Scientific Writer - The Center for Bionic Medicine
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago

By joining our team, you'll be part of our life-changing Mission and Vision. You'll work in a truly inclusive environment where diversity and equity are championed through words and actions. You'll contribute to an innovative culture that is second to none, one that embraces curiosity, discovery and compassion. You'll play a role in something that's never been done before as we integrate science and clinical care to help patients achieve better, faster outcomes - as we Advance Human Ability, together.

Job Description Summary
The Center for Bionic Medicine (CBM) at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (SRAlab) is seeking to hire a talented and enthusiastic individual to serve as a scientific writer/editor. CBM is a research group that specializes in the design, construction, and assessment of upper and lower limb prostheses and in the development of neural interfaces for prosthesis control. We are a diverse team of scientists, engineers, clinicians, and students dedicated to advancing the state of the art in prosthetic care. CBM has a worldwide reputation as a leader in innovative treatments for people with limb loss.

This is an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate in the biomedical engineering or scientific writing/journalism fields to learn and hone skills in many forms of scientific and research communication, including via the web and social media.

The Scientific Writer will be responsible for writing and editing research publications including scientific manuscripts, research proposals, reports, manuals, and related materials, consulting with subject experts as necessary to understand technical materials.

We require a motivated, creative, detail-oriented, and technically proficient individual with a passion for clear, concise, and effective communication. Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to grasp complex technical and scientific concepts are necessary.

The Scientific Writer/Editor will consistently demonstrate support of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab statement of Vision, Mission and Core Values by striving for excellence, contributing to the team efforts and showing respect and compassion for patients and their families, fellow employees, and all others with whom there is contact at or in the interest of the institute.

The Scientific Writer/Editor will demonstrate Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Core Attributes: Communication, Accountability, Flexibility/Adaptability, Judgment/Problem Solving, Customer Service and Core Values (Hope, Compassion, Discovery, Collaboration, and Commitment to Excellence) while fulfilling job duties.

Job Description

The Scientific Writer/Editor will:

• Organize and write technical, web, and business material per established scientific and corporate standards with respect to order, style, terminology, and sequencing.
  
• Review and edit manuscripts and other documents generated by students and staff; recommend revisions or changes in grammar approach, scope, format, and dissemination; educate/coach authors to improve their writing skills.
  
• Collaborate with authors to manage writing project timelines (grants, papers, etc.) for timely submission.
  
• Select or recommend layouts, graphics, drawings, tables, exhibits, illustrations, charts, or storyboards to amplify or clarify publication objectives.
  
• Manage CBM website content, including staff information, publications, project advances.
  
• Assist with internal CBM communications and social media posts.
  
• Perform all other duties that may be assigned in the best interest of the CBM and SRAlab.
  

Reporting Relationships

• Reports directly to the Lab/Department Director.
  

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

• BS degree in either a scientific field (e.g., engineering, physics, or biology), or in a writing-related field (e.g., journalism or English) and successful completion of advanced high school or college-level math, physics, or biology courses.
  
• Minimum 3 years of writing/editing experience in a professional or academic capacity including grant proposal preparation and scientific journal articles.
  
• Competency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
  
• Proficiency with Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator preferred.
  
• Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills, able to communicate effectively with physicians and other healthcare professionals.
  
• Ability to work independently and within a team
  
• Advanced organizational skills necessary to efficiently prioritize and complete a variety of tasks, adhering to deadlines.
  
• Ability to analyze federal and institutional guidelines associated with medical research grant submissions
  
• Research administration or project management experience in a hospital, university or other institution associated with medical research preferred.
  
• Familiarity with the Chicago Manual of Style and AMA Style Manual preferred
  
• Working knowledge and understanding of federal, state, and institutional regulations, guidelines, and policies covering research grant and contract accountability processes preferred.
  
• Ability to apply basic accounting principles, such as balance sheets, debits and credits preferred.
  

Working Conditions

• Normal office environment with little or no exposure to dust or extreme temperature.
  

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Equal Employment Opportunity

ShirleyRyan AbilityLab is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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