Lead Technical Writer/Editor

Job Summary

Battelle's Health Research and Analytics (HRA) business line is currently seeking a Lead Technical Writer/Editor to support our government customer in Portsmouth, VA (remote available). This Public Health (PH) program enables our government customer to maximize readiness through force health protection (FHP) strategies and solutions for current and potential Public Health (PH) threats. The core scientific and technical capabilities and product lines in this program are to conduct Health Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Analysis; Disease and Injury Prevention; and PH Consultation and Support for the benefit of active-duty service members, retirees, and their families. Battelle shall enable these capabilities and product lines by providing Scientific and Technical Information (STI) deliverables, by performing Research, Development, Test and Evaluation (RDT&E), and other Research and Development (R&D) related analytical services.

Leads the development, editing, and publication of technical documentation, communications, reports, and reference materials used across the organization. Oversee a team of technical writers and editors, assigning and prioritizing work to ensure timely delivery of high-quality products. Collaborates with multidisciplinary subject matter experts to translate complex technical and scientific information into clear, concise, and actionable content for diverse audiences. Establishes and maintains editorial standards, document quality controls, and style guide compliance while ensuring consistency, accuracy, and effectiveness across all deliverables.

Responsibilities

• Leads and coordinates the activities of a small team of technical writers and editors, assigning work, balancing workloads, and monitoring progress to ensure deadlines and quality standards are met.
• Provides guidance, mentoring, and editorial direction to team members to support professional development and continuous improvement.
• Collaborates with multidisciplinary teams of clinicians, epidemiologists, programmers, analysts, and other healthcare professionals to develop reports and communications that support leadership decision-making.
• Oversee the translation of epidemiological and scientific methodologies into clear, concise, and audience-appropriate written content.
• Reviews, edits, and integrates draft content from multiple contributors into cohesive, well-organized products with a consistent voice, tone, and style.
• Ensures complex technical concepts, terminology, and findings are accurately translated into understandable language for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Coordinates with stakeholders and subject matter experts to gather, validate, and clarify information required for report development and publication.
• Establishes, maintains, and enforces editorial standards, documentation processes, and style guide requirements across the team.
• Performs final editorial reviews to ensure compliance with organizational, departmental, and Navy and DHA standards, as well as applicable grammar, syntax, punctuation, and formatting requirements.
• Ensures the accuracy, clarity, consistency, and overall quality of all documentation and report content prior to publication/delivery.
• Develops and implements process improvements that enhance product quality, efficiency, and team productivity.
• Tracks project status identifies potential risks to deliverables and communicates progress and priorities to leadership and stakeholders.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for projects and provides strategic recommendations regarding content development and publication practices.
• Verifies proper use of references, citations, secondary sources, and supporting materials to ensure compliance with copyright requirements and organizational policies.
• Recommends best practices for developing meaningful data visualizations. That is, how to present data in a meaningful way, considering the product, data, and intended audience.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Communication or in a technical field (Public Health and Epidemiological methods).
• Five years of experience as a writer/editor of technical publications; or an equivalent combination of education and or experience in a related field.
• Ability to translate complex, technical language into clear, succinct report content.
• Ability to independently write report content gleaned from project-related emails, research, and other documentation, as well as project meetings.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including strong presentation abilities.
• Exceptional writing and editing abilities, with experience writing in a health field (medical, research, etc.).
• A high level of computer literacy is required; familiarity with a variety of applications, including Microsoft products, is necessary.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to inform development of and edit tables, figures, and other visuals to effectively communicate report findings.
• Ability to work on a high-performance, fast-paced team, and balance multiple, high priority tasks simultaneously.
• A solid understanding of military healthcare practices, language, and culture.
• Familiar with federal plain language guidelines and best practices.
• Superior organizational and time management skills.
• A clear and concise writing style.
• Ability to meet tight deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Graphic design, whether in PPT or Adobe Creative Suite.