📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Scientific Communications Manager
🔹 Company: Meharry Medical College
🔹 Location: Main Campus, Nashville, TN, USA
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Higher Education, Research
🔹 Date Posted: May 9, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and editing high-quality scientific content, including grant applications, manuscripts, and marketing materials
- Leading the Office for Research (OfRI) scientific communications team and supervising team members
- Collaborating with the Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved (JHCPU) team to enhance the journal's visibility
- Showcasing Meharry's scientific legacy and contributing to the College's sesquicentennial programming
- Assisting in the drafting of progress reports, program updates, and research publications as directed
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong background in scientific editing and communication, with a focus on grant writing and proposal development. The ideal candidate will have experience leading teams and collaborating with diverse stakeholders.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Edit and develop high-quality scientific content, including research grant applications, manuscripts, books, and marketing materials for research fundraising campaigns
✅ Lead the OfRI scientific communications team and supervise the Research Communications Editor and Research Social Media Coordinator
✅ Collaborate with the JHCPU team to elevate the visibility and impact of the journal's published content
✅ Showcase Meharry's scientific legacy by documenting Meharry's scientific contributions and profiling Meharry researchers and institutional milestones
✅ Contribute to the College's sesquicentennial programming by curating archival and contemporary research narratives
✅ Participate in proposal development meetings and engage in scientific writing for grant applications
✅ Assist implementation teams in drafting compelling progress reports, targeted program updates, and/or research publications as directed
✅ Perform other related duties as assigned
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of attention to detail, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Science, Health, or Communications) required
Experience: At least 5-10 years of experience in scientific editing, grant writing, and proposal development required
Required Skills:
- Proven expertise in scientific editing, grant writing, and proposal development
- Strong leadership and supervisory skills
- Excellent communication, writing, and editing skills
- Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in academic publishing or journal editing
- Familiarity with the higher education or research environment
- Knowledge of fundraising and development strategies
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in higher education or research environments may have an advantage in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $70,000 - $90,000 per year (based on industry standards for a Scientific Communications Manager with 5-10 years of experience in higher education)
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Retirement plan with employer contribution
- Tuition remission for employees and dependents
- Generous paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
- Employee assistance program
Working Hours: Full-time, Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (with some flexibility for meetings and deadlines)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Higher Education, with a focus on biomedical and clinical sciences, and a mission to eliminate health disparities
Company Size: 501-1,000 employees, providing a mid-sized organization with opportunities for collaboration and growth
Founded: 1876, as the first historically black medical school in the South
Company Description:
- Meharry Medical College is a private, historically black medical school located in Nashville, Tennessee
- The College is committed to providing education, training, and professional development skills to enable graduates to work across biomedical and clinical settings, with an emphasis on eliminating health disparities
- Meharry is home to the School of Medicine, the School of Dentistry, the School of Graduate Studies and Research, and the School of Allied Health Sciences
Company Specialties:
- Biomedical Sciences
- Physician Assistant Sciences
- Public Health Practice
- Research
Company Website: https://www.meharry.edu/
ASSUMPTION: Meharry Medical College is a highly regarded institution with a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level, with opportunities for growth and advancement within the Office for Research and Innovation
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Senior Vice President for Research and Innovation and works closely with the Office for Research and Innovation (OfRI) team
Work Arrangement: On-site, with some flexibility for remote work as needed
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to advance to a senior-level or management position within the Office for Research and Innovation
- Opportunities to collaborate with faculty members on research projects and publications
- Possibility to teach or mentor students in the School of Graduate Studies and Research
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth and development within the higher education and research environment.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: On-site, with a modern and collaborative work environment
Office Location(s): Main Campus, Nashville, TN, USA
Geographic Context:
- Nashville is a vibrant and growing city with a rich cultural scene, numerous parks, and a thriving food and music industry
- The Main Campus is located in North Nashville, with easy access to public transportation and nearby amenities
- Nashville offers a moderate cost of living compared to other major cities in the United States
Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (with some flexibility for meetings and deadlines)
