Summary

The Office of Surgical Research (OSR) within the Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery is seeking a skilled and passionate senior communications associate (scientific editor) to join our team. The senior communications associate will be tasked with developing and overseeing communication strategies to advance the research mission within the department of surgery, including grants editing and peer-reviewed journal article writing and editing and external and internal science communications. The role will support the Research Operations Director on various administrative duties required to reach OSR’s goals and objectives. 

Job Duties

Grant and Manuscript Review

• Review and evaluate grant applications, LOIs, scientific manuscripts, research papers, reports, and other written materials for scientific accuracy, clarity, and adherence to publication guidelines. 30%

Content Enhancement

• Edit and proofread grant applications and manuscripts to improve clarity, coherence, grammar, punctuation, and overall writing quality. 30%

Fact-Checking

• Verify the accuracy of data, references, citations, and scientific terminology used in grants and manuscripts. 10%

Style and Formatting

• Ensure that all content conforms to the appropriate style and formatting guidelines (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago) and follows the in-house style guide as necessary. 5% 

Communication with Researchers:

• Collaborate with faculty and trainees to address queries, provide feedback, and make suggestions for grant applications and manuscript improvement. 10%

Peer Review:

• Coordinate the peer review process, including selecting suitable reviewers, managing peer review comments, and making publication decisions. 10%

Publication Coordination:

• Work closely with the DoS marketing and communication team to oversee the dissemination of research achievements within the department and college. 5% 

Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree. Four years of relevant experience may substitute for degree requirement. 
• Four years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

• A Ph.D. or Master's degree in a relevant scientific field.
• Strong background in scientific research and publication.
• Exceptional editing, proofreading, and writing skills.
• Proficiency in scientific writing conventions and style guides. 
• The ideal candidate must be able to work well in a group as well as independently and have strong organizational skills.