Technical Writer and Editor (Hybrid Eligible)

Requisition Id 13031 

Overview:  

We are seeking a technical writer and editor to support development of clear, accurate scientific and technical communications products for ORNL’s research and scientific staff and programs. This position will report to the Technical Communications manager and assist customers across the lab. This position resides in Technical Communications in the Communications Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The successful candidate will edit, revise, and rewrite a variety of scientific and technical documents in collaboration with ORNL researchers and scientists. This person will revise complex written material and products such as technical reports, journal articles, presentations, proposals, procedures, technical specifications, and nominations.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Collaborate with Communications colleagues, researchers, and scientists to produce compelling materials that clearly and effectively communicate research findings, technical developments, and other news and information from organizations and programs across the lab to internal and external audiences, including scientifically trained researchers and sponsors, scientific peers, executive leadership, and industry partners.
• Edit, revise, and rewrite scientific and technical documents and visual materials for research staff to enhance clarity, coherence, and organization while ensuring compliance with established rules of grammar and syntax.
• Edit and revise the manuscripts of nonnative speakers, enhancing their accuracy and readability to ensure a high rate of acceptance in open-literature publications.
• Understand complex science- and technology-related research and programs and edit and revise summaries, overviews, plans, nominations, letters, and other documents based on research, technical data, and results in collaboration with researchers and scientists.
• Suggest visual materials in support of scientific needs and collaborate with graphic artists to develop effective products.
• Provide project management and guidance to ensure publications meet ORNL’s or the outside publisher’s requirements and are effectively managed through their completion or delivery.
• Mentor authors to help them improve their writing skills and enhance their products. Prepare and give presentations and tutorials for technical and research staff upon request.
• Oversee and coordinate efforts of teams assigned on larger projects, working with electronic publishers, graphic artists, photographers, video producers, and reproduction staff to ensure professional quality and adherence to budgets and schedules.
• Understand and apply ORNL publications standards and styles or external (e.g., journal, sponsor) guidelines. Adhere to DOE publishing requirements.
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements.
• Maintain a strong commitment to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics.
• Deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by fostering a respectful workplace- in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• A BA or BS degree, preferably in English, STEM field, or related field
• A minimum of 2 years of experience in technical or science editing and writing

Preferred Qualifications:

• An MA or MS degree in English, technical writing, or a STEM field and experience editing the work of researchers in scientific and technical fields for style, tone, consistency, and grammatical correctness are preferred.
• Should have an excellent command of standard American English style and usage, as demonstrated by writing and editing samples, and have experience with The Chicago Manual of Style and other standard style guides such as ACS Guide to Scholarly Communication and IEEE Editorial Style Manual.
• Should have excellent attention to detail; the ability to simultaneously handle multiple assignments; excellent verbal communication skills; the confidence to work both independently and with all levels of executive leadership, researchers, and staff in a team-based environment; and skills in solving problems and developing and implementing solutions. Should have the ability to grasp scientific and technical concepts and help clearly communicate them to a general science-interested audience as well as a more scientifically trained audience such as researchers and sponsors.
• Should also have a firm grasp of standard business computer software (e.g., Microsoft Office applications) and advanced skills in Microsoft Word and Adobe Acrobat. Experience using LaTeX, Git, and other open-source software tools and repositories is a plus.
• Ability to secure and retain a clearance is preferred.

Visa Sponsorship:

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Benefits at ORNL:  

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain talented people. The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov or call 1.866.963.9545.

In addition, we offer a flexible work environment that supports both the organization and the employee. A hybrid/onsite working arrangement may be available with this position.

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This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.  UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.