Location: Baltimore,MD, USA
Requisition ID: 116015
Science Writer
The Center for Health Security is seeking a Science Writer for its Voices in Print: Elevating Patient Perspectives in Medical Literature project. Patient engagement can inform healthcare delivery practices, advance provider education, and improve care quality and safety. Unfortunately, their voices are often absent from medical literature because of the baroque conventions of academic writing, complexities of the journal submission and review process, and expensive article processing fees.
This project engages with patients or their advocates and will assist them in crafting compelling editorials or perspective pieces for publication in academic journals or other outlets. The essays will contribute to conversations advancing standards of care for medical conditions.
The ideal candidate has a track record in science writing, especially academic manuscript production, and some experience working with patients or their advocates. The position is for 10-20 hours per week with flexible working hours.
Specific Duties & Responsibilities
* Write in a clear, precise, and compelling way.
* Work closely with patients and/or their advocates to craft editorials from conception through submission and publication.
* Meet regularly with faculty PIs to review progress and activities.
* Perform related work as required.
* Special Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
* Excellent written and oral communication skills.
* Excellent research, analytical and storytelling skills.
* Excellent time management skills and attention to detail.
* Knowledge of grammar usage and editorial style guidelines.
* Demonstrated interest and enthusiasm for patient advocacy.
* Experience writing and submitting academic manuscripts.
* Understanding of basic concepts in public health, health care systems, and patient care.
* Proficiency in the use of common software applications, databases, spreadsheets, and word processing.
* Ability to work well with other professionals with minimal supervision in a self-directed fashion.
Minimum Qualifications
* Bachelor's Degree in related technical/scientific field.
* One year writing experience, preferably in technical/scientific field. Writing samples may be required.
* If degree is in a non-technical/scientific field, two years technical/scientific writing experience required.
* Additional education may substitute for required experience, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.
Preferred Qualifications
* Master's Degree in Science Writing or related discipline.
* Prior experience working with patients and/or their advocates in a professional setting.
Classified Title: Science Writer
Role/Level/Range: ATP/03/PC
Starting Salary Range: $25.86 - $45.38 HRLY (Commensurate with experience)
Employee group: Casual / On Call
Schedule: Hours Vary: 10-20 hours/week
Exempt Status: Exempt
Location: Remote
Department name: Health Security - CORI
Personnel area: School of Public Health
Total Rewards
The referenced base salary range represents the low and high end of Johns Hopkins University's salary range for this position. Not all candidates will be eligible for the upper end of the salary range. Exact salary will ultimately depend on multiple factors, which may include the successful candidate's geographic location, skills, work experience, market conditions, education/training and other qualifications. Johns Hopkins offers a total rewards package that supports our employees' health, life, career and retirement. More information can be found here:
Education and Experience Equivalency
Please refer to the job description above to see which forms of equivalency are permitted for this position. If permitted, equivalencies will follow these guidelines: JHU Equivalency Formula: 30 undergraduate degree credits (semester hours) or 18 graduate degree credits may substitute for one year of experience. Additional related experience may substitute for required education on the same basis. For jobs where equivalency is permitted, up to two years of non-related college course work may be applied towards the total minimum education/experience required for the respective job.
Applicants Completing Studies
Applicants who do not meet the posted requirements but are completing their final academic semester/quarter will be considered eligible for employment and may be asked to provide additional information confirming their academic completion date.
Background Checks
The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check. Johns Hopkins is committed to hiring individuals with a justice-involved background, consistent with applicable policies and current practice. A prior criminal history does not automatically preclude candidates from employment at Johns Hopkins University. In accordance with applicable law, the university will review, on an individual basis, the date of a candidate's conviction, the nature of the conviction and how the conviction relates to an essential job-related qualification or function.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Johns Hopkins University values diversity, equity and inclusion and advances these through our key strategic framework, the JHU Roadmap on Diversity and Inclusion.
Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
EEO is the Law
Accommodation Information
If you are interested in applying for employment with The Johns Hopkins University and require special assistance or accommodation during any part of the pre-employment process, please contact the Talent Acquisition Office at ...@jhu.edu. For TTY users, call via Maryland Relay or dial 711. For more information about workplace accommodations or accessibility at Johns Hopkins University, please visit
Vaccine Requirements
Johns Hopkins University strongly encourages, but no longer requires, at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine does not apply to positions located in the State of Florida. We still require all faculty, staff, and students to receive the seasonal flu vaccine. Exceptions to the COVID and flu vaccine requirements may be provided to individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons. Requests for an exception must be submitted to the JHU vaccination registry. This change does not apply to the School of Medicine (SOM). SOM hires must be fully vaccinated with an FDA COVID-19 vaccination and provide proof of vaccination status. For additional information, applicants for SOM positions should visit and all other JHU applicants should visit
The following additional provisions may apply, depending upon campus. Your recruiter will advise accordingly.
The pre-employment physical for positions in clinical areas, laboratories, working with research subjects, or involving community contact requires documentation of immune status against Rubella (German measles), Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Varicella (chickenpox), Hepatitis B and documentation of having received the Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccination. This may include documentation of having two (2) MMR vaccines; two (2) Varicella vaccines; or antibody status to these diseases from laboratory testing. Blood tests for immunities to these diseases are ordinarily included in the pre-employment physical exam except for those employees who provide results of blood tests or immunization documentation from their own health care providers. Any vaccinations required for these diseases will be given at no cost in our Occupational Health office.
Remote