Senior Communications Associate – Scientific Editor

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 senior communications associate will report directly to the Vice-Chair for Research and Research Operations Director and will focus on development of grant applications and manuscripts. This position requires regular interaction with faculty delivering high-quality customer service. Excellent communication skills and attention to detail skills are essential.

Under the direction of the Research Operations Director, the senior communications associate will play a crucial role in shaping and refining the scientific content produced by faculty and trainees. Responsibilities will revolve around enhancing the clarity, accuracy, and overall quality of grants and manuscripts, reports and abstracts before they are submitted/published or presented to the scientific community. The senior communications associate will work closely with faculty, research staff, and trainees to ensure that our grant applications and publications meet the highest standards of scientific communication. In addition, the role will support the Research Operations Director on various administrative duties required to reach OSR’s goals and objectives.

This position is eligible to work a hybrid work schedule within the Greater Houston, TX area.

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.
• Content Enhancement: Edit and proofread grant applications and manuscripts to improve clarity, coherence, grammar, punctuation, and overall writing quality.
• Fact-Checking: Verify the accuracy of data, references, citations, and scientific terminology used in grants and manuscripts.
• 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.
• Communication with Researchers: Collaborate with faculty and trainees to address queries, provide feedback, and make suggestions for grant applications and manuscript improvement.
• Peer Review: Coordinate the peer review process, including selecting suitable reviewers, managing peer review comments, and making publication decisions.
• Publication Coordination: Work closely with the Department of Surgery’s marketing and communication team to oversee the dissemination of research achievements within the department and college.

Minimum Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

• Master’s or doctorate 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.
• Familiarity with relevant software tools and publishing platforms.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ideal candidate must be able to work well in a group as well as independently and have strong organizational skills.

Baylor College of Medicine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Equal Access Employer.

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