Lead Technical Writer-Editor

Position Overview

This role is based within the Office of Science at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention under the Department of Health and Human Services in Atlanta, Georgia. The opportunity will close either when 100 applications have been received or by the stated closing date, whichever comes first.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development, editing, and approval processes of complex scientific and public health documents, including journals, manuscripts, and reports, ensuring they meet accuracy, consistency, and editorial standards as well as agency policies.
• Provide editorial consultation and guidance to multi-disciplinary teams including scientists, epidemiologists, authors, reviewers, and subject matter experts to translate complex public health data into clear, concise, and actionable scientific communications.
• Manage publication workflows, coordinate project priorities with authors, reviewers, and leadership, address editorial challenges, uphold quality assurance, and guarantee timely distribution of important public health information.
• Exercise technical authority over scientific writing and publication practices, delivering guidance to ensure accurate and prompt dissemination of scientific findings to both technical and general audiences.

Qualifications

Education: Completion of at least 15 semester hours in a relevant scientific, technical, or social science field, including one course beyond introductory level. Alternatively, equivalent vocational or technical training beyond high school may satisfy this requirement for technical manual and specification writers/editors.

Experience: At least one year of specialized experience at or above the GS-13 federal grade level, involving:

• Leading planning, writing, editing, and clearance of high-visibility scientific publications.
• Providing editorial guidance and translating complex surveillance data.
• Managing publication processes and ensuring timely dissemination of important health information.
• Exercising technical authority in scientific communication and publication procedures.

Applicants must clearly describe their work history, including specific dates and average weekly hours if part-time, with necessary documentation supporting experience beyond official position descriptions if applicable. Both paid and volunteer experiences count towards qualifications.

Additional Information

The Department of Health and Human Services serves to protect the health of the public, offering an opportunity to make a meaningful difference nationally.