Overview:  

We are seeking a technical writer and editor to support development of clear, accurate scientific and technical communications products for ORNL’s research and scientific staff and programs. This position will report to the Technical Communications group leader and assist customers across the lab. This position resides in Technical Communications in the Communications and Community Engagement Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).  

The successful candidate will edit, revise, and rewrite a variety of scientific and technical documents, presentations, and proposals in collaboration with ORNL researchers and scientists and in partnership with and under the supervision of more experienced staff.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Collaborate with Communications colleagues, researchers, and scientists to produce compelling materials that clearly and effectively communicate research findings, technical developments, and other news and information from organizations and programs across the lab to internal and external audiences, including scientifically trained researchers and sponsors, scientific peers, executive leadership, and industry partners.
• Edit, revise, and rewrite scientific and technical documents and visual materials for research staff to enhance clarity, coherence, and organization while ensuring compliance with established rules of grammar and syntax.
• Edit and revise the manuscripts of nonnative speakers, enhancing their accuracy and readability to ensure a high rate of acceptance in open-literature publications.
• Understand complex science- and technology-related research and programs and write summaries, overviews, plans, nominations, letters, and other documents based on research, technical data, and results in collaboration with researchers and scientists.
• Suggest visual materials in support of scientific and promotional information needs and collaborate with graphic artists to develop effective products.
• Participate in teams assigned to larger projects, working with electronic publishers, graphic artists, photographers, video producers, and reproduction staff to ensure professional quality and adherence to budgets and schedules.
• Understand and apply ORNL publications standards and styles or external (e.g., journal, sponsor) guidelines. Adhere to US Department of Energy publishing requirements.
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements.
• Maintain a strong commitment to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• A BS/BA degree, preferably in English or related field or a STEM field
• Some experience in technical or science editing or relevant experience with technical or scientific documentation
• Ability and willingness to secure and retain a clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

• Should have an excellent command of standard American English style and usage, as demonstrated by writing and editing samples, and have a working knowledge of The Chicago Manual of Style or another standard style guide.
• Should have excellent attention to detail; excellent verbal communication skills; the confidence to work both independently and with all levels of researchers and staff in a team-based environment; and strong skills in solving problems and developing and implementing solutions.
• Should also have a firm grasp of standard business computer software (e.g., Microsoft Office applications) including Microsoft Word and Adobe Acrobat.
• Experience using LaTeX, Git, and other open-source software tools and repositories is preferred.

Visa Sponsorship:

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Q Clearance:

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.

Benefits at ORNL:  

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain talented people. The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov or call 1.866.963.9545.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.  UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.