Research Development Writer & Strategist - Department of Oncology
Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Research Development Writer & Strategist - Department of Oncology at its Detroit campus location.
Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.
Essential functions (job duties):
The Research Development Writer & Strategist plays a critical role in advancing the research mission of the institution by transforming complex scientific concepts into clear, compelling, and accessible content for diverse audiences. This professional will be responsible for writing, editing, and curating a variety of scientific materials, including research papers, grant proposals, technical reports and educational content such as brochures, presentations, and digital resources. The position serves as a vital bridge between researchers and leadership, translating technical data into narratives that support research growth, funding success and community engagement and will directly contribute to strategic initiatives that increase institutional competitiveness and research capacity. The position reports to Karmanos Cancer Institute Deputy Director.
Write and edit scientific documents including research manuscripts, grant proposals, technical reports and supporting materials such as abstracts, bio-sketches, and letters of support.
Provide editorial support for grant applications, ensuring clarity, coherence, adherence to agency guidelines and compelling narrative structure for competitive submissions; coordinate institutionally limited submissions and internal funding efforts and provide high-quality proposal development services, including content editing, layout, and visual design.
Collaborate with faculty and research teams to gather technical information, clarify scientific concepts, and ensure content accuracy and consistency across communications.
Create and design educational and communication materials such as brochures, presentations, infographics, and web content to support internal and external research initiatives.
Develop and maintain templates, style guides, and other tools to enhance the efficiency and consistency of proposal development and research communications.
Participate in the development of online resources and writing tools to guide faculty through the proposal preparation process.
Organize, facilitate, and support strategy meetings and workshops focused on proposal planning, team science, strategic planning and professional development in scientific writing and communication; help develop online tools and resources to enhance proposal preparation and collaboration across programs.
Manage multiple writing projects simultaneously, balancing deadlines and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to meet institutional research goals.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Unique duties:
Expertise in bioinformatics.
Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor's degree
Experience: Experienced (minimum 2 years of job-related experience)
Experience writing and editing scientific or technical documents (e.g., manuscripts, grant proposals, research summaries, technical reports).
Experience supporting large, interdisciplinary grant applications, including those submitted to agencies such as the NIH, NSF, DoD and various foundations preferred.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills, with strong attention to accuracy, grammar, style, and consistency.
Working knowledge of artificial intelligence tools and applications that enhance scientific writing, including platforms used for content generation, literature summarization, data visualization, and proposal development.
Preferred qualifications:
School/College/Division:
H06 - School of Medicine
Primary department:
H0632 - Oncology
Employment type:
- Regular Employee
- Job type: Full Time
- Job category: Research
Funding/salary information:
- Compensation type: Annual Salary
Working conditions:
Normal office environment.
Job openings:
- Number of openings: 1
- Reposted position: No
- Reposted reason: None (New Requisition)
- Prior posting/requisition number:
Background check requirements:
University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.