GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:

The Ragon Institute is a highly unique, innovative, and collaborative research center at the forefront of biomedical science. Founded by Massachusetts General Hospital, MIT, and Harvard, the Ragon vision is a bold one: to harness the power of the immune system to prevent and cure human disease on a global scale. This vision is pursued and advanced every day by a group of highly motivated individuals. The Ragon Institute, at every level, depends upon collaboration, compassion, dedication, and innovation. It is a results-oriented organization that seeks people who not only embrace these values but who thrive in teams and want to work in a dynamic environment.

The Ndhlovu lab at Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI) and the Ragon Institute of Mass General, MIT, and Harvard seeks a highly motivated Scientific Writer who will join a dynamic, international lab studying tissue-resident immune responses to viral infections. The lab aims to better understand the molecular mechanisms that contribute to HIV persistence in tissues to promote HIV eradication. Other projects investigate immune responses associated with durable HIV suppression to contribute to rational vaccine design.

The successful candidate must be able to process complex information and communicate ideas clearly and concisely. They should be capable of delivering high-quality work while maintaining specific timelines and meeting deadlines. The position offers an exceptional opportunity for scientific growth with access to cutting-edge facilities, a terrific work environment and the opportunity to travel and spend time at AHRI in South Africa. The successful candidate will work closely with graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and the principal investigator.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Writes, edits, and formats original scientific content for manuscripts, grant applications, and progress reports.
• Manages the submission of scientific manuscripts, grant applications and reports.
• Assists graduate students and trainees in learning the process of scientific writing.

Minimum Degree/Field of Knowledge: Life Sciences MSc required; Ph.D. preferred

Years Experience Required: 2+ years of scientific writing and editing

Qualifications:

• A cover letter is required. Selected candidates will be asked to submit excerpts of previous work before the interview stage.
• M.Sc. in life sciences field; Ph.D. preferred. Background in Immunology is an added advantage.
• Ability to understand complex concepts and present them clearly and logically.
• Experience with writing or editing NIH grants is highly desirable.
• Must have established track record of original research publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Adobe Illustrator, and citation managers such as EndNote, Mendeley, and Zotero.
• Should be able to handle multiple projects and deadlines with equanimity.
• Should possess curiosity, integrity, reliability, good interpersonal skills, a positive attitude, and willingness to learn and grow.