Job Description

Job Summary
The Scientific Writer works with subject matter experts in Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart and Vascular Center to identify internal and extramural grant funding opportunities, develop and edit scientific content of research proposals, ensure the proposal packet meets the specifications of funding opportunities, and submit through internal grant submission portals. This position is also responsible for developing new content for web and other communication platforms to effectively communicate our research initiatives, resources, and discoveries.

PATIENT AGE GROUP(S) AND POPULATION(S) SERVED

Refer to departmental Scope of Service and Provision of Care plans, as applicable, for description of primary age groups and populations served by this job for the respective HM entity.

HOUSTON METHODIST EXPERIENCE EXPECTATIONS

o Provide personalized care and service by consistently demonstrating our I CARE values:

- INTEGRITY: We are honest and ethical in all we say and do.

- COMPASSION: We embrace the whole person including emotional, ethical, physical, and spiritual needs.

- ACCOUNTABILITY: We hold ourselves accountable for all our actions.

- RESPECT: We treat every individual as a person of worth, dignity, and value.

- EXCELLENCE: We strive to be the best at what we do and a model for others to emulate.

o Focuses on patient/customer safety

o Delivers personalized service using HM Service Standards

o Provides for exceptional patient/customer experiences by following our Standards of Practice of always using Positive Language (AIDET, Managing Up, Key Words)

o Intentionally rounds with patients/customers to ensure their needs are being met

o Involves patients (customers) in shift/handoff reports by enabling their participation in their plan of care as applicable to the given job

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Job responsibilities labeled EF capture those duties that are essential functions of the job.

PEOPLE - 20%

1. Works with principal investigator, provides advice on grantsmanship, editorial support and standardized language for administrative sections; manages scientific writing process. (EF)

2. Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team focused work unit that actively helps one other to achieve optimal department results. Collaborates with all members of the patient care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent information as it relates to assigned system(s) in a comprehensive manner. (EF)

SERVICE - 30%

1. Facilitates writing, editing, and preparation of high quality written scientific documents for grant applications, publications, scientific manuscripts for peer review, white papers, protocols, and other scientific or administrative reports. (EF)

2. Assists with preparation of protocols (including amendments and informed consents), reports, and manuscripts for publication.

3. Provides faculty with full lifecycle support from technical document development to preparation and submission. (EF)

QUALITY/SAFETY - 20%

1. Assures compliance with Houston Methodist polices, rules, and regulations to meet federal, state, and local standards. (EF)

2. Interpreting data and advising sponsors as to how best to present data considering regulatory agency requirements. (EF)

3. Prepares moderately complex documents and sections of regulatory submissions and contributes scientific knowledge and analytical skills to the preparation of grant proposals, manuscripts, presentations, protocols, and clinical regulatory documentation.

4. Assures quality and timely preparation of technical documents. (EF)

FINANCE - 15%

1. Assists with the writing of grant applications, awards, contracts, subcontracts and other agreements. (EF)

2. Submits grant proposals and manuscripts for editing. (EF)

3. Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies. Evaluates and reports on inventory levels. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks. (EF)

GROWTH/INNOVATION - 15%

1. Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development as a writer. (EF)

2. Participates in departmental projects and shared governance activities; manages and leads projects related to optimization of assigned system(s). (EF)

This job description is not intended to be all inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

o Bachelors Degree in relevant field required

o MS or PhD in biological science field preferred

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

o Three years of experience in science writing/editing required

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED

o None

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

o Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations

o Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security

o Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles

o Ability to write in a scientific or technical field.

o Knowledgeable in writing/editing biomedical manuscripts

o Knowledgeable in grant application processes

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Work Attire Yes/No

Uniform No

Scrubs No

Business professional Yes

Other (dept approved) No

On-Call* No (for Non-Exempt or Exempt jobs)

*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Event, etc) regardless of selection above.

Travel**

May require travel within No

Houston Metropolitan area

May require travel outside No

of Houston Metropolitan area

**Travel specifications may vary by department.

Please note any other special considerations to this job: __________________________

Equal Employment Opportunity
Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Equal employment opportunity is a sound and just concept to which Houston Methodist is firmly bound. Houston Methodist will not engage in discrimination against or harassment of any person employed or seeking employment with Houston Methodist on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law.

VEVRAA Federal Contractor priority referral Protected Veterans requested.

Company Profile
Houston Methodist Research Institute was formed in 2004 to rapidly and efficiently translate discoveries made in the laboratory and the clinic into new diagnostics, therapies and treatments. The research institute was created to provide the infrastructure and support for these endeavors, and to house the technology and resources needed to make innovative breakthroughs in important areas of human disease. A 540,000 square foot building dedicated to research, the research institute houses over 1,500 staff and trainees, 277 principal investigators and has more than 840 ongoing clinical trials.