The Nanotechnology and Radiation Biology Lab focuses on the intersection of radiation biology, cancer therapy, and the use of nanotechnology in targeting cancerous tissues. The primary role of this position is to assist in drafting, editing, and refining academic materials that communicate the findings from the lab’s cutting-edge research. This includes grants, progress reports, scientific articles, and research summaries. The candidate should have a strong foundation in radiation biology, cancer genomics, immunology, and nanotechnology, with the ability to translate complex scientific concepts into accessible communications for various audiences. This position is essential in securing research funding and disseminating research findings to both the academic community and the general public.

What we do here changes the world. UTHealth Houston is Texas’ resource for healthcare education, innovation, scientific discovery, and excellence in patient care. That’s where you come in.

Once you join us you won't want to leave. It’s because we reward our team for the excellent service they provide. Our total rewards package includes the benefits you’d expect from a top healthcare organization (benefits, insurance, etc.), plus:  

100% paid medical premiums for our full-time employees   Generous time off (holidays, preventative leave day, both vacation and sick time – all of which equates to around 37-38 days per year)  The longer you stay, the more vacation you’ll accrue!  Longevity Pay (Monthly payments after two years of service)  Build your future with our awesome retirement/pension plan! 

We take care of our employees! As a world-renowned institution, our employees’ wellbeing is important to us. We offer work/life services such as... 

Free financial and legal counseling  Free mental health counseling services  Gym membership discounts and access to wellness programs  Other employee discounts including entertainment, car rentals, cell phones, etc.  Resources for child and elder care  Plus many more! 

Position Summary:

Provides high-level substantive and developmental editorial and writing services at an advanced level for all phases of the preparation and issuance of scientific and research related materials with heavy emphasis on funding opportunities.

Position Key Accountabilities:

1. Performs extensive editing and/or rewriting for scientific/research related documentation such as grant/funding proposals and renewals/extensions, contracts, scientific manuscripts, and/or other related materials ensuring compliance with necessary standards.  2. Provides high-level editorial and writing assistance with internal and external publications and documents. Provides major reorganization/reconstruction of documents and/or extensive rewriting to enhance logical presentation, coherence and clarity. 3. Delivers writing education and research assistance related to scientific publishing, including mini-courses, presentations, workshops and consultations. Assists with identifying students in need of research and writing skills training, if applicable. 4. Manages Human Resources activities of department in regards to: recruiting and selection, hiring and termination, training, professional development, mentoring, counseling, performance evaluations, and salary planning.   5. Perform other duties as assigned.

 Additional departmental duties may include:

Collaborate with the PI to write non-technical summaries, abstracts, and updates for websites, news outlets, journals, and funding agencies. Provide copyediting and formatting services for non-technical documents (e.g., letters of support, lay abstracts, project narratives). Assist in the preparation of editorials, literature reviews, and research summaries aimed at non-scientific audiences, ensuring complex topics are explained clearly. Draft technical summaries, abstracts, and updates for academic journals, grant agencies, and other professional platforms. Copyedit and format documents for technical audiences, maintaining the highest level of scientific accuracy and clarity. Assist the PI in preparing and submitting editorials, research reviews, and other scientific communications that contribute to the advancement of the lab's research. Produce analytic reports, including graphics, to represent research impacts and progress for grant agencies, stakeholders, and internal use. Develop visuals that illustrate scientific models, experimental methods, or findings related to radiation biology and nanotechnology. Provide expert communication support to the PI and lab members, ensuring clarity and coherence in both written and oral presentations. Understand the rhetorical requirements of academic and funding documents, ensuring that content is aligned with the expectations of the intended audience. Facilitate communication between the PI, lab members, and external stakeholders to disseminate research findings, project updates, and discoveries. Work with administrators and team members to manage the lab’s website, ensuring that all project information is shared effectively with both the scientific community and the public.

Certification/Skills:

Minimum Education:

Bachelor’s degree in English, Communications, Science or related field

Minimum Experience:

Seven (7) years of professional writing/editing science-related grants, publications, etc., with at least two (2) years of administrative responsibility preferred.

Preferred experience:

Some oncology research experience preferred Familiarity with publication and editorial processes in scientific journals and assembling grant applications with supplementary documents preferred Experience with data visualization and presentation tools preferred Strong understanding of radiation biology, cancer genomics, immunology, and nanotechnology as they relate to cancer treatment and diagnosis preferred.

Physical Requirements:

Exerts up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds frequently and/or a negligible amount constantly to move objects.

Security Sensitive:

This job class may contain positions that are security sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of Texas Education Code § 51.215

Residency Requirement:

Employees must permanently reside and work in the State of Texas.