Science Writer - Breast Oncology

The Scientific Writer for the Breast Oncology Center supports the Department of Medical Oncology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI). The Center/Division works to provide compassionate and comprehensive care for patients with breast cancer. The Scientific Writer works directly with the division administrator, the directors of clinical research, and the chief of the breast oncology division.

The Scientific Writer assists various members of the Breast Oncology division in writing and editing protocols, grant applications, manuscripts and abstracts, letters, or other written material on an as-needed basis. The writer will work with the DFCI faculty, research staff, and grant managers on specific timelines and deadline schedules related to each writing project, which may include reading background information, federal and foundation sponsor guidelines, request for proposal (RFP) language and internal and external policies and procedures for a specific writing assignment. In this capacity the writer may meet face-to-face with faculty and research staff; follow up phone conversations and other methods of communication to establish a final product.

The Science Writer is a key link between dedicated oncologists, scientists, and donors/sponsors who comprise the wide Dana-Farber community. The Science Writer should be able to take complex information and communicate it clearly, concisely, and accurately to explain key concepts to sponsors. The Science Writer interprets the challenges in cancer care and research in order to convey scientific insights that are both deep and broad.

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.
 

Job Description

• Write research protocols, manuscripts, abstracts, letters, grant applications, and other written deliverables based on specific project timelines;

• Write and edit reports in a timely fashion to meet specified deadlines;

• Thoughtfully participate in team meetings and share knowledge related to research findings; scientific writing trends, and learning opportunities;

• Support the development of Plain Language Summaries (PLS) to return results to patients, in collaboration with Sr. Science Writer and BOC staff

• Contribute to the development of progress reports for grants

• Write/contribute to course descriptions for CME course (ie. HMS breast course)

• Supporting role in writing/editing Breast SPORE Grant

• Analyzing data from immune-based clinical trials and translational studies

• Assume other duties as necessary

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED: 

• The Science Writer must be able to express ideas clearly and logically and should love to write;

• Curiosity, a broad range of knowledge, and perseverance are necessary.

• The Science Writer must first understand the science, and then translate that knowledge accurately into a form that is both interesting and intelligible to the sponsor.

• A proven ability to work both collaboratively and independently and produce high-quality work on deadline is required.

• The Science Writer must be comfortable managing multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines.

• The Science Writer must commit to the highest standards of customer service and professionalism.

• Experience writing or editing NIH grant applications preferred.

MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

The position requires a bachelor’s degree in journalism, a related field, or a scientific discipline, along with at least 5 years of professional writing, editing, and publication experience, including a minimum of 3 years focused on science writing and editing.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None

PATIENT CONTACT:

Limited patient contact. Some stories will involve interviewing patients either over the phone or in person.

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.  

EEO Poster

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Pay Transparency Statement

The hiring range is based on market pay structures, with individual salaries determined by factors such as business needs, market conditions, internal equity, and based on the candidate’s relevant experience, skills and qualifications.

For union positions, the pay range is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

$80,100.00 - $103,200.00