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
Keywords: , Arlington , Scientific Editor, Science, Research & Development , Rockville, Virginia