Writing Specialist - Casual Non-Exempt

Position Overview:

The Writing Specialist provides expert scientific writing and editing to advance the research, funding and scholarly missions of CFI. This role collaborates closely with faculty, trainees, and research staff to develop, edit and coordinate high-quality grant applications, manuscripts and review articles. The Writing Specialist helps ensure that written materials are clear, compelling, accurate, and aligned with sponsor or publisher. Success in this position requires exceptional written and verbal communication skills, strong attention to detail.

Location and Work environment: remote

Work Schedule: This position is expected to require approximately 10 hours per week on average. Work hours may be flexible and will be coordinated with project deadlines and grant submission schedules. Periods of increased effort may be required in advance of major grant deadlines and manuscript submissions.

Job Duties/Responsibilities:

75%: Support Grant Development and Scientific Writing - Grant Writing and Editorial Support

• Collaborate with faculty to strengthen extramural funding applications, including NIH, foundation, and other sponsor submissions.
• Meet with investigators to discuss scientific aims, preliminary data, figures, and experimental approaches.
• Review grant applications and provide editorial feedback to improve clarity, organization, and overall impact.
• Assist in drafting and revising selected grant components, including Specific Aims, Research Strategy sections, progress reports, and supporting documents.
• Edit scientific content to ensure consistency, readability, and alignment with sponsor requirements and review criteria.
• Review applications for adherence to formatting and submission guidelines.

25%: Support Scientific Communication - Manuscript and Research Communication Support

• Meet with faculty, trainees, and research staff to discuss scientific writing projects and communication strategies.
• Review manuscripts, review articles, and other scholarly documents for clarity, organization, and scientific presentation.
• Provide feedback on figures, figure legends, and methods sections to improve communication of research findings.
• Assist in developing clear and compelling scientific narratives for publications and other scholarly communications.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree, Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent advanced degree in a biomedical, life science, health science, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience in scientific writing, editing, or research communication within an academic, biomedical, or research environment.
• Experience reviewing, editing, or contributing to grant applications, scientific manuscripts, or other scholarly documents.
• Ability to understand, interpret, and communicate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency with standard scientific and office software, including Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent terminal degree in immunology.

The Center for Immunology at the University of Minnesota is dedicated to advancing the understanding of the immune system in health and disease through innovative, collaborative, and interdisciplinary research. The Center brings together faculty, trainees, and research staff from diverse scientific backgrounds to address fundamental questions in immunology. The Writing Specialist supports the Center's mission through grant-writing and editorial support. This position helps investigators communicate their research clearly and competitively, increasing the likelihood of securing extramural funding and disseminating impactful scientific discoveries. By working closely with faculty and trainees, the Writing Specialist contributes to the Center's goals of advancing research excellence, fostering scientific collaboration, and strengthening the overall research enterprise.

Pay Range: $28-$34 per hour depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Time appointment: 25% appointment (10 hours a week)

Work Location: Remote

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.