Rose Li and Associates, Inc. (RLA), a growing professional services firm based in Chevy Chase, MD, seeks a full-time Science Writer/Analyst (Associate). In this role, you will conduct research, analyze information, and develop scientific and technical communications to help RLA’s government, academic, and corporate clients move science forward in service of humanity. RLA supports life and social science organizations by conducting literature reviews, performing qualitative analyses to shape program assessments and public policy reviews, and by providing various kinds of writing support. The common thread across all these projects is the ability to become quickly oriented to unfamiliar and complex biomedical and social science topics, to translate those topics into a variety of well-crafted materials that work for a range of audiences, and to collaborate on a team to make materials as effective as possible.
If you are excited about being part of a growing enterprise and are passionate about moving science forward, producing high-quality work, and supporting a team effort, we invite you to read the specific responsibilities below and apply.
Job ResponsibilitiesScience Writing

• Develop a wide range of science communications materials, including working group minutes, peer review summaries, conference proceedings, fact sheets, digital content, literature reviews, journal manuscripts, and major reports
• Attend and document scientific meetings (both in person and via web or teleconference) on a regular basis, capturing high-level outcomes and action items quickly and accurately
• Synthesize written and oral comments from multiple sources into coherent, logically organized documents that highlight key points and minimize redundancy
• Translate or abstract technical papers into lay language
• Provide ongoing support for one or more one of RLA’s major workstreams, including:
• Behavioral and social science research; involves reports on study and survey design, sampling and statistical analysis techniques, mechanisms of behavior change, social determinants of health, and data interoperability for workshops, data monitoring committees, and longitudinal study teams
• Neuroscience research: involves summary reports on preclinical and clinical research workshops, imaging technologies, Data and Safety Monitoring Board meetings, patient engagement efforts, and research ethics
• Scientific outreach and training initiatives: involves audience research, website copy, social media toolkits, email campaigns, and video scripts, as well as quickly learning various technically complex training topics

Analysis

• Help formulate precise analytical questions to inform literature/scoping reviews, prepare bibliographies, and develop resulting reports.
• Perform qualitative analyses of textual data (such as public comments) and basic descriptive statistical analyses to identify and interpret patterns in data sets.
• Work with graphic designers to support the development of data visualizations for technical and lay audiences.

Other Potential Projects

• Assist with blog posts or other marketing / outreach focused efforts.
• Support proposal and business development efforts.
• Provide copy editing and quality control support.

Job QualificationsRequired Skills and Experience

• Successful experience writing about scientific and/or technical material
• Strong verbal and outstanding written communication skills
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• “Can do” attitude and ability to work well in a fast-paced team environment
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize and complete multiple tasks simultaneously, on time, and with limited oversight
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word (including templates, styles, and layout functions), Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Adobe DC Pro, etc.
• Ability to meet and maintain requirements of National Agency Clearance with Inquiries (NACI) and installation access requirements for Fort Detrick
• Ability and willingness to commute twice/week to Chevy Chase office and periodically attend in-person meetings (mostly in the greater Washington, DC region; occasionally requiring travel within the U.S.)

Preferred Skills And Experience

• Experience conducting research in one of RLA’s major subject matter areas, especially (1) social sciences, including health economics, psychology, and demography or (2) neuroscience
• Experience with SharePoint and citation management software (e.g., Zotero)
• Experience writing for both technical and lay audiences

Education

• PhD in a related field OR
• MA/MS in social or biological sciences, or related field plus at least 2 years of experience