Health Communications Manager

Axle is currently hiring for a Health Communications Manager/Science Writer to work with the NIAID Division of Intramural Research and turn complex research findings and policy information into clear, accurate materials for scientific leaders, administrators, and general audiences. The role will prepare scientific summaries, briefings, recommendation memos, and other documents; collaborate with leadership policy guidance; and review materials and workflows for accuracy and efficiency.

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) conducts and supports basic and applied research to understand, treat, and prevent infectious, immunologic, and allergic diseases. The Division of Intramural Research (DIR) is a component of NIAID, one of the largest Institutes of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). DIR's purpose is to make scientific discoveries that promote the development of new vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics that improve human health.

This position provides expert scientific writing, analytical, and policy advisory support to the NIAID Division of Intramural Research (DIR) in the recruitment, appointment, recognition, and retention of its scientific workforce. Drawing on in-depth subject-matter knowledge and command of Title 42, Title 38, and SBRS authorities, the incumbent drafts and reviews recommendation memos, justification documents, award nominations, salary benchmarks, briefing materials, and plain-language scientific summaries; performs quality assurance of Livelink personnel workflows; provides surge coverage for Case Development Specialists; advises senior and program-level managers on policy interpretation and implementation; and identifies tools and process improvements to strengthen operations.

This position is primarily in the NIH/NIAID facility in Rockville, MD but can also encompass the Bethesda, MD or Hamilton, MT campuses. 

Qualifications: 

• Master's Degree or higher in a biomedical research field.

• Coordinates community outreach efforts and activities for the program.

• Attends and gives presentations at major conferences or meetings and participates in discussion with community groups.

• Establishes collaborative relationships with a variety of community organizations (e.g. community health centers, state medical agencies, managed care organizations).

• Coordinates the analysis and evaluation of outreach activities, including internal and external partnership.

• Works closely with management to coordinate content of materials, advertisements and marketing messages.

• Provide support based on an in-depth knowledge of the subject matter, write, and edit recommendation memos and other justification documents for scientific positions.

• Produce work products articulate, interpret, and explain complex research findings using plain language. The products are typically intended for viewing by general audiences, both scientific and administrative.

• Assist and collaborate with NIH scientific and administrative leadership on policy interpretation and implementation.

• Provide work products and documents related to providing recommendations guidance on Title 42 and policies, procedures, and requirements at meetings with senior level and program level managers, and via telephone and email.

• Provide coverage of case work for Case Development Specialists as needed, such as supporting personnel packages.

• Prepare a wide variety of briefing materials and complex scientific summaries on a broad range of diseases and research areas.

• Develop specialized materials such as reports and memos covering highly complex subject matter areas for various purposes and audiences.

• Provide advice and conduct reviews for accuracy of multiple materials prepared by other DIR division staff.

• Develop scientific and technical materials regarding DIRs research programs and activities as well as scientific accomplishments.

• Provide support to committee management teams as needed.

• Perform business analysis of personnel action tracking tools and determine next steps.

• Identify tools/software to improve operations.

• Draft and review award nominations and related documents.

• Draft and review salary benchmarks in support of T42, T38 and SBRS appointments, conversions, and pay adjustments and related documents.

• Review Livelink workflows to provide quality assurance for appointments, conversions, and pay adjustments.

• Perform additional project work or duties at the request of task leader.

• Complete training required by NIH.