HEALTH SCIENCE WRITER
24 MONTHS FIXED-TERM CONTRACT
HEAD QUARTERS; WOODSTOCK
The Desmond Tutu Health Foundation (DTHF) is a registered non-profit organisation focused on the pursuit of excellence in research, treatment, training and prevention of HIV and related infections in Southern Africa. Together the DTHF and Desmond Tutu HIV Centre (DTHC) are multi-disciplinary research units producing both quantitative and qualitative scientific research in the fields of HIV and other related diseases including COVID.
We have fantastic job opportunities across our businesses for talented people wanting to realize their full potential. Could that be you? If so, we invite you to explore the possibility of joining us to play your part in Desmond Tutu Health Foundations’ exciting future.
The Health Science writer is responsible for creating clear, concise, and accurate content that explains complex scientific concepts to a general audience. DTHF/C conducts multidisciplinary research in a variety of public health areas with a focus on HIV, TB and related conditions. The research involves health systems, health service research, clinical trials and behavioural research, working closely with scientists, and other experts in their field to ensure that the information they present is accurate and up-to-date and assisting to communicate DTHF/C research findings to a variety of audiences. In this role, the incumbent will be responsible for writing and editing scientific reviews, primary results publications, commentaries, editorials and presentations and be responsible for ensuring that all scientific information is accurate and compliant with published guidelines. As well as providing guidance and support for the academic staff at DTHF/C as requested by the CEO.
Minimum Requirements:
- Post Graduate Health Sciences Degree
- Minimum 5 years science writing experience
- Ability to distil complex information to a level that the general public can understand
- A strong interest in science
- A sound understanding of standard computer programs
- Verifiable evidence of technical writing skills, extensive research
- Ability to simplify complex topics and communicate complex ideas in a way that is easy to understand
- Research skills: include reading scientific journals, textbooks and other research-based documents. It can also include conducting experiments to gather data
- Editing and proofreading skills: work with editors and proofreaders to ensure their work is free of errors and is written in a style that is easy to understand
Advantageous:
- Language proficiency in English, Afrikaans and/or Xhosa
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Code 08 Drivers Licence
- Excellent organizational and planning skills
- Familiarity with social media platforms and relevant editing software
- The ability to think logically and understand complex ideas and data
- Time management skills: meet deadlines and complete projects on time
- Ability to work under pressure to deadlines
- Resilience, flexibility, persistence and self-motivation
Responsibilities:
Publications (Report writing and content creation)
- Producing articles (both journal and media) for publication in print and online according to agreed style, and keeping to strict deadlines
- Reading and researching specialist media and literature, e.g. scientific papers, company reports, newspapers, magazines and journals, press releases and internet resources including social media
- Conducting academic reference searches
- Reviewing and amending work in response to feedback on request
- Input into selecting appropriate artwork to accompany articles
- Occasionally reading page proofs from printers and checking colour proofs.
- Provide support for grant writing- collate evidence, edit, sharpen and ensure alignment to RFAs and other calls for proposals.
- Write scientific papers, reports, and other documents based on data analysis and interpretation
- Creating reports based on research findings and translating them into layman’s terms
- Reviewing studies to ensure that research methods were conducted properly
- Writing articles about research findings for scientific journals in a structured and professional manner.
- Reviewing research proposals to determine if they are viable, conducting research as necessary to support the proposal, and Editing reports for grammar, style, and tone to ensure that they are suitable for publication
- preparing a report of findings
- Develop an understanding of the target audience for each project and tailor content accordingly
- Edit and proofread documents for grammar, style, and clarity
- Adhere to deadlines and schedules set
- Conduct research as needed to supplement writing projects
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of developments in relevant scientific fields
- Organize and consolidate information into standard report forma
Collaboration
- Attending meetings or taking part in conference calls with collaborators, funders, scientists or other writers
- Meeting with colleagues to plan the content of a document or publication
- Conducting interviews with scientists, doctors and academics and establishing a network of industry experts
- Representing the DTHF/C at academic and press conferences and posting reports on social media
- Visiting research establishments
- Maintaining an awareness of current research in order to identify new trends in fields of interest
- Communicating with scientists or other experts to gather information about research topics and issues related to their field of expertise
- Collaborate with colleagues on writing projects
Organisational Documents
- Managing, collating and reviewing major organisation reports (Annual Report, Project funder reports, etc)
- Preparing regulatory documents on behalf of DTHF/C
- Contribute to large institutional documents (e.g. accreditation)
Values fit: Passion Innovation Progress Integrity Respect Excellence
Submit CV, motivation letter with certified copy of highest qualification and details of three (3) current contactable referees in a single PDF file by 15th February 2023. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Visit the DTHF Career page to view the advert (Reference number: DTHF-008) and apply: DTHF Career Page
NB: Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. We are committed to equity in our employment practices. It is our intention to appoint individuals with the aim of meeting our equity objectives. We reserve the right not to appoint if no suitable candidates are identified.
I understand and accept that by applying for this position, I authorized DTHF to process my personal information in accordance with its internal operational requirements.
I further understand that the personal information I disclose to DTHF will be processed in accordance with the requirements set out in the Protection of Personal Information Act and may include the transferring thereof to third parties for the purposes of verification.
This job may be removed before it expires.
If you have not heard from us within two weeks after the closing date please consider your application as unsuccessful.
Desmond Tutu Health Foundation is a child-friendly organisation committed to the protection of children.
For more information about the organization please visit our website.
More Information
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