Back to jobs
New

Scientific Communications Editor

Rockville, MD

(ID: 2025-8620)


Axle is a bioscience and information technology company that offers advancements in translational research, biomedical informatics, and data science applications to research centers and healthcare organizations nationally and abroad. With experts in biomedical science, software engineering, and program management, we focus on developing and applying research tools and techniques to empower decision-making and accelerate research discoveries. We work with some of the top research organizations and facilities in the country including multiple institutes at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).


Axle is seeking a Scientific Communications Editor to join our vibrant team at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) supporting the National Cancer Institute (NCI) located in Rockville, MD.


Benefits We Offer:

  • 100% Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage for Employees
  • Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
  • 401K match up to 5%
  • Educational Benefits for Career Growth
  • Employee Referral Bonus
  • Flexible Spending Accounts:
    • Healthcare (FSA)
    • Parking Reimbursement Account (PRK)
    • Dependent Care Assistant Program (DCAP)
    • Transportation Reimbursement Account (TRN)

Overall Position Summary and Objectives

This position will independently provide support services to satisfy the overall communications objectives of the NCI/DCEG

 


Deliverables:

 

  • Work products and documents related to compiling information and writing and editing key messages on new scientific publications, press releases, news notes, fact sheets, articles for the Division newsletter, Linkage, responses to inquiries, communications and roll-out plans, web and social media content.
  • Summarize this information into slides that the Scientific Director will use in presentations to key external boards. - Daily
  • Work products and documents related to interacting with scientists in the development of key messages, press releases and other materials required in preparation for media interviews. - Daily
  • Work products and documents related to tracking requests for media interviews with Division experts, publication of scientific manuscripts and participation in key scientific meetings. - Daily
  • Work products and documents related to reviewing and editing materials that come to DCEG for review. - Daily
  • Work products related to graphics for internal and external communications, the website, social media. - Weekly
  • Provide constructive criticism on the drafts of other members of the communications team in order to result in a better written article for the public-facing website. - Weekly
  • Deliver media training, presentation training or other communications trainings for DCEG staff using material developed by the Communications Team.
  • Routinely update the slide deck to keep current with the latest research news or examples from recent media interview. - Bi-Annually

 

Work Details:

 

  • Research and write innovative strategic communication plans to communicate information about scientific research initiatives to ensure that new discoveries are disseminated to key audiences. - 1
  • Research and write in appropriate scientific or technical style various communication products, to include press releases, newsletter articles, media releases, fliers, web content and video and podcast scripts. - 2
  • Designs social media content to support participation in health awareness months. - 3 Monitors press coverage through press calls, news alerts, and other sources.
  • Respond to media inquiries promptly. - 4
  • Coordinate photographic and videographic resources to capture quality imagining and footage for posting to social media and Internet sites with appropriate captions. - 5
  • Compile information for and work with staff on the writing and editing of key messages on new scientific publications, press releases, research news highlights, NCI fact sheets, articles for the Division newsletter, Linkage, responses to inquiries from Congress, the public, the media, communications and roll-out plans, web content and social media content.
  • Interact with DCEG scientists in support of the development of above items.
  • Work with staff on the management of high-profile projects and roll-out of high-profile research findings.
  • Provide editing, reviewing and the clearance of study newsletters.
  • Work with staff on media training, including the development of media training materials.
  • Track requests for media interviews with Division experts, publication of scientific manuscripts and participation of at key scientific meetings.
  • Provide assistance with liaison activities to other components of NCI, including the Office of Communications and Public Liaison, Office of Congressional and Government Relations, Office of Advocacy Relations, and other research Divisions.
  • Review, edit and assist with clearance materials that come to DCEG for review.
  • Develop materials in support of the creation of 'identity' videos about the Division Develops communication strategies and plans that align with overall program objectives and goals.
  • Attend routine staff meetings to gather information necessary to develop effective communication projects, plans and strategies.
  • Work with staff on the management of high-profile projects and roll-out of high-profile research findings.
  • Prepares written and electronic information documents for various audiences.
  • Research and write scientific and technical educational materials for a variety of print and electronic media platforms.
  • Provide editing and give layout guidance for study newsletters (2-3 per year).
  • Research and design various visual media to include graphics, artwork, and photographs. Conducts media and content analysis.
  • Monitor the effectiveness of media campaigns through traditional and social media channels, assess results and report findings. Maintains social media and Internet sites, and updates content and materials.
  • Perform site administration functions related to updating content and design and managing site settings and security protocols.
  • Monitor complimentary, associated and relevant social media and Internet sites and accounts, linking to relevant content and preparing responses as necessary.
  • Work with the team to issue press releases, and with authors to support their use of press releases.
  • Identify needs and develop content for various communication mediums to increase visibility of the program.
  • Builds relationships with the press and maintains specialized contacts.
  • Meet with internal and external stakeholders to identify communications gaps and collaboration opportunities.
  • Serve as a Liaison to Branches within DCEG Attends workshops, seminars, and meetings to stay abreast of current scientific and policy trends.
  • Attend workshops, seminars and meetings to stay abreast of current scientific and policy trends.