ASSUMPTION: The Main Campus offers a supportive and inclusive work environment, with opportunities for collaboration and professional growth.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Initial phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- In-person or virtual interview with the Office for Research and Innovation team
- Final interview with the Senior Vice President for Research and Innovation
- Background check and reference checks
Key Assessment Areas:
- Expertise in scientific editing and grant writing
- Leadership and supervisory skills
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with Meharry's mission and values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in scientific editing, grant writing, and leadership
- Prepare examples of your editing and writing work, as well as any relevant publications or presentations
- Research Meharry Medical College and the Office for Research and Innovation to demonstrate your understanding of the organization and its mission
- Be prepared to discuss your experience with diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace
ATS Keywords: Scientific Editing, Grant Writing, Research Communication, Team Leadership, Content Development, Proposal Development, Collaboration, Editing, Proofreading, Strategic Marketing, Social Media Coordination, Archival Research, Presentation Development, Fundraising, Visibility Enhancement, Narrative Curation
ASSUMPTION: Meharry Medical College uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to screen and manage job applications, so including relevant keywords in your resume can increase your chances of being selected for an interview.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Adobe Acrobat
- EndNote or other citation management software
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, or Microsoft Project)
ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software is required for this role. Familiarity with project management tools is a plus.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Excellence
- Integrity
- Diversity
- Innovation
- Collaboration
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Adaptable and flexible
- Detail-oriented and organized
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you embody Meharry's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in your work?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you had to manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines?
- How do you approach editing and writing tasks that require a high level of scientific accuracy and precision?
ASSUMPTION: Meharry Medical College values candidates who are committed to its mission and can demonstrate a strong fit with the organization's values and work style.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
- Balancing the demands of grant writing and editing with other responsibilities
- Adapting to the unique culture and environment of a higher education institution
- Collaborating effectively with diverse stakeholders, including faculty members, researchers, and administrators
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong organizational skills, effective communication, and a commitment to Meharry's mission and values.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Scientific Communications Manager (Meharry Medical College) vs. Scientific Editor (Academic Publisher): Both roles require strong scientific editing skills, but the Meharry role involves more grant writing and collaboration with researchers, while the academic publisher role focuses on journal articles and book manuscripts.
- Scientific Communications Manager (Meharry Medical College) vs. Research Communications Specialist (University): Both roles involve communicating research findings to various stakeholders, but the Meharry role requires more grant writing and editing, while the university role focuses more on public relations and media outreach.
- Scientific Communications Manager (Meharry Medical College) vs. Grant Writer (Nonprofit Organization): Both roles involve grant writing, but the Meharry role requires more scientific editing and collaboration with researchers, while the nonprofit role focuses more on fundraising and donor relations.
ASSUMPTION: These comparisons highlight the unique aspects of the Scientific Communications Manager role at Meharry Medical College and how it differs from similar roles in other organizations.
📝 Sample Projects
- Editing a multi-site, multi-disciplinary research grant application for submission to the National Institutes of Health
- Developing a strategic marketing campaign to promote Meharry's research fundraising efforts
- Collaborating with the JHCPU team to elevate the visibility of the journal's published content through social media and other marketing channels
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and the level of expertise required for the Scientific Communications Manager role at Meharry Medical College.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role support Meharry's mission to eliminate health disparities?
- What are the most pressing challenges facing the Office for Research and Innovation, and how can this role help address them?
- How does Meharry support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- What opportunities are there for collaboration with faculty members and researchers on grant applications and other projects?
- How does Meharry foster a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion in its hiring and workplace practices?
ASSUMPTION: These questions can help candidates better understand the role, the organization, and the opportunities for professional growth and development.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in scientific editing, grant writing, and leadership
- Prepare examples of your editing and writing work, as well as any relevant publications or presentations
- Research Meharry Medical College and the Office for Research and Innovation to demonstrate your understanding of the organization and its mission
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and express your interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
