Technical Writer and Editor

Requisition Id 15781 

Overview: 

We are seeking a technical writer and editor to support development of clear, accurate scientific and technical communications products for Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s (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 the Technical Communications Group within the Communications and Community Engagement Directorate at 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.
• 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.
• Work 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.

Basic Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree, preferably in English or related field or a STEM field
• A minimum of 2 years of experience in technical or science editing and writing or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• A master’s 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 a command of standard American English style and usage, as demonstrated by writing and editing samples, and 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.
• Experience using markup languages (e.g., LaTeX, Markdown) and version control systems (e.g., Git, SharePoint, Overleaf) is a plus.
• Familiarity with (or willingness to learn how to use) commercially available large language models (e.g., ChatGPT, Copilot) for some editing/workflow tasks is preferred.
• Willingness to secure and retain a clearance is preferred.

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added 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.

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.