 


1, 2, 3, 4, 5 represents priority rankings, where 1 is highest priority and 5 is lowest priority of those ranked



Minimum Education:

Bachelor


Additional Qualifications:

 

Certifications & Licenses

  • Master’s degree in a science-related field

 

Field of Study

  • Miscellaneous Biology

 

Software

  • MS Office Suite
  • Drupal Content management system
  • Canva

 

Skills

  • Excellent analytical, organizational and time management skills
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Proficiency in proofreading and editing
  • Excellent skills in developing PowerPoint slides for scientific leadership
  • Interpersonal skills

 


Disclaimer: The above description is meant to illustrate the general nature of work and level of effort being performed by individuals assigned to this position or job description. This is not restricted as a complete list of all skills, responsibilities, duties, and/or assignments required. Individuals may be required to perform duties outside of their position, job description or responsibilities as needed.


The diversity of Axle’s employees is a tremendous asset. We are firmly committed to providing equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and will not tolerate any illegal discrimination or harassment based on age, race, gender, religion, national origin, disability, marital status, covered veteran status, sexual orientation, status with respect to public assistance, and other characteristics protected under state, federal, or local law and to deter those who aid, abet, or induce discrimination or coerce others to discriminate.


Accessibility: If you need an accommodation as part of the employment process please contact: careers@axleinfo.com


This role has a market-competitive salary with an anticipated base compensation range listed below. Actual salaries will vary depending on a candidate’s experience, qualifications, skills, and location.

Salary Range

$60,000 - $71,000 USD

Apply for this job

*

indicates a required field

Resume/CV*

Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf

Cover Letter

Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf


Select...
Select...
Select...
Select...
Select...
Select...

Voluntary Self-Identification

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey. Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiring process or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in a confidential file.

As set forth in Axle’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

Select...
Select...
Race & Ethnicity Definitions

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection. As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measure the effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categories is as follows:

A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.

An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.

An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.

Select...

Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability

Form CC-305
Page 1 of 1
OMB Control Number 1250-0005
Expires 04/30/2026

Why are you being asked to complete this form?

We are a federal contractor or subcontractor. The law requires us to provide equal employment opportunity to qualified people with disabilities. We have a goal of having at least 7% of our workers as people with disabilities. The law says we must measure our progress towards this goal. To do this, we must ask applicants and employees if they have a disability or have ever had one. People can become disabled, so we need to ask this question at least every five years.

Completing this form is voluntary, and we hope that you will choose to do so. Your answer is confidential. No one who makes hiring decisions will see it. Your decision to complete the form and your answer will not harm you in any way. If you want to learn more about the law or this form, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) website at www.dol.gov/ofccp.

How do you know if you have a disability?

A disability is a condition that substantially limits one or more of your “major life activities.” If you have or have ever had such a condition, you are a person with a disability. Disabilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Alcohol or other substance use disorder (not currently using drugs illegally)
  • Autoimmune disorder, for example, lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV/AIDS
  • Blind or low vision
  • Cancer (past or present)
  • Cardiovascular or heart disease
  • Celiac disease
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Deaf or serious difficulty hearing
  • Diabetes
  • Disfigurement, for example, disfigurement caused by burns, wounds, accidents, or congenital disorders
  • Epilepsy or other seizure disorder
  • Gastrointestinal disorders, for example, Crohn's Disease, irritable bowel syndrome
  • Intellectual or developmental disability
  • Mental health conditions, for example, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD
  • Missing limbs or partially missing limbs
  • Mobility impairment, benefiting from the use of a wheelchair, scooter, walker, leg brace(s) and/or other supports
  • Nervous system condition, for example, migraine headaches, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Neurodivergence, for example, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia, other learning disabilities
  • Partial or complete paralysis (any cause)
  • Pulmonary or respiratory conditions, for example, tuberculosis, asthma, emphysema
  • Short stature (dwarfism)
  • Traumatic brain injury
Select...

PUBLIC BURDEN STATEMENT: According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. This survey should take about 5 minutes to complete.