Scientific Editor

Location: Rockville
Posted on: June 23, 2025

Job Description:

Description Who is USP? The U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) is an independent scientific organization that collaborates with the worlds leading health and science experts to develop rigorous quality standards for medicines, dietary supplements, and food ingredients. At USP, we believe that scientific excellence is driven by a commitment to fairness, integrity, and global collaboration. This belief is embedded in our core value of Passion for Quality and is demonstrated through the contributions of more than 1,300 professionals across twenty global locations, working to strengthen the supply of safe, high-quality medicines worldwide. At USP, we value inclusive scientific collaboration and recognize that attracting diverse expertise strengthens our ability to develop trusted public health standards. We foster an organizational culture that supports equitable access to mentorship, professional development, and leadership opportunities. Our partnerships, standards, and research reflect our belief that ensuring broad participation in scientific leadership results in stronger, more impactful outcomes for global health. USP is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer (EEOE) and is committed to ensuring fair, merit-based selection processes that enable the best scientific mindsregardless of backgroundto contribute to advancing public health solutions worldwide. We provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and uphold policies that create an inclusive and collaborative work environment. Brief Job Overview This is a non-supervisory, deadline-driven position responsible for performing various high-impact editorial functions for the publication of USP documentary standards. The Scientific Editor reviews USP documents for accuracy, correct structure, style, grammar, syntax, referencing, and readability. The incumbent in this role will regularly collaborate with documentary standard scientists to ensure quality, clarity, and consistency of work. The Scientific Editor will participate in various meetings to ensure the timely completion of work as outlined by the Master schedule. The Scientific Editor is also responsible for mentoring junior editors as needed and participates in or oversees special projects as time and opportunities permit. The incumbent contributes to the overall success of the organization by producing high quality products on schedule that meet the needs of the end users. How will YOU create impact here at USP? As part of our mission to advance scientific rigor and public health standards, you will play a vital role in increasing global access to high-quality medicines through public standards and related programs. USP prioritizes scientific integrity, regulatory excellence, and evidence-based decision-making to ensure health systems worldwide can rely on strong, tested, and globally relevant quality standards. Additionally, USPs People and Culture division, in partnership with the Equity Office, invests in leadership and workforce development to equip all employees with the skills to create high-performing, inclusive teams. This includes training in equitable management practices and tools to promote engaged, collaborative, and results-driven work environments. The Scientific Editor has the following responsibilities: Edits complex and high-volume scientific materials across various USP publications/products and is responsible for improving and maintaining high quality standards of USP publications. Performs substantive, developmental reviews of scientific content for structure, clarity, and accuracy in collaboration with scientific staff. Copyedits scientific content so that it is well written and complies with USP style. Ensures that grammar, syntax, and spelling are correct and prepares these documents for transfer to production. Uses standardized checklists and procedures to ensure adherence to established quality standards. Serves as an editorial subject matter expert and displays specialized knowledge for assigned publication content and tasks. Displays critical thinking and scientific communication expertise, using diplomacy and tact to build consensus and bring open items to closure. Carefully documents revision history and decisions to facilitate knowledge management best practices and adherence to SOPs. Science Division collaboration. Participates in cross-divisional process improvements for Documentary Standards development. Contributes to presentations on publications, scientific topics, and feedback as needed. Participates in projects related to the improvement of processes, quality, and style. Performs other duties as required/assigned. Who is USP Looking For? The successful candidate will have a demonstrated understanding of our mission, commitment to excellence through inclusive and equitable behaviors and practices, ability to quickly build credibility with stakeholders, along with the following competencies and experience: Bachelors degree in English, Journalism, Communications, or a life science or an equivalent combination of training and experience required. Minimum 2 years in editing of scientific, technical, or medical materials or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in book and/or journal editing in electronic formats. Additional Desired Preferences Expert-level knowledge of grammar, spelling, and application of in-house style guides. Expertise with navigating content management systems, electronic workflows, and utilizing electronic work tracking tools. Knowledge and/or use of SGML, DITA, XML, or HTML Demonstrated computer skills in a PC environment, along with proficiency in computer applications including Microsoft Word and Excel, Adobe Acrobat Professional, and an HTML or XML editor, utilizing track changes and reviewing tools in such programs. Advanced knowledge of pharmaceutical and scientific research concepts and advanced understanding of scientific data analysis. Proficiency in a virtual environment, with ability to facilitate and participate in hybrid meetings, and use of virtual communications software (Outlook, Teams, Slack). Significant experience communicating scientific and/or technical concepts within defined formats. Thrives in a results-oriented, deadline-driven environment. Keen eye for detail. Excellent written and oral communication skills, including developing and delivering. presentations when needed. Has the ability to: Navigate multi-layered publications systems and processes. Work under and meet tight deadlines. Effectively multi-task. Work and research problems independently when appropriate, and yet understand when to escalate issues. Establish effective working relationships in a team setting through active participation. Model high quality standards Supervisory Responsibilities None, this is an individual contributor role. Benefits USP provides the benefits to protect yourself and your family today and tomorrow. From company-paid time off and comprehensive healthcare options to retirement savings, you can have peace of mind that your personal and financial well-being is protected. Compensation Base Hourly Range: USD $32.3077 $41.0256. Target Annual Bonus: % Varies based on level of role. Individual compensation packages are based on various factors unique to each candidates skill set, experience, qualifications, equity, and other job-related reasons. Note: USP does not accept unsolicited resumes from 3rd party recruitment agencies and is not responsible for fees from recruiters or other agencies except under specific written agreement with USP. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor. Job Category Publications Job Type Full-Time

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