Technical Writer Editor

NIH Office of Communications and Public Liaison; Montgomery Village (MD); On-site; USD 121,785 - 158,322; Full time

Job summary

This position at the NIH Office of Communications and Public Liaison (OCPL) within the NIH Director's Presentations Branch offers a pathway to influence how science-based health information is communicated to diverse national audiences.

The role emphasizes editing, clear presentation of policies, programs, and research findings, and coordinating the publication process to meet stringent deadlines.

Qualifications

• At least one year of qualifying experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level in the Federal service.

Responsibilities

• Recommends revisions, format changes, and other methods of information presentation to fulfill the agency's mission.
• Manages editing, clearance procedures, and production stages to meet deadlines and ensure high-quality materials.
• Re-writes and edits material for clarity, persuasiveness, and adherence to style conventions for targeted information outlets.
• Participates in development, including defining the audience and advising on presentation of technical data and publication objectives.
• Provides full editorial support to management and staff for materials intended for publication or presentation.

Job description

Excited to be expanding our team in the NIH Office of Communications and Public Liaison!

We’re hiring for multiple positions and looking for talented professionals who want to help communicate the impact of NIH's mission to advance knowledge and improve health. It's a unique opportunity to help tell the stories behind scientific discoveries that touch millions of lives.

Take a look and please help spread the word!

Summary

This position serves as a Technical Writer Editor in the NIH Director's Presentations Branch, Office of Communications and Public Liaison (OCPL), Office of the Director (OD), NIH. The OCPL plans, develops, and operates a comprehensive communications and public liaison program to produce and disseminate science‑based health information for diverse national audiences.

Eligibility

• Current federal employees whose agencies follow the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's hiring rules and pay scales (Competitive service).
• Federal employees whose job, agency, or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants (Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)).
• Current or former employees of a base management agency.
• Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces or a spouse, widow, widower or parent of a veteran, who may be eligible for derived preference.
• Military spouses of active‑duty service members or whose spouse is 100 percent disabled or died on active duty.
• Individuals who are eligible under Schedule A.
• Family members of a federal employee or uniformed service member who is or was working overseas.
• Individuals who have served at least 2 years with the Peace Corps or 1 year with AmeriCorps VISTA.
• Individuals eligible under a special authority not listed in another hiring path.
• You must be a current or former federal employee eligible to apply under merit promotion procedures or otherwise be eligible as a status applicant (e.g., Veterans Employment Opportunity Act) OR be an individual who is eligible through an OPM interchange agreement or for a non‑competitive appointment.

Duties

• Recommends revisions, format changes, alternative methods of information presentation, or other changes to ensure that the publication contributes to fulfilling the agency's mission and provides the critical information needed by the intended audience.
• Responsible for managing the editing, the clearance procedures, and the various stages of production to meet stringent deadlines and to ensure that materials are of the highest quality.
• Re‑writes and edits material for clarity, persuasiveness, and adherence to format and style conventions of targeted information outlet.
• Participates in all aspects of development, including defining the intended audience, reviewing and advising on content, advising on the most effective method of presenting technical data and on the style and presentation most appropriate for accomplishing the publication's objective.
• Provides a full range of editorial support to management and professional staff on materials intended for publication or presentation.

Conditions of Employment

• U.S. Citizenship requirement or proof of being a U.S. National must be met by closing date.
• Employment is subject to the successful completion of a background investigation, verification of qualifications, completion of onboarding forms, submission of required documents, and any other job‑related requirement before or after appointment.
• Applicants must meet all qualifications requirements within thirty (30) calendar days of the closing date of this announcement, including time in grade.
• Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
• The National Institutes of Health participates in the USCIS Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E‑Verify). E‑Verify helps employers determine employment eligibility of new hires and the validity of their Social Security numbers.
• The NIH maintains a tobacco free work environment and campus.
• Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Qualifications

You qualify at the GS‑13 level, if you meet one of the following qualification requirements:

• At least one (1) year of qualifying experience equivalent to at least the GS‑12 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks:
  1. Writing and editing scientific materials that explain policies, programs, and research findings.
  2. Applying grammar, writing, editing, and style standards to approve or reject materials for publication.
  3. Overseeing contractor performance and coordinating logistics with clients to ensure deliverables meet specifications and quality standards.
  4. Authorizing the clearance of scientific and technical materials for publication.
• Experience material to the position, including experience gained in religious, civic, welfare, service, and organizational activities, regardless of whether you received pay.

Do not copy and paste the duties or specialized experience from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position. We may verify or assess your qualifications at any time. Inflated or unsupported qualifications may affect your rating. Any misrepresentation or material omission of facts may be sufficient cause to end further consideration of your candidacy. Persons listed as knowing your past accomplishments or experience in your application may be contacted for verification purposes at any time. Verification may, but need not, begin before receiving an offer.

Preview application questionnaire before you apply: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12990851

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Salary: $121,785 – $158,322 per year