Senior Scientific Writer

Job Description

Job Description

In this Senior Writer role, you will have the opportunity to:

• 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 factchecking, 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.

Job requirements

• Minimum 5 years of professional writing and editing experience, including at least 3 years' experience writing about scientific and technological subjects.
• Drives high-impact, complex projects from initiation to closure, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and according to specifications.
• 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 factchecking 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.

Basic Qualifiers:

• Education Requirement : Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications or a science-related field (preferred).
• Can Additional Years of Experience Substitute for Degree? No
• Minimum Years of Overall Experience: 5
• Minimum Clearance to Start: Public Trust
• Work Status Allowable: US Citizen or Permanent Resident

Travel and Telecommuting:

• Travel: Little (less than 10%)
• Telecommute Options: On site. Ability to work core hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

VMD provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable Federal, state and local laws. VMD maintains a drug-free workplace.

Xcelerate is a leading defense and national security company, delivering integrated solutions across five service areas—Enterprise Vetting & Analysis, Critical Infrastructure Protection, Digital Solutions, Cyber Security, and Strategic Consulting. We are a trusted partner to the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, numerous law enforcement and civilian agencies, and the Intelligence Community. Our customers are directly responsible for the security and safety of the United States.

Company Description

Xcelerate is a leading defense and national security company, delivering integrated solutions across five service areas—Enterprise Vetting & Analysis, Critical Infrastructure Protection, Digital Solutions, Cyber Security, and Strategic Consulting. We are a trusted partner to the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, numerous law enforcement and civilian agencies, and the Intelligence Community. Our customers are directly responsible for the security and safety of the United States.