U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention Jobs

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

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Communications, or a life science, or an equivalent combination of training and experience required

• At least 2 years in editing of scientific, technical, or medical materials

• 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

None

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 Technical Programs

Job Type Full-Time