Science Writer II - Chanda Lab

ABOUT US:

Scripps Research is a nonprofit biomedical institute ranked as one of the most influential in the world for its impact on innovation. We are celebrating our 100-year legacy in 2024. This significant milestone marks a century of seminal discoveries in immunology, infectious diseases (such as COVID-19, flu, HIV), neuroscience, heart disease, cancer, and more. Located in La Jolla, California, the institute houses six research departments, multiple Nobel laureates, a top-ranked graduate school and a leading postdoctoral training program. We work hand-in-hand with researchers of the Scripps Research Translational Institute and Calibr to merge foundational studies in biology, chemistry and computer science with translational science to produce pioneering drugs and advances in digital and precision medicine. Together, we cultivate new scientific leaders and expand the frontiers of knowledge to deliver medical breakthroughs impacting human health around the globe. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.

Celebrating a Century: https://100.scripps.edu/

POSITION TITLE: SCIENCE WRITER II

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Science Writer will work with Scripps Research faculty to help prepare grant applications on a wide range of scientific topics. Using excellent writing and editorial skills, they are responsible for creating proposals that target both governmental and non-governmental agencies, translating scientific concepts and ideas into language appropriate for each funding opportunity. Helps manage the scientific writing process for individual, multi-investigator, and institutional grant applications and publications. They collaborate with diverse teams of investigators and administrative personnel, and therefore must exhibit a breadth and depth of understanding of the research conducted at Scripps Research. They work under pressure of deadlines and can manage their time effectively. They remain informed about current information technologies, trends, and Research Development activities taking place at other research institutions, universities, and government entities.

DUTIES & RESPOSIBILITIES:

• Research, write, edit, and review grant proposals as determined by faculty needs. Work closely with faculty and researchers to translate scientific concepts and ideas into language appropriate for the targeted funding opportunity. Work with faculty and the Research Development team to iterate drafts and finalize proposal narratives.

• Write, edit, and review critical supporting documents (e.g., equipment, facilities, resource sharing, letters of support, administrative components) and other materials related to grants during the pre-award process.

• Analyze reviews of previously submitted proposals and provides feedback to improve the chance of funding upon re-submission.

• Develop and maintain detailed knowledge of faculty research interests and strengths.

• Assist faculty in writing and/or editing technical manuscripts to facilitate timely publication of research findings.

• Collect and summarize program/project outcomes and submits timely reports to the Institute management.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

• PHD in a related field (Cell molecular biology, Immunology, Microbiology, Journalism, communications, or public relations.

• A minimum of three years of experience in successful (funded) grant development, writing individual and team proposals, and facilitating the submission of grant proposals.

• Experience in writing grants, including NIH R01 proposals.

• Experience managing multiple projects, priorities, deadlines, and the stakeholders involved. Strong customer-service orientation to understand and assist a wide range of internal faculty.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Required-

• Write precise, well organized, and grammatically correct documents.

• Excellent written and verbal English.

• Demonstrated experience in researching, writing, and submitting grant applications.

• Knowledge of research funding sources, including NIH, voluntary health agencies, and other funding sources.

• Demonstrated experience reading and interpreting funding agency program announcements or request for applications and development of proposals that are in compliance with agency requirements.

• Extensive knowledge of contract and grant policies and issues and external funding programs and requirements, including knowledge of national and international trends in scientific research.

• Advanced analytical skills in researching and analyzing scientific research issues. Sound knowledge of scientific research design and methods, and strong ability to interpret and evaluate research results. Ability to codify ideas into coherently written text.

• Demonstrated ability to generate a number of different approaches to problems and to act as a resource for the exploration of new ideas.

• In-depth knowledge of institutional functional areas that administer and/or are impacted by sponsored projects, such as grants administration and research accounting.

• Excellent organizational and time management skills for managing the writing (research, draft preparation, review, and revision) of complex grant proposals and deliver fundable proposals in a timely manner to meet both interim and final deadlines.

• Ability and specialized skills to take initiative and independently plan, organize, coordinate, and perform work in various situations where numerous and diverse demands are involved.

• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively and work cooperatively with faculty, supervisors, and peers.

• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office suite to create technical and sophisticated written communication materials.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Preferred-

• Experience with program project type applications that incorporate multiple projects, PIs, and scientific cores.

• Ability to perform statistical analysis, analyze data, and make accurate projections using business mathematics and basic statistics.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: May include: Stationary position for an extended period of time, lifting, traverse campus/facility as needed, operate machinery such as computer, phone, copy machine; exposure to cold or hot temperatures.

COMPENSATION: The expected hiring range for this position is $75,000 - $120,00 per year, commensurate with experience. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements.

COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• Employer Contributed Retirement Plan - Depending on eligibility, employees receive an employer contributed retirement plan (no employee contribution required) and the option to contribute to a 403(b) (which is similar to a 401(k) using your own pre or post-tax dollars)

• Full Suite of Health and Welfare plans including three medical plan options (including an HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP and more

• Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical/Dependent Care)

• Competitive vacation and sick leave policies

• Free, on-site parking

The above statements describe the level of work performed and expected in general terms. The statements are not intended to list all the responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of employees so classified, and the content herein is subject to change due to the business needs of Scripps Research, with or without notice. Furthermore, nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to be in conflict with or to eliminate or modify in any way the employment-at-will status of Scripps Research staff.

EEO STATEMENT:

The Scripps Research Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We promote diversity of thought, culture and background in the fields of science. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or status. Underrepresented individuals are encouraged to apply.