Technical Writer III - CDP

Join the HJF Team! HJF is seeking a Technical Writer III to serve in a scientific writing role supporting the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences’ Consortium for Defense Psychology (CDP). The position will collaborate with principal investigators and multidisciplinary teams to develop original research manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals, review articles, and evidence-informed white papers released by CDP.

The successful candidate will bring demonstrated scientific writing expertise, a record of substantive contributions to peer-reviewed publications, and the ability to advance multiple writing projects with competing deadlines. Working from study protocols, research-team input, and existing statistical results, the Technical Writer III will draft and revise manuscript sections, synthesize relevant literature, and coordinate publications from initial outline through submission and revision.

The position requires sufficient knowledge of research methods and statistics to describe analyses and findings accurately; independent statistical analysis is not a responsibility of this role. This position will be in support of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences’ Consortium for Defense Psychology (CDP), which is based in Bethesda, MD.

The Technical Writer III will assist with activities related to CDP’s mission, which is to lead the development of a community of military culturally mindful and clinically competent providers through the delivery of high-quality training and education, the convening of experts, and the dissemination of research-based treatment and the latest topics in military behavioral health.

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation provides administrative and management support to the Consortium. CDP strives to be the central hub for the Military Health System (MHS) in the development and implementation of training and education to clinicians in order to ensure that all service members, veterans, and their families receive quality behavioral healthcare that meets their unique needs.

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing military medicine. We serve military, medical, academic and government clients by administering, managing, and supporting preeminent scientific programs that benefit members of the armed forces and civilians alike.

Since its founding in 1983, HJF has served as a vital link between the military medical community and its federal and private partners. HJF's support and administrative capabilities allow military medical researchers and clinicians to maintain their scientific focus and accomplish their research goals. Develop substantive initial drafts of original research manuscripts, review articles, and white papers in collaboration with principal investigators, subject matter experts, and research teams.

Draft introductions, methods, statistical analysis descriptions, results, and discussion sections using study documentation, analysis outputs, tables, and guidance supplied by investigators and statisticians. Interpret research findings in collaboration with the research team, accurately communicating study limitations and distinguishing supported conclusions from speculation.

Conduct targeted literature searches, critically evaluate relevant research, and synthesize evidence into publication narratives, evidence tables, and white papers. Develop white papers that translate scientific evidence into clear implications for military behavioral health, prevention, training, practice, and program implementation.

Coordinate multiple publication projects across CDP teams, maintaining writing schedules, milestones, version control, and timely integration of coauthor feedback. Collaborate on journal selection and prepare manuscripts, references, tables, supporting materials, and submission documents consistent with journal requirements.

Assist investigators with responses to peer reviewers, manuscript revisions, resubmissions, and review of publication proofs. Verify scientific claims and citations, reconcile manuscript text with supplied results, and identify discrepancies or missing information for resolution by the research team. Apply relevant reporting guidelines, publication ethics standards, and institutional review and release requirements.

Support scientific manuscripts and white papers associated with CDP’s SAPRO, PREVAIL, and PoHB activities, as well as publications arising from other CDP research and training programs. Support the development of grant applications, which will involve literature reviews and drafting sections of pre-proposals and proposals.

Perform other duties as assigned, including participation in required training.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree required, Master's or Doctorate highly preferred. Degrees in psychology, public health, behavioral or social sciences, health sciences, scientific or medical writing, journalism, English, or a related field preferred. Minimum of 6-8 years experience required. Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Demonstrated substantive writing contributions to multiple published peer-reviewed articles, supported by writing samples and a description of the applicant’s role.

Ability to develop coherent scientific manuscripts from study documentation, existing results, and investigator input. Working knowledge of quantitative research methods and statistical reporting sufficient to accurately describe analyses, effect estimates, uncertainty, and study limitations. Ability to critically evaluate and synthesize peer-reviewed literature and verify that references support the claims made.

Experience coordinating manuscript development, coauthor review, journal submission, and revisions. Prior experience supporting research grant package submission preferred. Ability to manage concurrent projects, establish realistic milestones, communicate delays, and resolve competing priorities with supervisory guidance.

Proficiency with reference-management software and collaborative document editing; strong attention to scientific accuracy, organization, grammar, and detail. Knowledge of scientific publication ethics and applicable reporting standards. Ability to obtain and maintain a T1 Public Trust background check. Physical Capabilities Ability to stand or sit at a computer for prolonged periods.

Work Environment This position will take place primarily in a remote office setting.

Compensation

The annual salary range for this position is $77,600-$125,000. Actual salary will be determined based on experience, education, etc.

Benefits

HJF offers a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on your health and well-being, from medical, dental, and vision coverage to health savings and retirement plans, and more. Employment with HJF is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, which may include, but is not limited to, contacting your professional references, verification of previous employment, education and credentials, a criminal background check, and a department of motor vehicle (DMV) check if applicable.

Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer. 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) Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.