Assists, in conjunction with multi-disciplinary teams, with writing large, multi-investigator grant proposals and other manuscripts, as well as editing scientific reports, assisting with website copy, providing writing/editing support for book chapters, editing reports by internal and external stakeholders, and developing ad hoc requested materials. Implements critical scientific research editing to documents and maintains compliance with all guidelines and regulations.

Med-Medicine

The Scientific Writer II supports faculty researchers and multi-disciplinary teams at the Vascular Medicine Institute (VMI) in securing and sustaining grant funding by producing clear, compelling, and compliant scientific documents. The primary responsibilities of this position are grant writing and preparing detailed scientific progress reports and slide decks for funded grants. The writer works closely with principal investigators (PIs) and project managers/administrators and may assist with coordinating document preparation and timelines across multiple PIs to ensure complete, polished submissions. Additional responsibilities may include writing newsletter articles, responding to funder requests for information, and preparing other scientific communications as needed.

Position Duties

Grant proposal writing. Draft, revise, and/or refine narrative components of large, multi-investigator grant proposals – including specific aims, research strategy sections, and other supporting administrative materials – working collaboratively with PIs, project managers, and grants administrators to ensure scientific accuracy, clarity, and compliance with funder guidelines.
Scientific progress reporting. Write and edit detailed scientific progress reports for funded grants, accurately synthesizing research findings, milestones, and next steps as provided by faculty investigators and translating technical content for funders and other audiences.
Scientific presentation development. Prepare scientific slide decks for faculty to present grant progress and research outcomes, organizing complex data and narratives into polished, visually clear, and logically structured presentations.

Essential Functions

Scientific writing and editing. Demonstrated ability to write clearly and accurately about complex scientific topics for varied audiences, including funders, lay readers, and scientific peers.
Grant writing experience. Familiarity with federal or foundation grant proposal structure and requirements (e.g., NIH, NSF, or comparable agencies), including the ability to translate investigators' research into compelling, compliant narratives.
Domain knowledge in cardiovascular, pulmonary, or vascular biology. Familiarity with research areas relevant to the VMI's work – including vascular biology, heart and lung disease, pulmonary hypertension, hemostasis, sickle cell disease, atherosclerosis, or related fields in basic, translational, or clinical research – sufficient to accurately represent and communicate faculty science.
Presentation design in PowerPoint. Proficiency with Microsoft PowerPoint, including the ability to translate scientific data and narratives into well-organized, professional slide decks suitable for funder and research audiences.
Visual communication and data presentation. Ability to present scientific data clearly through figures, diagrams, and visual storytelling approaches that enhance comprehension and impact.
Attention to detail and compliance awareness. Ability to carefully follow funder guidelines, formatting requirements, and institutional submission standards across multiple simultaneous projects.
Collaboration and communication. Comfortable working with faculty, project managers, and other stakeholders to gather information, incorporate feedback, and meet shared deadlines – including across multiple investigators with competing priorities.
Organization and self-direction. Ability to independently manage multiple writing projects and document workflows with minimal supervision, exercising sound judgment about priorities and timelines.

Physical Effort

Mostly sedentary, but must be able to move between university labs and offices. Could require walking and long periods of writing.

The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.

Assignment Category

Full-time regular

Job Classification

Staff.Scientific Writer II

Job Family

Communications & Marketing

Job Sub-Family

Writing

Campus

Pittsburgh

Minimum Education Level Required

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum Years Of Experience Required

2

Will this position accept substitution in lieu of education or experience?

Combination of education and relevant experience will be considered in lieu of education and/ or experience requirement.

Work Schedule

mon-friday standard

Work Arrangement

Hybrid: Combination of On-Campus and Remote work as determined by the department.

Hiring Range

TBD Based Upon Qualifications

Relocation Offered

No

Visa Sponsorship Provided

No

Background Check

For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check

Child Protection Clearances

Not Applicable

Required Documents

Resume, Cover Letter, Writing Sample

Optional Documents

Not Applicable

University of Pittsburgh

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Scientific Writer