Job Summary

The Harvard Global Health Institute (HGHI) seeks a talented Scientific Writer to join our programs team. Reporting to the Associate Director of Programs, the primary role of the Scientific Writer is to translate complex scientific ideas into accessible, engaging narratives for the general public, policymakers, and other stakeholders. By skillfully navigating both technical and popular writing styles, the Scientific Writer will ensure that research-related written work meets academic standards while also resonating with a broader audience. This role enhances the visibility and societal impact of work produced by HGHI?s affiliated faculty.

Position Description

Primary responsibilities include:

• Draft, edit, and refine scientific manuscripts, research papers, and reports for technical and specialist audiences. Ensure consistency in tone, style, and format, adhering to institutional guidelines and publication standards.
• Lead HGHI's writing projects, managing the process across interdisciplinary teams to ensure deliverables are completed on scope and within allocated timelines.
• Work with faculty to ensure the accuracy, clarity, and coherence of all written materials, upholding high academic standards.
• Guide the communications team in crafting public-facing materials aligned with institutional messaging. Adapt technical content for press releases, newsletters, websites, and social media.
• Assist faculty in responding to peer review feedback, revising manuscripts as needed to meet the standards of scientific journals.
• Keep informed about trends in scientific communication and publication standards, integrating best practices into writing and editing.
• Assist in drafting scopes of work for writing projects involving external partners.
• Coordinate with external collaborators and partner institutions to produce cohesive, polished content for joint projects and publications.
• Supervise the program coordinator and student employees providing logistical and administrative support for writing projects.
• Manage budgets for writing projects when necessary. Ensure financial compliance with University policies, procedures, and relevant legal regulations, in partnership with the Finance department.

Basic Qualifications

Candidates MUST meet the following basic qualifications to be considered for this role:

• Five years of related experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• MA/M.Sc. degree or equivalent strongly preferred.
• PhD preferred.
• Experience managing or leading writing projects with diverse stakeholders in higher education institutions.
• Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., Asana), Microsoft Office Suite, and citation management tools (e.g., Zotero, RefWorks, Sciwheel).

Additional Information

Requirements:

• Writing sample.
• List of publications.

This position has a 3-month orientation and review period.

Harvard University does not provide visa sponsorship.

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up to date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)


Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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