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Senior Technical Writer

Employer
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Location
Houston, Texas
Salary
Competitive
Closing date
Oct 23, 2021

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Discipline
Health Sciences
Organization Type
Healthcare/Hospital

Job Details

SUMMARY

The primary purpose of the Senior Technical Writer position is to assist in the expediting of clinical protocol submission and activation process. Applies scientific/medical expertise to proposal writing in conjunction with the primary investigator. Serves as a liaison between the clinical research faculty and regulatory staff. Ensures the quality of resulting publications and timeliness of submission. Will compose progress reports, multidisciplinary and multi-collaborator grant and contract proposals to a wide range of funding agencies, organizations, industries and foundations.

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH PROJECTS - 70%

• Provides day-to-day assistance and support to the faculty in all areas of protocol development, writing, and editing.
• Assist faculty in determining the specific goals or objectives to be attained.
• Assist faculty in the development of clinical trials by merging required language from external sponsors/supporters, with the sponsor investigator concept in the format of the institutional protocol template.
• Abstract medical and scientific information and provide lay language versions.
• Utilize highly technical writing ability to compose and abstract medical and scientific information for preparation of written correspondence, reports, and protocols
• Provide review and proofreading support for internal and external documents to ensure consistency and accuracy.
• Prepare documents by reviewing analyses and interpretations of data to ensure accuracy and alignment with research data. Ensure clarity of expression.
• Track ongoing projects and assist faculty in completing tasks requiring their attention as needed.
• Reviews the work completed for accuracy and provide feedback as needed.
• Provide support to the regulatory team and ensure timely submission of scientific-related information.
• Works closely with faculty to expedite project completion.
• Participate in strategic planning and prioritization of protocol ideas submitted.
• Prepare abstracts of professional literature of a technical nature based on reading and comprehension of the material.
• Provides reports to department leadership regarding project status as needed.

TECHNICAL DATA CAPTURE AND ANALYSIS - 10%
• Assist faculty to write and edit scientific manuscripts for publication.
• Independently draft, format, and proof-read internal and external documents
• Contact journal editors to clarify manuscript standards as needed prior to submission; analyze and draft responses to reviewer critiques received on grant proposals and manuscripts.
• Utilize strong research and writing skills to express ideas succinctly with creativity and persuasiveness.
• Review protocol documents including abstracts, text, and informed consent for relevant information.
• Retrieves data from databases and other internal and external data and information sources for use in reports.
• Review and evaluate clinical protocol and translational research data, including laboratory correlates data.
• Prepare data and information related to protocols, grants, abstracts, and manuscript submissions.
• Independently research and analyze highly technical subject matter, and organize information by interfacing with cross-functional team members.
• Provide sound data analysis and interpretation of results for manuscripts and grant research plans.

GRANTS AND CONTRACTS CONTROLS - 10%
• Independently compose and manage multiple projects concurrently and through excellent communication skills deliver high quality technical publications for both internal and external use.
• Prepare multidisciplinary and multi-collaborator grant and contract proposals for submission to a wide range of funding agencies, organizations, industries and foundations.
• Ensures that the information collected is accurate, reflects the requested information, and is provided in accordance with specified guidelines.
• Submit well researched and well written proposals within tight time constraints.
• Edit grants and manuscripts, assists with progress reports.
• Maintain copies of grants and contract proposals, reporting compliance of grant deliverables and deadlines.

DEPARTMENTAL SUPPORT - 10%

• Compose endowment progress reports and submit by required deadline. Work with the awarded faculty member to confirm annual efforts are in line with donor intent. Liaise with the finance team to obtain spending information.
• Compose award nomination letters or letters of recommendation as requested.
• Provide content for departmental websites as needed.

Other Duties as Assigned + Expectations Other duties as assigned.

The performance for all expected outcomes is measured by observation by supervisor, reports from faculty and co-workers, the accuracy and timeliness of work produced, and the demonstrated ability to effectively work under stress. The ability to deal effectively with a variety of individuals and situations is essential, as is the ability to meet conflicting deadlines and to work in stressful conditions due to deadline requirements. The position also requires one to anticipate needs, to recognize situations requiring assistance and have the ability to refer or perform any necessary tasks, and to comprehend the goals of the department/program and take the initiative in making decisions and taking actions to further these goals.

The above functions require the following abilities and skills:
• Highly developed analytical and conceptual skills paired with detail orientation, exceptional interpersonal skills, and a demonstrated ability to creatively and innovatively approach problem solving.
• Ability to practice independently, strong verbal and written communication skills, organizational and critical judgment skills, and effective interactions with patients and co-workers.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work with personal computers using standard word processing software, spreadsheets, and programs for database and graphics usage.
• Ability to maintain a satisfactory work environment by organizing and redistributing files, records, etc., requiring bending, stooping, reaching, manual handling, walking, visually inspecting, extended standing, sitting and repetitive motions. May be required to lift up to 15 pounds.
• Requires use of computer via keyboard, and operating facsimile machine, calculator, printer, photocopy machine, etc. Requires the use of push-button, multiple line telephone set. Must be able to master new software by utilizing available resources (other program personnel, reference manual, training classes, etc.)
• Ability to be clearly understood by verbal communication in face-to-face encounters and by telephone.
• Strong command of the English language, including spelling, writing, and verbalizing and ability to communicate well verbally and in writing.

Other duties as assigned

Bachelor's degree in a related field. Four years experience in communications, writing and editing technical/scientific material in a medical, academic or research setting. With preferred degree, two years of required experience. It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html

Company

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston is one of the world's most respected centers focused on cancer patient care, research, education and prevention. It was named the nation's No. 1 hospital for cancer care in U.S. News & World Report's 2023 rankings. It is one of the nation's original three comprehensive cancer centers designated by the National Cancer Institute.

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