Junior Academic Writer – Research Projects

Job Summary

The Junior Academic Writer supports research activities through the preparation, development, and refinement of academic and knowledge translation materials. Working under the direction of the Principal Investigator(s), Research Coordinator(s), and project team members, this position contributes to manuscript development, literature reviews, research summaries, reports, grant materials, and other scholarly outputs.

The position requires strong written communication skills, attention to detail, the ability to synthesize complex research findings, and an interest in contributing to high-quality academic and community-engaged research.

Organizational Status
This position reports to the Dr. Brittany Bingham and works collaboratively with research staff, trainees, faculty members, community partners, and other project team members.

Work Performed
Academic Writing and Manuscript Support

• Support the preparation, editing, and formatting of academic manuscripts, abstracts, conference submissions, and research reports.
• Conduct literature reviews and summarize relevant academic evidence using appropriate databases and search strategies.
• Assist with synthesizing qualitative and quantitative research findings into clear written summaries.
• Support the development of manuscript sections, including introductions, background sections, methods descriptions, results summaries, and discussion sections under guidance from senior team members.
• Review academic documents for clarity, accuracy, consistency, and adherence to journal or funding requirements.
• Assist with reference management, citation formatting, and maintaining organized literature databases.

Knowledge Translation and Research Communication

• Support the development of knowledge translation materials, including research summaries, briefing documents, presentations, newsletters, and reports.
• Adapt academic findings for different audiences, including researchers, community partners, policymakers, and public audiences.
• Assist with preparing research communication materials that are accessible, culturally appropriate, and responsive to community priorities.

Research Project Support

• Participate in research team meetings and contribute to discussions regarding project activities and deliverables.
• Track writing-related project timelines, deadlines, and required revisions.
• Assist with organizing research materials, including manuscripts, reports, datasets, and supporting documentation.
• Maintain organized records of writing projects, feedback, and version control.
• Support preparation of grant applications, progress reports, and other research-related documents.
• May contribute to multiple research projects simultaneously.
• May support undergraduate or graduate trainees with writing-related tasks.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Work is performed under established research protocols, project guidelines, and supervisory direction. The position requires independent judgement in organizing information, synthesizing evidence, and identifying areas requiring clarification or further review.

Errors may result in delays to research outputs, inaccuracies in publications or reports, or impacts on project timelines and funding deliverables. Non-routine decisions are discussed with the Research Coordinator or Principal Investigator.

Supervision Received
The Junior Academic Writer receives direction from the Principal Investigator(s), Research Coordinator(s), and project leads. Assignments are provided with expected outcomes and deadlines. The position is expected to complete routine writing tasks independently, with completed work reviewed by senior team members.

Supervision Given
May provide informal guidance or support to undergraduate research assistants or junior team members regarding literature organization, writing processes, and research documentation.

Minimum Qualifications
High school graduation, some additional training in a related field and a minimum two years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own

- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline (e.g., health sciences, social sciences, humanities, Indigenous studies, public health, or a related field) and relevant experience in academic writing, research, or knowledge translation; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience supporting research activities, including literature reviews, report writing, manuscript preparation, or academic communications.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in written and verbal formats.
• Strong academic writing and editing skills, with attention to detail and clarity.
• Experience synthesizing academic literature and summarizing complex information.
• Familiarity with academic publishing processes, including manuscript preparation and peer review.
• Ability to use reference management software (e.g., Zotero, EndNote, Mendeley) and standard office software.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, organize competing deadlines, and work independently.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within interdisciplinary research teams.
• Experience working with qualitative and/or quantitative research methods is considered an asset.
• Experience with Indigenous health research, community-engaged research, health equity, or related fields is considered an asset.
• Ability to communicate respectfully and effectively with diverse research partners and stakeholders.
• The following qualifications, knowledge, skills, and experience are considered assets for this position:
  • Master’s degree or graduate-level training in a related field- is an asset
  • Experience contributing to peer-reviewed publications or academic conference presentations.
  • Experience supporting grant applications or research funding submissions.
  • Experience with knowledge translation activities and community-facing research products.