We are seeking an experienced Senior Scientific Technical Writer/Editor to support the CDC National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion's Division of Diabetes Translation (DDT). This position supports a broad range of scientific, technical, and communications writing needs across DDTs Office of the Director, Office of Policy, Partnerships and Strategic Communications, Office of the Associate Director for Science, and three Branches:
Surveillance, Epidemiology, Economics, and Statistics (SEESB); Program Implementation (PIB); and Translation, Health Education and Evaluation (THEEB).
The Senior Scientific Technical Writer/Editor serves as a primary resource for producing high- quality, science-based, audience-appropriate written materials that advance DDT's mission to reduce the preventable burden of diabetes through public health leadership, research, and science
translation.
Key Responsibilities
Scientific & Technical Writing
- Research, write, edit, and finalize a wide range of scientific and technical documents including manuscripts, reports, articles, fact sheets, white papers, position papers, briefing materials, and program summaries for internal and external audiences.
- Translate complex scientific and epidemiological data into clear, accurate, and accessible content for diverse audiences including policymakers, public health professionals, partners, and the general public.
- Prepare and edit manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals, ensuring compliance with journal guidelines, citation standards, and CDC clearance requirements.
- Write and edit Statements of Work (SOWs), Interagency Agreements (IAAs), Memoranda of Agreement/Understanding (MOA/MOU), and other program documents for COR review and approval.
- Draft and finalize Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) language, research concept papers, and continuation agreement documentation in coordination with extramural and project teams. Communications & Public Health Content
- Develop culturally relevant, science-based public health communications for diverse audiences, including educational materials targeting diabetes prevention and management.
- Write and edit web content, program overviews, At-a-Glances, snapshots, talking points, Q&As, message maps, and fact sheets consistent with CDC style, Plain Language standards, and Section 508 accessibility requirements.
- Prepare briefing materials, program historical documentation, overview presentations, and project status updates for program leadership.
- Review and recommend edits on all program communication materials for correct format, grammar, punctuation, and style prior to Government approval.
- Draft and revise partner profiles, success stories, and stakeholder engagement materials to support DDT outreach and partnership activities. Policy & Program Documentation
- Provide written analysis and input on policy-related documents and national-level reports affecting DDT programs and scientific activities.
- Draft and edit policy analyses, issue briefs, program planning documents, and responses to inquiries from CDC, HHS, Congressional staff, OMB officials, and external partners.
- Support Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) responses and other information requests requiring accurate scientific and programmatic content.
- Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) with version control for writing and editing workflows.
Collaboration & Review
- Collaborate with DDT scientists, epidemiologists, program staff, and Branch leadership to gather technical input and ensure scientific accuracy of all written products.
- Coordinate the internal review and clearance process for written materials, tracking revisions and ensuring timely turnaround.
- Participate in meetings, workshops, and working groups requiring interaction with CDC internal scientists, other federal agencies, and academic and external partner institutions.
- Prepare and distribute meeting minutes, action item summaries, and follow-up correspondence. Section 508 & Accessibility
- Ensure all written and digital deliverables meet HHS Section 508 accessibility requirements and comply with WCAG 2.0 Level A & AA standards.
- Support development of Section 508-conformant training materials, user guides, and reference documents as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelors degree plus 5 years of directly related experience in scientific or technical writing/editing; OR high school diploma/GED plus 10 years of equivalent experience.
- Demonstrated ability to write, edit, and produce high-quality scientific and technical documents in a public health, biomedical, or federal agency setting.
- Strong command of CDC, APA, AMA, or equivalent style guidelines and Plain Language standards.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook); experience managing tracked changes and multi-reviewer document workflows.
- Excellent written and verbal English communication skills with exceptional attention to detail in grammar, punctuation, style, and scientific accuracy.
- Ability to manage multiple concurrent writing assignments, prioritize competing deadlines, and deliver under time pressure.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams.
- Familiarity with Section 508 compliance requirements for electronic documents and
communications materials.
Preferred Qualifications
- Masters degree or higher in public health, life sciences, health communications, journalism, or a related field.
- Prior experience supporting a federal agency, CDC, HHS, or a public health-focused contractor.
- Experience writing or editing peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts, NOFOs, cooperative agreement documents, or federal policy briefs.
- Familiarity with diabetes, chronic disease prevention, or epidemiology subject matter.
- Experience with CDC administrative and clearance systems (e.g., SharePoint, TASNET, CDC Neighborhood).
- Knowledge of health equity principles and culturally responsive communications practices.
- Experience with Section 508 compliance tools and accessibility testing for digital documents.
Work Schedule & Place of Performance
Primary place of performance is on-site at CDC's Chamblee Campus, 4770 Buford Hwy NE, Atlanta, GA 30341.
Situational telework may be authorized by the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) based on mission requirements and individual performance. Standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 8 hours/day, 40 hours/week, excluding Federal holidays. All
Federal holidays are observed.
Security & Compliance Requirements
- Must be eligible to obtain a federal background investigation commensurate with a Non- Sensitive / Level 1 position sensitivity designation.
- Must complete CDC/HHS mandatory Information Security Awareness, Privacy, and Records Management training prior to beginning work and annually thereafter.
- Must execute a CDC Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) prior to performing any work under the contract.
- Must comply with HHS Information Technology General Rules of Behavior and all applicable CDC policies and federal regulations.
This position supports a federal contract with the CDC Division of Diabetes Translation under NCCDPHP. All contract
personnel operate as independent contractors; this is not a federal employment position. Candidates must be authorized
