Opening for Plain Language Medical Writer

Description:
SWOG Cancer Research Network conducts clinical trials through an international member network with the goal of improving the lives of people diagnosed with cancer. But clinical trials don’t succeed – and new treatments and prevention strategies can’t be found – if patients do not participate. So it’s critical for us to raise public awareness about cancer trials and to provide key information about individual trials that’s clear and comprehensible for people at all levels of health literacy, so that prospective participants can understand whether joining a trial is the right option for them.

To ensure we can provide trial information in a form that’s accessible to a broad audience, our communications team includes a dedicated plain language medical writer who creates critical trial content: patient-friendly overviews of trials, summaries of trial results, social media copy, video scripts, and other educational and promotional materials geared to both patients and health care providers.  

This is a full-time, salaried telecommuting position with The Hope Foundation – SWOG’s public charity. 

Responsibilities:

• Develop accurate and clear plain language summaries of clinical trials during the final stages of protocol development (pre-activation) and summaries of results as trials close and outcomes are presented and published. 
• Develop packages of social media posts for new trials.  
• Provide plain language review of draft informed consent documents while working within the strictures of a template document. 
• Develop and review materials based on study protocol documents and by negotiating content with study leaders. 
• Work with study leaders, recruitment and retention specialist, and graphic designer to create additional recruitment materials for trials as needed. These may include patient education materials and resources for site staff such as training presentations, brochures, video scripts, web pages, and other promotional or educational copy. 
• Collaborate with key staff and members, including members of the patient advocacy, recruitment and retention, and digital engagement committees, to ensure plain language materials are relevant and engaging to different patient communities. 
• Recommend and maintain policies and procedures on the production of plain language trial materials to maximize efficiency and ensure content is effective, accurate, inclusive, and representative of the diverse range of patients served. 
• Travel to attend semiannual group meetings as required.

Requirements:

• At least 5 years of experience in science or medical plain language writing or journalism. 
• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field. Prefer candidate with additional professional certification in science journalism, medical writing, or plain language writing.
• Familiarity with clinical trial conduct, genomics, and human physiology. Prefer candidate with understanding of cancer biology, treatment, and prevention.
• Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to bring clarity to complex topics and to uphold high standards for accuracy, brevity, and clarity. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of plain language principles and best practices.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks at one time.
• Energy and drive to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and organizational skills – both written and verbal.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team while being collaborative in resolving problems.
• Ability to use tact and diplomacy to maintain effective working relationships. 

Applications: 
Please send cover letter, resume, salary requirements, and 3 relevant writing samples (or a link to your portfolio) to hr@thehopefoundation.org .

About SWOG Cancer Research Network:
SWOG Cancer Research Network is part of the National Cancer Institute's National Clinical Trials Network and the NCI Community Oncology Research Program and is part of the oldest and largest publicly funded cancer research network in the nation. SWOG has more than 20,000 members in 45 states and eight other countries who design and conduct clinical trials to improve the lives of people with cancer. SWOG trials have led to FDA approval of 14 cancer drugs, changed more than 100 standards of cancer care, and saved more than 3 million years of human life. Learn more at swog.org.

About The Hope Foundation: 
The Hope Foundation for Cancer Research is a nonprofit public charity, created with the mission of supporting the research and education programs conducted by SWOG Cancer Research Network in efforts to eradicate adult cancers. The Foundation has awarded over $20 million to SWOG programs and projects, contributing to fellowships and continuing education for physicians, nurses, and clinical research associates, and has supplemented clinical trials funded through the National Cancer Institute. For more information, please visit our website: www.thehopefoundation.org.

SWOG and The Hope Foundation for Cancer Research are equal opportunity employers. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or veteran or disability status.