I am Nested

Sometimes, when I see this job posted "again" and "again" on job boards, I think, "I wonder if I would like working here." Then I think, "Unlikely. I despise "science" unless it's Sheldon explaining "a little physics" to Penny on The Big Bang Theory. I also am unsure if I'd even qualify, given this line:
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Bachelor of Science degree required.
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I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. Furthermore, I chuckled when I read this line:
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Prior experience with a CMS, HTML, Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign/InCopy preferred
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I love when the serial comma is used properly! Then there's jargon-rich requirement:
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Prior relevant lab experience in several of the following preferred: cloning, qPCR, genomic analysis, small RNA functional genomics, next generation sequencing, mutagenesis, other applications using oligonucleotides.
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That's 16 words that mean absolutely NOTHING to me. So, with the smirk on my face giving way to a hearty chuckle, here's the complete job description.

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Scientific Writer II

Integrated DNA Technologies, Inc

Coralville, IA 52241

Overview

The Scientific Writer provides researched, well-written scientific content that establishes IDT as a credible resource for educational, informational, and technical material related to IDT products and their applications. The Scientific Writer II will work independently on writing and editing projects, perform independent research to complete writing tasks, develop strong credibility and approachability by colleagues throughout company, and be an effective spokesperson for Scientific Communications (SciCom) and Marketing goals and strategy.

Responsibilities

Essential Functions:

• Plans, writes, and edits scientific and marketing content for various methods of distribution, maintaining company standards of quality, style, and voice and using “controlled English” that can be internationally understood in all customer-facing documents.
• Participates in planning and delivering scientific webinars to customers globally.
• Works with assigned product and marketing managers to produce literature and web pages/information.
• Uses IDT Style and Trademark Guides when writing and editing, incorporating SEO best practices. Helps maintain and update these documents, with input from Legal department.
• Contributes to the maintenance of content tracking documents.
• Develops strong quality control proficiency and serves as part of the review process for customer-directed content created both within and outside of the SciCom group.
• Assists with updating the existing educational content and removal of out-of-date materials from circulation as appropriate.
• Uses content management software to post written content onto company website and to update product webpages.
• Supports corporate communications functions as needed.
• Participates in weekly Research Group Journal Club, including selection and presentation of relevant publications.
• Demonstrates behavior consistent with the Integrated DNA Technologies Core Values.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor of Science degree required.
• Advanced degree (in biochemistry, molecular biology, or related scientific field) or the equivalent experience preferred.

Professional Experience:

• Minimum of two years of experience writing and editing scientific documentation required.
• Prior relevant lab experience in several of the following preferred: cloning, qPCR, genomic analysis, small RNA functional genomics, next generation sequencing, mutagenesis, other applications using oligonucleotides.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, and Adobe Acrobat required.
• Prior experience with a CMS, HTML, Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign/InCopy preferred.

Other Job Qualifications:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complicated themes concisely and comprehensibly.
• Excellent project management, time, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work well as part of a cross functional team and with varied personalities across many departments (Technical Support, Sales, Research, Manufacturing, Legal, etc.).
• Ability to perform independently with an enthusiastic work ethic, high self-motivation, and willingness to take the initiative, with desire to participate in the growth and success of the company.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Adaptability to performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another without loss of efficiency or composure.
• Ability to maintain high standards of courtesy and cooperation in dealing with co-workers.
• Adaptability to accepting responsibility for the direction, control, or planning of an activity.

Physical Requirements:

Exert up to 10 lbs. of force occasionally and/or to a minimal amount frequently

Constant (67%-100% of work day)

• Sitting: to assume a position in which the weight is largely supported by the buttocks, usually with the body vertical and the thighs horizontal.
• Using Fingers/Grasping/Feeling: writing or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand or arm as in handling. Applying pressure to an object with the fingers or palm and perceiving attributes of objects such as size, shape, temperature or texture by touch.
• Repetitive Motion: substantial movements (motion) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.

Frequently (34%-66% of work day)

• Talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken work- those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.
• Hearing: perceiving the nature of sounds at normal range; ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make fine discriminations in sound, such as when auscultating and percussing.

Occasional (33% or less of work day)

• Reaching: extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
• Standing: maintaining an upright position.
• Walking: moving about on foot to accomplish tasks.
• Lifting: raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position to position.
• Bending: bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist and/or bending leg; bending legs at knee to come to rest or kneel.
• Pushing/Pulling: using upper extremities to press against something with steady force in order to thrust forward, downward or outward/using upper extremities to exert force in order to drag, haul or tug objects in a sustained motion.
• Climbing: stairs, stools, ramps, ladders.

Visual Activity:

• Ability to read pertinent printed material and distinguish colors.
• Ability to prepare and read written documentation; use of computer.

Integrated DNA Technologies is an equal employment and affirmative action employer. Minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Integrated DNA Technologies, Inc - 1 day ago

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