Job Description

Scientific Writer III - Translational Science & Strategy

The mission of the Allen Institute is to unlock the complexities of bioscience and advance our knowledge to improve human health. Using an open science, multi-scale, team-oriented approach, the Allen Institute focuses on accelerating foundational research, developing standards and models, and cultivating new ideas to make a broad, transformational impact on science.

Join our Artificial Intelligence-Powered Biological Design (AIPBD) team, an initiative at the intersection of academic creativity and start-up style execution. Our mission is to apply machine learning to biological design. We’re looking for a Scientific Writer who can partner with scientific and operational leaders to produce clear, accurate, high-impact written materials across research, translational programs, and external-facing communications. This role is ideal for someone with deep life-sciences fluency, rigorous editorial standards, and the ability to shape complex scientific work into compelling narratives—without losing precision.

At the Allen Institute, we believe that science is for everyone – and should be open to everyone. We are dedicated to combating biases and reducing barriers to STEM careers more broadly. We also believe that science is better when it includes different perspectives and voices. We strive to make the Allen Institute a place where everyone feels like they belong and are empowered to do their best work in a supportive environment.

We are an equal-opportunity employer and strongly encourage people from all backgrounds to apply for our open positions.

Essential Functions

• Write and edit publication-quality documents: manuscripts, abstracts, posters, and slide narratives
• Develop strategic scientific narratives for programs and platforms (e.g., internal reviews, board/advisory materials, partnership decks, concept notes)
• Translate technical content (omics, modeling, engineering biology, translational studies) into concise, audience-specific language for scientists, leadership, and external stakeholders
• Partner with PIs and project leads to extract the “so what,” define story structure, and drive documents to completion on deadline
• Coordinate review cycles: manage inputs from multiple authors, maintain version control, and ensure timely approvals
• Ensure consistency and quality: apply style guides, improve clarity, check logic and claims, and flag gaps or unsupported conclusions
• Support external communications when needed: website copy, press-ready science summaries, donor/partner briefs (scientifically accurate, appropriately scoped)
• Build scalable writing systems: templates, content libraries, editorial workflows, and lightweight governance for recurring deliverables

Note: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

Required Experience

• PhD in life sciences or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 5+ years scientific writing/editing experience across academic and/or biotech/pharma environments (or equivalent portfolio)
• Demonstrated ability to write across formats: manuscripts plus executive-ready summaries
• Strong grasp of biomedical research and translational science; comfortable reading primary literature and synthesizing results
• Expert-level editing skills: structure, argumentation, concision, and tone control
• Ability to manage multi-author dynamics with diplomacy and clear process
• High standards for accuracy, attribution, and scientific integrity

Preferred Experience

• Experience at a major research institute or high-output academic environment (start-up like pace)
• Formal writing training (e.g., a professional science writing program) or equivalent editorial background
• Familiarity with publication workflows (journal submission, responses to reviewers), figure/story flow, and reference management
• Comfort working with computational and experimental teams; able to bridge domains

Physical Demands

• Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office equipment

Work Environment

• Frequently required to sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel or reach
• Possible exposure and handling of laboratory animals
• Laboratory atmosphere - possible exposure to chemical, biological or other hazardous substances

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• This role is currently working onsite and is expected to work onsite for the majority of the working hours. We are a Washington State employer, and the primary work location for Allen Institute employees is 700 Dexter Ave N.; any remote work must be performed in Washington State

Travel

• The successful candidate may be invited to attend occasional national and international conferences

Additional Comments

• **Please note, this opportunity may offer relocation assistance**
• **Please note, this opportunity may offer work visa sponsorship**

Annualized Salary Range

• $119,650 - $149,550

* Final salary depends on required education for the role, experience, and level of skills relevant to the role, along with work location, where applicable.

Benefits

• Employees (and their families) are eligible to enroll in benefits per eligibility rules outlined in the Allen Institute’s Benefits Guide. These benefits include medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Employees are also eligible to enroll in the Allen Institute’s 401k plan. Paid time off is also available as outlined in the Allen Institutes Benefits Guide. Details on the Allen Institute’s benefits offering are located at the following link to the Benefits Guide: https://alleninstitute.org/careers/benefits

It is the policy of the Allen Institute to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, the Allen Institute will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

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