Medical Writer
CLIENT ASSOCIATIONS: Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer
REPORTS TO: Director of Scientific Publications
DIRECT REPORTS: None
EXEMPT/NON-EXEMPT EMPLOYEE STATUS: Exempt (Minimum of 37.5 hours/week)
GENERAL SUMMARY
The Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) is a non-profit medical professional society of influential scientists, academicians, researchers, clinicians, government representatives, and industry leaders from around the world dedicated to improving cancer patient outcomes by advancing the science and application of cancer immunotherapy. Reporting to the Director of Scientific Publications, the Medical Writer is responsible for the development, review, and updating of scientific and medical content for society publications. Includes all aspects of written product development including outline of manuscript/project scope, literature review, bibliography development, scribing for high-level meetings and teleconferences, interfacing with and taking direction from subject matter experts during the writing process, and adhering to applicable guidelines and scientific writing standards in order to ensure timely delivery of high-quality end products.
This role requires the ability to undertake projects that require a variety of writing styles, including highly scientific consensus statements, reviews and clinical practice guidelines as well as media-focused pieces, meeting reports, and other promotional materials. Applicants will be expected to learn, understand, and apply key concepts of cancer immunotherapy research and clinical agent administration to help guide society leadership in scientific work creation. Ideal candidates will also be comfortable working collaboratively with our volunteer leaders and other medical writing staff to effectively lead and participate in scientific discussions related to consensus generation and manuscript development.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES (Minimum 37.5 hours/week)
Manuscript and Guideline Development-Specific Duties
- In direct collaboration with volunteer leaders/authors as well as the Director of Scientific Publications, serve as the staff scientific advisor and primary medical writer for assigned projects that may include, but not limited to: immunotherapy clinical practice guidelines (CPGs), review papers, consensus statements and recommendations, and meeting reports.
- Assist the Manuscript Development Groups (MDGs) with needed medical writing duties for assigned projects from draft development through post-publication writing needs. Duties may include, but is not limited to:
- Create draft manuscript text and/or edit drafts for consistency with SITC style and journal formatting as well as appropriately incorporating feedback from the MDG;
- Assist with the creation of data collection tools (e.g., surveys) and synthesize results for the MDG consideration;
- Develop essential elements for inclusion of scientific works such as original figures, treatment algorithms, tables, and graphs as well as companion abstracts, posters, and slide decks.
- Properly and accurately address suggested changes and revisions during all review phases;
- Maintain the reference library as well as documentation of decisions regarding manuscript content for the project record;
- Assist with the author responsibilities during the journal review, acceptance, and production phases including development of response to journal reviewer comments, submitting information through the journal submission portal, proof review, etc.
- Specifically for the CPGs, responsible for the post-publication activities and guideline recommendation updates including: creation of abridged versions and/or plain language summaries of the published manuscript, monitor the field for practice-changing data and liaise with Expert Panel Chairs to determine if an update to the published clinical treatment recommendations is needed and see the needed changes to fruition with the society “Living Guidelines” protocols and technology.
- Actively participate in project meetings including leading scientific discussions; review, analyze, and synthesize relevant data; serve as a scribe as needed, and properly document discussions such as preparing organized notes or meeting minutes in collaboration with the assigned project manager.
- Provide scientific strategy and writing support to Scientific Publications Team and volunteer leaders as needed to aid in the successful completion of other society activities and outputs.
General Duties
- Assist with development of accurate and appropriate scientific copy for a wide array of constituency groups and target audiences including promotional and website materials, educational content, scientific content in grant requests, media relations activities (e.g. press releases and response to media inquiries regarding SITC publications), etc.
- Work in collaboration with Director and other team members to ensure cohesive communications, accurate project status reports, and successful project completion in a timely manner including proactively identifying areas of concern or opportunity.
- Ensure compliance with established good publication practice guidelines, clinical practice guideline development standards, relevant author and style guides, collaborative agreements, publication copyrights, and team SOPs.
- Stay updated on applicable scientific publication best practices, cancer immunotherapy industry trends, and volunteer management best practices.
- Provide overall support for ongoing scientific/medical programs and projects as they arise
- Other duties as assigned.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
- Education – MD, PhD, or equivalent degree in biomedical sciences. May also consider MS or equivalent degree with extensive training and/or experience in the medical writing field for an Associate Medical Writer role.
- Experience – Previous biomedical science writing experience is essential. Strong knowledge/experience of immunology or therapeutic oncology is preferred, familiarity with nonprofit operations and association management landscape a plus. May consider those with less medical writing experience for an Associate Medical Writer role.
- Skills – Excellent writing, interpersonal, organizational, and communications skills required. Ability to manage multiple writing projects and meet deadlines. Acute attention to detail and accuracy in written works a must. Works successfully in a collaborative team environment. Familiarity with reference manager software (e.g., EndNote) and high proficiency with Microsoft Office is essential. Experience with graphic design tools for biological illustration (e.g., Biorender) and journal submission sites (e.g., ScholarOne) a plus.
MISCELLANEOUS
- Travel of up to 4 weeks per year; Some evening and weekend work as needed; Occasional lifting, up to 50 pounds.
*This position is located in downtown Milwaukee, WI and a minimum of two days onsite in the office (including Wednesday as an all-staff-in-office day) are a requirement of the role.
*Please apply to the role that best aligns to your experience and qualifications. We’ll discuss your interests and possible opportunities during an initial phone interview. (No need to apply to multiple opportunities.)