Science Writer II

ABOUT US:

Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines was founded on the principle that the creation of new medicines can be accelerated by pairing world-class biomedical research with state-of-the-art drug discovery and development capabilities. Calibr-Skaggs is a division of Scripps Research, a first-of-its-kind, nonprofit translational research institute dedicated to creating the next generation of medicines. Scripps Research is ranked the most influential institution in the world for its impact on innovation. Our educational and training programs mold talented and committed students and postdocs into leading-edge scientists. Leveraging the unique scientific environment of Scripps Research, impacting translational sciences, Calibr-Skaggs has created a portfolio of drug candidates, and is shaping a new paradigm for advancing nonprofit biomedical research to impact patients while reinvesting in further innovative research. We expand basic knowledge in the biosciences and use these fundamental advancements to develop profound innovations that improve wellbeing. Calibr-Skaggs' drug development portfolio spans a broad range of human diseases, including cancer, autoimmunity and inflammatory diseases, metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, infectious and neglected tropical diseases, as well as age-related and degenerative diseases. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.

POSITION TITLE: Science Writer II

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Science Writer II position is an exciting opportunity to work in the Science Communication group at Calibr. The position will involve scientific writing and graphic design for general science, grant, clinical regulatory, and press release materials to support Calibr's diverse pipeline of programs. An understanding of biomedical research in the academic, biotech, or pharma setting, as well as an ability to comfortably shift between and integrate learnings across several disease areas are critical attributes for success. Calibr drug development programs cover a wide breadth from cancer immunotherapy to neurodegenerative diseases to neglected tropical diseases. Applicants should expect to become part of a team deeply immersed in these areas to solve critical unmet medical needs.

DUTIES & RESPOSIBILITIES:

• Work independently and with team members on specific projects.

• Attend meetings during Pacific time zone hours.

• Research, write, edit, and review grant proposals as determined by Calibr program needs.

• Proposals will be submitted to governmental (e.g., NIH, NSF, DoD) agencies, non-profit foundations, and philanthropic groups.

• Write, edit, and review critical supporting documents (e.g., equipment, facilities, resource sharing, letters of support, administrative components) and other materials related to grants during the pre-award process.

• Manage the scientific writing, review, and submission process for grant proposals.

• Analyze reviews of previously submitted proposals and provide feedback to improve the chance of funding upon re-submission.

• To support the clinical team, this position may also be involved in developing, editing, and formatting of documents to support INDs, clinical protocols, or other regulatory communications.

• Engage with drug development teams (principal investigator; program manager; pharmacology; toxicology; chemistry, manufacturing, and controls [CMC]; and clinical) to complete tasks and ensure accuracy.

• Develop slide presentations, including data figures and graphics, for non-grant funding opportunities, such as foundations and philanthropists, as well as potential business development partners (e.g., pharmaceutical companies)

• Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in relevant subject required. Master's degree or PhD strongly preferred. Years of equivalent job experience may be considered in lieu of Master's degree or PhD.
• Writer must have a basic understanding of modern biology and chemistry and advanced knowledge (e.g., a graduate degree) in one or more of the following subject areas: biochemistry, molecular biology, cellular biology, biophysics, genetics, immunology, neuroscience, organic chemistry, chemical kinetics, pharmacology, animal physiology, medicine, public health.
• 3+ years of professional academic research experience and/or demonstrated experience in successful (funded) grant development, writing individual and team proposals, and facilitating the submission of grant proposals to varied funding agencies.
• Ability to understand and assist a wide range of internal and external stakeholders to include interpretation and reporting of study data and meeting the regulatory compliance for all studies, as applicable. Proficiency in scientific report writing for one or more functional areas of laboratory sciences.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Experience using AI-based writing and graphics tools, with sound judgment in validating and refining outputs for accuracy, quality, and professional use.
• "Can do" attitude and ability to work well in a fast-paced environment with a commitment to a team-based writing culture that revolves around extensive collaboration, constructive criticism, and continuous improvement.
• A thorough appreciation of the scientific process and the ability to describe experimental procedures and results in writing.
• Experience with program project type applications that incorporate multiple projects, PIs, and scientific cores.
• Ability to perform statistical analysis, analyze data, and basic statistics.
• Knowledge of research funding sources, including NIH, DoD, and other funding sources.
• Extensive knowledge of contract and grant policies and issues and external funding programs and requirements, including knowledge of national and international trends in scientific research.
• In-depth knowledge of institutional functional areas that administer and/or are impacted by sponsored projects, such as grants administration and research accounting.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills for managing the writing (research, draft preparation, review, and revision) of complex grant proposals and deliver fundable proposals in a timely manner to meet both stakeholder interim and final deadlines with limited oversight.
• Ability and specialized skills to take initiative and independently plan, organize, coordinate, and perform work in various situations where numerous and diverse demands are involved.
• Position can be on site at Calibr in La Jolla, CA or remote; If remote, expect to travel to Calibr in La Jolla, CA 3-4 times per year.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

May include: Stationary position for an extended period of time, lifting, traverse campus/facility as needed, operate machinery such as computer, phone, copy machine.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.

COMPENSATION:

The expected hiring range for this position is $89,700 - $115,000 per year, commensurate with experience. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements.

The above statements describe the level of work performed and expected in general terms. The statements are not intended to list all the responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of employees so classified, and the content herein is subject to change due to the business needs of Scripps Research, with or without notice. Furthermore, nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to be in conflict with or to eliminate or modify in any way the employment-at-will status of Scripps Research staff.

EEO STATEMENT:

The Scripps Research Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We promote diversity of thought, culture and background in the fields of science. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or status.