Scientific Writer & Editor, OncoKB

Scientific Writer & Editor, OncoKB

Exciting Opportunity at MSK: The Center for Molecular Oncology’s (CMO) mission is to promote precision oncology through genomic analysis to guide the diagnosis and treatment of patients with cancer. The CMO brings together clinicians and scientists throughout MSK to conduct large-scale translational research involving molecular characterization of patient tumor specimens to identify genomic features that drive clinical outcomes. 

We are looking for a Scientific Writer/Editor to support OncoKB, the FDA-recognized precision oncology knowledge base at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. OncoKB is an integral component of the clinical genomics platform at MSK, codifying MSK’s immense expertise on genomic biomarkers and their clinical applications. OncoKB is currently being used to annotate ~15,000 patient sequencing reports yearly as well as thousands of patient tumor sequencing results in retrospective cohorts for cancer researchers worldwide. Recently OncoKB has also licensed its database content to external commercial partners and hospitals to support their research or annotate their patient molecular sequencing reports respectively. To date, the OncoKB knowledge base includes annotations for 7509 molecular alterations in 816 genes and applies therapeutic, diagnostic and prognostic levels of evidence systems to assign clinical actionability to individual mutational events. We are looking to significantly grow and improve upon the OncoKB scientific content and develop new features to better support clinical decision making and cancer research. 

Role Overview:  

• Report to the OncoKB Manager (Senior Scientist) 

• Be responsible for the curation, maintenance, and quality control of clinical annotations for the OncoKB Knowledge Base  

• Edit materials written by medical and scientific professionals for sense, organization, grammar, spelling, punctuation, flow, consistency, style, formatting, and clarity. 

• Perform thorough literature searches to identify relevant information from the scientific literature and public databases. 

• Curate data for specific genomic projects in coordination with one of the OncoKB Scientists 

• Coordinate and lead review cycles of OncoKB SOP and contribute to discussion on SOP revision and finalization. 

• Review OncoKB annotation, identify curation gaps and proactively address these gaps. 

• Train and lead summer students 

Key Qualifications:  

• Knowledge of medical and scientific terminology; technical publishing; grammar, syntax, and usage; new media, print, and web-based writing process 

• Analytical skills with the ability to collect, organize, analyze and disseminate significant amounts of information with attention to detail and accuracy. 

• Experience in mechanical editing, copyediting, stylistic editing, and proofreading required. 

• Experience working in an editorial capacity with non-native English speakers desirable. 

Core Skills:  

• Extreme attention to detail and record keeping. 

• Ability to work on multiple projects at once while balancing overlapping timelines. 

• Ability to organize electronic materials. 

• Ability to initiate projects and problem solve in technical and non-technical areas. 

Additional Information:  

• Schedule: Monday - Friday, 37.5 hrs., on-site 

• Location: 321 E. 61st Street, NYC (Joy Building) 

• Reporting to: OncoKB Manager / CMO Operation 

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