engineering knowledge is preferred

+ Advanced knowledge of computer applications. Significant experience with word processing, spreadsheets, and graphics. Database and internet experience

+ Excellent writing, editing, and communication skills are essential. Strong interpersonal skills

+ Able to work independently and manage multiple assignments with various levels of priority

+ Attention to detail and accuracy are essential

+ Experience with graphics a plus

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.

Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.

Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.
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Updated March 14, 2024

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.