Proposal writer jobs in birmingham, west midlands

The Degrees Initiative is a UK-based NGO that builds the capacity of developing countries to evaluate solar radiation modification (SRM), a controversial proposal for reducing some impacts of climate change by reflecting sunlight away from the Earth. Degrees is neutral on whether SRM should ever be used, but we believe that developing countries should be empowered to conduct their own research and to play a central role in SRM discussions.

This is a unique opportunity to shape global conversations on climate science by empowering researchers in developing countries to publish and communicate their work, collaborating with some of the world’s leading SRM experts. 

The Scientific Writing and Publishing Lead will play a key role in supporting researchers in the Global South to communicate their findings effectively and contribute to the global SRM conversation. Working within the Programmes team, reporting to the Programmes Director, and in cooperation with the Communications team, the Scientific Writer will collaborate closely with research teams and external partners. Responsibilities will include: 

1. Support researchers with scientific writing and publishing

• Develop guidance materials on topics such as structuring research papers, writing abstracts, and best practices for peer-reviewed publication. 

• Train and support researchers to develop, refine, and publish scientific manuscripts through one-on-one and group training sessions and technical editing and feedback. 

• In collaboration with the Staff Scientist, help build climate researchers’ capacity to prepare and communicate their findings to different audiences. 

• Advise research teams on scientific publishing norms, including peer review, and open-access publishing.

• Support researchers in choosing appropriate journals and navigating the submission and review process.
• Assist researchers in adapting their work for public and policy-facing communication channels, ensuring clarity and accessibility.

2. Lead and coordinate reports and publications

• Serve as the lead coordinator for a recurring international scientific report, overseeing contributions from multiple researchers and ensuring deadlines are met. 

• Act as a writer for key sections of the report, synthesising insights from researchers into a compelling and scientifically rigorous narrative. 
• Work closely with stakeholders and coordinate peer review and fact-checking to ensure the report’s accuracy, consistency, and accessibility.

3. Support Degrees’ scientific communication and outreach

• Collaborate with the communications team to ensure that external materials such as blog posts, website content, policy briefs and media articles are scientifically accurate and up to date. 

• Work with the policy engagement teams to develop scientific summaries and briefings for a range of stakeholders. 

• Keep Degrees staff and researchers abreast of new techniques for communicating research results to a range of stakeholders and training them how to use them. 
• Ensure that information from our funded research teams is shared with the communications teams. 
• Work closely with Degrees’ Staff Scientist and provide support when required.

4. Manage projects 

• Manage multiple writing and editorial projects simultaneously, ensuring deadlines are met. 

• Work closely with programme officers, researchers, and external partners to coordinate content development and align with strategic goals. 

• Working closely with the Staff Scientist in helping them to maintain an organised archive of scientific publications, reports, and communication materials for internal and external use.