Minimum 5 years of professional writing and editing experience, with 3 years focused on scientific and technical subjects.
Experience writing for federal agencies or research organizations is preferred.
Proficient in creating both short- and long-format content, including press releases and reports.
Skilled in conducting research and fact-checking through written sources and interviews with experts.
Degree in journalism, communications, or a science-related field is preferred.
Ability to simplify complex scientific topics for diverse audiences.
Familiarity with AP Style, plain language writing, and federal communication standards.
Responsibilities
Write and edit a variety of publications on science topics, including articles and press releases.
Translate complex scientific concepts into accessible language for non-expert audiences.
Draft web content summarizing policies for proposers and awardees.
Conduct research and collaborate with OLPA staff and scientists to ensure content accuracy.
Ensure compliance with the Plain Writing Act and Section 508 accessibility standards.
Mentor junior writers and help establish documentation standards.
Benefits
On-site role at NSF in Alexandria, VA.
Full Job Description
Position Overview
The Senior Technical Writer-Editor is responsible for creating, editing, and managing complex written products in support of the Office of Legislative and Public Affairs (OLPA) at the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). This role translates scientific and technical information into clear, accurate, and accessible content, including articles, white papers, fact sheets, policy summaries, and web pages. The Senior Technical Writer-Editor collaborates with OLPA staff, program officials, and scientists to research and fact-check content, mentors junior writers, and ensures all products meet federal plain language and accessibility standards. Key Responsibilities
Write and edit articles, white papers, fact sheets, blogs, press releases, web pages, and other publications on science topics of stakeholder interest, including those addressing significant or potentially controversial topics.
Translate complex scientific and technical concepts into plain language for non-expert audiences.
Draft and edit web content summarizing policies and guidance for proposers and awardees.
Conduct research and fact-checking, collaborating with OLPA staff, program officials, and scientists to ensure accuracy and clarity of all written products.
Ensure all products comply with the "Plain Writing Act of 2010" and Section 508 accessibility standards.
Mentor junior writers and help define documentation standards and strategies.
Qualifications
General Requirements
Minimum 5 years of professional writing and editing experience, including at least 3 years' experience writing about scientific and technological subjects.
Experience writing for federal agencies, scientific funders, or research-focused organizations (preferred).
Experience writing both short- and long-format content, including press releases, fact sheets, blogs, reports and webpages.
Experience conducting research and fact-checking using written sources and direct interviews with subject-matter experts.
Degree in journalism, communications or a science-related field (preferred).
Ability to distill complex scientific and technical topics into clear, compelling language for diverse audiences.
Proficiency in AP Style, plain language writing, and editing for scientific accuracy.
Familiarity with federal communication requirements, including the "Plain Writing Act of 2010" and Section 508 compliance.
Knowledge of search engine optimization (SEO) and answer engine optimization (AEO) principles.
Candidates should be prepared to provide writing samples that demonstrate proficiency in the responsibilities above. What We Offer • Competitive annual salary (commensurate with experience). • On-site role at NSF in Alexandria, VA.
