What are the responsibilities and job description for the (Associate) Scientific Editor position at USP (U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention)?
Description
Summary of the Position
This is a non-supervisory, deadline-driven position responsible for performing high-impact editorial and scientific communication functions for the publication of USP documentary standards. The Scientific Editor reviews USP documents for accuracy, correct structure, style, grammar, syntax, referencing, and readability. The incumbent in this role will regularly collaborate with scientific experts to ensure quality, clarity, and consistency of work. The Scientific Editor will participate in meetings to ensure the timely completion of work as outlined by the Master schedule. The incumbent contributes to the overall success of the organization by producing high quality products on schedule that meet the needs of the end users.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Edits scientific materials across various USP publications and is responsible for improving and maintaining high quality USP documentary standards
- Copyedits content so that it is well-written and complies with USP style. Ensures that structure, grammar, syntax, and spelling are correct and prepares documents for transfer to production
- Serves as an editorial subject matter expert and develops specialized knowledge for assigned publication content and tasks
- Displays critical thinking and scientific communication experience, using diplomacy and tact to build consensus and bring open items to closure
- Carefully documents revision history and decisions to facilitate knowledge management best practices and adherence to SOPs
- Maintains pace with ongoing product and style changes through training and participation in team meetings
- Conducts quality control checks of USP publications
- Proofreads scientific content for errors, making limited style and formatting changes after various editorial stages
- Maintains the intent of scientific experts by upholding a high-level view of each documentary standard
- Demonstrates sound decision-making during quality control checks to identify errata and other errors that affect external end users
- Uses standardized checklists and procedures to ensure adherence to established quality standards
- Reviews final products by participating in final quality control checks, such as proofreading paginated output, checking version continuity, proofreading indexes, and reviewing online content for quality and functionality
- Reviews and updates documentation to ensure alignment with current process
- Science Division collaboration
- Supports cross-divisional process improvements for Standards development
- Provides technical and editorial support to scientific staff as needed
- Contributes to presentations on publications, scientific topics, and feedback as needed
- Contributes to projects related to publication strategies or for the improvement of processes, quality, and style
- Performs other duties as required/assigned
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Communications, or a life science, or an equivalent combination of training and experience required
Associate Editor:
- Minimum of 0-2 years of relevant experience.
- Experience in book and/or journal editing in electronic formats
Editor:
- Three (3) years in editing of scientific, technical, or medical materials
- Two (2) years XML experience
- Experience in book and/or journal editing in electronic formats
Preferred Qualifications
- Excellent knowledge of grammar, spelling, and application of in-house style guides
- Experience working with content management systems, electronic file tracking, and workflow procedures
- Knowledge and/or use of SGML, DITA, XML, or HTML
- Demonstrated computer skills in a PC environment, along with proficiency in computer applications including Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat Professional, and an HTML or XML editor, utilizing track changes and reviewing tools in such programs
- Knowledge of pharmaceutical and scientific research concepts and understanding of scientific data analysis
- Proficiency in a virtual environment, with ability to facilitate and participate in WebEx meetings, and use of virtual communications software (Outlook, Teams, Jabber, Slack)
- Demonstrated ability to communicate scientific and/or technical concepts within defined formats
- Thrives in a results-oriented and deadline-driven environment, Keen eye for detail
- Efficient written and oral communication skills, including developing and delivering presentations when needed
- Has the ability to:
navigate multi-layered publications systems and processes
effectively multitask
work and research problems independently when appropriate and understands when to escalate issues
establish effective working relationships in a team setting through active participation and receptiveness to feedback
engage in training/mentoring with senior staff
Supervisory Responsibilities
N/A
Benefits
USP provides you with the benefits you need to protect yourself and your family today and tomorrow. From company-paid time off, comprehensive healthcare options to retirement savings, you can have peace of mind that your personal and financial wellbeing are protected.
About USP
The U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) USP is an independent scientific organization that collaborates with the world's top experts in health and science to develop quality standards for medicines, dietary supplements, and food ingredients. USP brings together more than 1,100 talented professionals across five global locations to deliver its mission to strengthen the supply of safe quality medicines and supplements worldwide. USP is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer (EEOE) and affirmative action employer. Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to sex, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other protected class. We are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. USP does not accept unsolicited resumes from 3rd party recruitment agencies and is not responsible for fees from recruiters or other agencies except under specific written agreement with USP.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)
Job Category Publications
Job Type Full-Time