Westat is an employee-owned corporation providing research services to agencies of the U.S. Government, as well as businesses, foundations, and state and local governments. Westat's research, technical, and administrative staff of more than 2,000 is located at our headquarters in Rockville, Maryland, near Washington, DC.

Job Summary:
Westat is seeking a Writer/Editor to join our dynamic, award-winning health communication team. Individuals should have solid experience in conducting research for and developing accurate, compelling content for a variety of target audiences. The successful candidate should understand biomedical and public health research and writing for web and social media platforms. Excellent communication and organizational skills are essential. Applications should include links to published work.

Job Responsibilities:
•    Conduct research and write accurate, compelling, audience appropriate print, web, and social media content on a range of important and emerging biomedical research and public health topics, including chronic and infectious diseases, reproductive health, immunization, and addiction. 
•    Interview scientists and thought leaders at public health agencies and research institutions.
•    Write and edit web and social media content, news releases, fact sheets, talking points, and presentations.
•    Attend scientific conferences and summarize proceedings.
•    Work directly with clients and collaborate with team members.
•    Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications:
•    A Bachelor's degree in a life science, public health, journalism, or related field. 
•    A minimum of 8 years of experience writing about biomedical research and other public health topics.

Minimum Qualifications:
•    Ability to apply a variety of writing/editorial style guides. 
•    Ability to translate technical and scientific content into content that lay audiences can understand. 
•    Ability to manage multiple tasks with minimal supervision. 
•    Ability to work under pressure and deliver outstanding content on deadline. 
•    Excellent communication and organizational skills are essential.

Westat is committed to building a diverse workforce and a culture of inclusivity, belonging and equity for all. We believe that our greatest strength draws on the different backgrounds, cultures, perspectives and experiences of our employees.

Westat offers a well-rounded and comprehensive benefits program focused on wellness and work/life balance. Eligible employees may participate in:

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Parental Leave
• Vacation Leave
• Sick Leave
• Holiday Leave
• Professional Development
• Health Advocate
• Employee Assistance Program
• Travel Accident Insurance
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Short Term Disability Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account

 

Protecting the health and safety of our employees and survey participants is a top priority for Westat. As a federal government contractor, Westat will require Westat staff, regardless of work location, to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 upon hire and to follow all safety protocols, subject to approved accommodations under applicable law.

Westat is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, gender identity or expression, or any other protected status under applicable law.